Resident Forester – Alex Fraser Research Forest (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 9,800ha 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 Resident Forester will primarily be responsible for managing the regeneration obligations of the Alex Fraser Research Forest (AFRF), including planning, implementing, tracking, and reporting all post-harvest activities. This position will also be involved with forest development and health management activities as required by contracts, legislation, tenure arrangements, and management objectives at the Alex Fraser Research Forest.

This is a professional position and the successful candidate will be self-motivated, and capable of taking on professional duties immediately and managing a budget. The AFRF is seeking an individual who is creative, adaptable, and interested in shaping the future of our organization.


Organizational Status

Reports to the Manager, Alex Fraser Research Forest. Selects, negotiates terms and reviews work of external service providers, contractors, and vendors. Supervises technical staff in the unit involved in the formulation of effective plans for forest development and silviculture. Supervises permanent staff, contractors, and temporary employees in development and implementation of plans. Represents the interests of the AFRF to appropriate government agencies, community groups, and interested users.


Work Performed
  • Supervises planning and development of silviculture prescriptions and operations by making complex social, economic and environmental decisions and trade-offs.
  • Ensures that plans and prescriptions for silviculture activities comply with legal requirements and guidelines, UBC policy and best-practice guidance. Reviews and makes recommendations regarding what amount to harvest and when.
  • Assists the Manager in preparing an annual budget in excess of $1.0 million. Develops budget and is responsible for cost control of all projects under direction of the position.
  • Leads the ongoing improvement of silviculture prescriptions and metrics.
  • Maintains forest history records and other management documents both for internal use and as required by government agencies.
  • Prepares funding proposals, and follows such proposals through as required.
  • Responds to call outs in the event of emergencies at AFRF on a 24 hour per day, 7 day per week basis.
  • Replaces the Manager and Operations Supervisor during scheduled and unscheduled absences from the Forest – on average 20-30 days per year.
  • Recruits, selects, evaluates, supervises, manages performance and terminates service providers, vendors and contractors and ensures that site-level, operational, safety and legislation requirements and standards are met.
  • Participates in educational activities and programs as required. Coordinates, develops and delivers practical curriculum requirements for the 8 field school courses held at the Research Forests each year. Oversees and trains students, staff and contractors. Organizes workshops and logistical needs for external training events and tours. This aspect of the role will require periodic travel to both the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest and UBC campus.
  • Performs other related duties in keeping with qualifications and requirements of the position.
  • Provides expertise in the field of research on both forests by assisting in the research review process, selection of field sites, development of experimental silviculture prescriptions, and supervision of implementation of those prescriptions. Develops budgets and tracks costing for research related activities. Collaborates with researchers as needed for review, agreements and implementation.

    • Consequence of Error/Judgement

    Manages formulation and implementation of silviculture prescriptions to ensure that they meet Forestry 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. Application of inappropriate plans or prescriptions 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. Makes decisions regarding the research review process and the development of collaborative research agreements and prescriptions.


    Supervision Received

    Reports to the Manager, Alex Fraser Research Forest. Works with wide latitude. Matters involving policy or liability are referred to the Manager with suggested courses of action. Work is periodically reviewed to assess the validity of decisions or the achievement of defined goals.


    Supervision Given

    Supervises up to 4 full-time staff, temporary staff and part-time employees. In addition, this position directly supervises up to 30 contract employees involved in silvicultural operations.


    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.


    Minimum Qualifications

    Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. A minimum of four years experience with specific knowledge of planning and silviculture on forest land in British Columbia is required as well as Registration (or eligibility) as a Professional Forester in B.C.  Knowledge of the BC Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act is required. Familiarity with a wide range of silvicultural systems is required.  Class V Drivers License, Level I First Aid Certificate, and S100 Fire Suppression Certificate are required.  Computer literacy, including word processing, spreadsheets, RESULTS and GIS applications is required. Proven abilities in written and oral communications are necessary.


    Preferred Qualifications

    A post-graduate degree in Forestry or allied sciences is an asset.  Registration (or eligibility) as a Professional Biologist in BC is an asset.  Knowledge of the operation of the UBC Research Forests is an asset. 


    How to Apply

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


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