Alex Fraser Research Forest – Assistant Operations Supervisor (Deadline: August 8, 2021)

University of British Columbia, Canada

Updated: over 2 years ago
Location: Vancouver Waterfront Coal Harbour Canada Place, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Deadline: ;

Job Description Summary

UBC’s Alex Fraser Research Forest is part of the Faculty of Forestry, and is responsible for managing the University’s obligations and opportunities on a 9,800 ha public forest tenure generating an annual gross revenue of up to $2 million.  Because of the size of operations, the Alex Fraser Research Forest is managed with a close-knit team of individuals who are responsible for a large diversity of tasks.

The Assistant Operations Supervisor will primarily be involved in implementing forest development work at the Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF) with support from AFRF staff.  The position oversees and coordinates forest development, timber harvesting, road development, and silviculture activities at the AFRF as required by contracts, legislation, tenure arrangements and management objectives while participating in periodic management objective planning and monitoring.

This is primarily a field-based mentorship position, and the successful candidate will be inquisitive, curious and motivated.  The AFRF is seeking an individual who is adaptable and interested in shaping the future of our organization.


Organizational Status

Reports to the Operations Supervisor, AFRF. Assists in the selection, negotiates terms, monitors and reviews work of external service providers, contractors and vendors. Collaborates with the Operations Supervisor, Manager of Administration and Manager. Supervision of technical staff within the unit will be required. Collaborates with First Nations, other tenure holders and stakeholders.


Work Performed
  • Participates in forest management for the AFRF.
  • Develops timber for sale under the direction of the Manager of AFRF, in compliance with objectives, legal requirements, and guidelines.
  • Supervises contractors in developing and implementing timber harvesting operations, ensuring compliance with best-practices, site plans and prescriptions.
  • Reviews and makes recommendations regarding what amount to harvest, where and when.
  • Assists with log quality control and marketing of logs. Provides revenue and cost estimates for future harvest units.
  • Plans and implements permitting, maintenance and construction programs for all access infrastructure on the AFRF. Manages all contracts relating to maintenance and construction programs. Reviews work performed and determines when contract requirements have been met.
  • Refers annual plans to interested First Nations, overlapping tenure holders and stakeholders.
  • Supervises and implements silviculture activities including reforestation, stand-tending treatments, and required reporting to government.
  • Participates in and implements forest health monitoring and management, including beetle management and fire preparedness activities.
  • Maintains awareness of provincial funding sources for forest management activities, and prepares applications and / or proposals for such funding where appropriate.
  • Recruits, selects, evaluates, supervises, and terminates service providers, vendors and contractors and ensures that operational, safety and legislation requirements and standards are met.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of internal databases that track forest activities, including databases within RESULTS, Microsoft Access and ArcGIS.
  • Replaces the Research Forest Manager and Operations Supervisor during scheduled and unscheduled absences from AFRF – on average 20-30 days per year.
  • Performs other related duties in keeping with qualifications and requirements of the position.

    • Consequence of Error/Judgement

    Manages development and application of prescriptions and harvesting to ensure that they meet all relevant standards and policies, legislation, best practices, financial requirements and contribute to the strategic goals of AFRF. Failure to execute plans and prescriptions in a timely way threatens the financial viability of the unit. Development and application of inappropriate plans or prescriptions presents the University and/or its clients with environmental, legal, and financial liabilities. Safety and security of all persons and projects is a primary responsibility of this position.


    Supervision Received

    Reports to the Operations Supervisor, AFRF. Participates in planning meetings with other management positions and contractors. Matters involving policy or liability are referred to the Operations Supervisor and Manager with suggested courses of action.


    Supervision Given

    Supervises up to five (5) temporary staff and part-time employees and two (2) volunteers. In addition, this position directly supervises up to 25 contract employees involved in operation of timber harvesting, road and bridge construction and 15 contract employees providing timber development and silviculture services.


    Working Conditions

    Expected to work outdoors in all weather conditions on difficult terrain and in remote locations.  Emergency callouts to the AFRF without notice during evenings and weekends are required.  Evening and weekend calls from contractors will occur.  Office space and equipment are provided at AFRF.


    Preferred Qualifications

    This is a non-union, full-time position in Williams Lake with opportunity for rapid advancement. The work-week is 37.5 hours (8:00 am – 4:30 pm), Monday through Friday.  Occasional weekends and altered hours may be required for particular events/projects.

    Post-secondary education in a forestry program and eligibility for registration in the ABCFP is required.  A minimum of five years of related experience including specific knowledge of operations on forestland in British Columbia or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.  Familiarity with a wide range of silviculture systems and logging methods is required.  A valid Class V Driver’s License is required.  Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, GIS/GPS and database applications is required. Proven abilities in written and oral communications are necessary.  Experience in budgeting, contract supervision and proposal writing is an asset.


    How to Apply

    Apply for this position through the UBC Workday Staff Careers posting .


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