Planning Forester

Staff - Non UnionJob CategoryM&P - AAPSJob ProfileAAPS Salaried - Business Operations, Level BJob TitlePlanning ForesterDepartmentMalcolm Knapp Research ForestsCompensation Range$6, $9,701.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End DateDecember 3, 2025

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

Ongoing

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
UBC's Malcolm Knapp Research Forest (MKRF) is part of the Faculty of Forestry, and is responsible for managing the University's obligations and opportunities on 5,157 hectares of private forest located in Maple Ridge, BC. The MKRF provides a world class environment for research and education in forestry. It supports business partnerships within the forest, generating an annual gross revenue of up to $9- 10 million, including: Loon Lake Lodge & Retreat Centre, a year-round meeting and accommodation facility located 6.5km from the main entrance to the forest; Gallant Enterprises Ltd., a custom-cut sawmill; and Wild & Immersive, an outdoor education program for children, youth and adults. In addition, the MKRF is a working forest, with annual logging and forest management activities operations, representing $3.5-5 million annually. Because of the numerous operations that take place in the forest, the MKRF is managed by a close-knit team of individuals who are responsible for a large diversity of projects and tasks. This position will be based at the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge, BC. Some weekend and evening work. The position will be on the 24/7 call-out list and is to respond in the event of emergencies.

Organizational Status
Reports under the general direction of the MKRF Director. The position works closely with the Resident Forester and staff at both Research Forests and a broad range of stakeholders, including, faculty and staff within the Faculty of Forestry as well as other academic units at UBC, and external entities including vendors, regulatory agencies and partner institutions. May supervise student employees, interns, volunteers and contractors.

Work Performed

Research Forest Planning 

Works closely with the MKRF Director and Resident Forester on leading the strategic planning of forest management and timber harvests years), including:

• Leads engagement processes with relevant research forest staff, Faculty members, researchers and other parties throughout the planning process. Participates in engagement processes with First Nations. 

• Establishes strategic forest management goals, values and objectives and assessment criteria indicators to measure outcomes.

• Leads the forest inventory process to determine current stand condition, including data acquisition (field assessment, remote sensing data) and additional landscape risk assessment (watershed, wildfire, etc.).

• Develops a forest landscape model using estate modelling software to formulate and examine different strategic and tactical forest management scenarios.

• Develops tactical plans (5-30 years) showing all potential harvest locations by species composition, stand quality and marketability. Determines appropriate sequence of harvest patterns and silviculture system targets associated with management objectives and within management constraints.

• Develops a strategic forest management plan that includes adaptative management principals – and documents forest inventory and modelling methodology.

• Performs other forestry related activities in the office and field (e.g., field reconnaissance, supervising logging or silviculture operations and contractors, planning or executing survey or layout work).

• Manages processes to recruit service providers, vendors, and contractors, including the selection, supervision, and if necessary, termination.

• Leads funding, grant application processes to support forest management activities, planning – and integration with education and research opportunities. Seeks opportunities to incorporate student learning, internships or collaborations with colleagues at the Faculty to integrate in their curriculum.

• Co-leads the restructuring and implementation of forest management data using a digital tracking systems database.

• Participates in field school teaching at the MKRF or other locations.

• Performs other related duties as required by the UBC Research Forests.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Manages formulation and implementation of mid-term tactical plans and long-term strategic plans that meets current professional forestry standards and policies, legislation, best practices, financial requirements and contribute to the strategic goals of MKRF.  Failure to develop plans in timely-way and that fail to address important social ecological risks threatens the financial viability of the unit.  Application of inappropriate plans and planning processes presents the University with environmental, legal, and financial liabilities.  Exercises professional judgment and initiative in the overall coordination and management of projects.  Accountable for the safe and effective execution of all activities under direction. 

Supervision Received
General supervision from the MKRF Director. Work independently as well as contribute actively and collaborate openly as a team member.

Supervision Given
Will supervise student employees, interns, volunteers and contractors.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree in related field

Experience teaching at a post-secondary

4 years of work experience in forest management

Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with good standing with the Forest Professionals of BC (FPBC)

OFA Level 1 and wilderness first aid

Class 4 driver's license

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