Harvesting Forester

Company Overview

Rayonier is a team dedicated to creating value through safety, innovation, community engagement, and the empowerment of its employees. With a history spanning nearly 100 years, Rayonier continues to innovate and improve the lives of its stakeholders by focusing on trees, land, and people. The company fosters a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment that values individual talents and perspectives.

About the Role

We are seeking a Harvesting Forester to support the execution and financial optimization of our harvesting operations in the Conway, Arkansas region. This role is designed for an experienced forestry professional with a proven track record in land management and harvesting operations.

Responsibilities

• Analyze long-term, strategic harvest plans for operability, volume, and accessibility.
• Aid in prioritizing harvest units, developing annual harvest budgets, and implementing site-specific harvesting prescriptions to maximize financial returns.
• Strive for operational excellence through process optimization, continuous improvement, and enhanced productivity using the latest decision tools.
• Ensure effective resource allocation across personnel, equipment, and budgets to reduce costs while maximizing productivity and district revenue.
• Leverage advanced technology and innovative approaches to continuously optimize field operations.
• Oversee the contract process to ensure strict compliance with all legal and company standards while managing regular communication and building strong relationships with contractors.
• Avoid contractor capacity risks by assessing contractor capabilities and identifying areas for training and development.
• Maintain compliance with environmental, legal, and company standards, ensuring proper timber harvesting, sorting, merchandising, and delivery practices, verifying compliance with delivered wood and stumpage sale agreements, and supporting the maximization of timber value and revenue.
• Monitor operational costs against monthly, quarterly, and annual budgets and forecasts; prepare comprehensive variance reports for leadership.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with adjacent landowners, contractors, regulatory agencies, and public agencies.
• Embrace and promote Rayonier’s safety culture by maintaining a safe work environment for all company personnel, contractors, and field stakeholders.
• Ensure that all operational strategies and actions are fully aligned with and actively support the company's sustainability commitments, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship goals.

Qualifications

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a closely related natural resource field (or equivalent experience in forestry operations). A graduate degree in Forestry or Business is preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in land management, with a track record in harvesting and forest operations administration.
• Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of market-driven log and pulpwood demand, sustainable forestry practices, safety procedures, and environmental compliance.
• Technical and Business Acumen: Experience navigating financial analysis, budgeting, and cost control systems. Proficient in leveraging technology, including GIS applications and forest inventory tools, to drive field efficiency.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.