Forester Jobs

The purpose of this position is to ensure DRFN’s interests, values, concerns, and treaty rights are considered during forest planning and upheld during forest operations that occur in the Treaty 8 area in both British Columbia and Alberta. The overall goal is to promote sustainable forest management that ensures members of DRFN will be able to continue to carry out their treaty rights and cultural practices indefinitely throughout their lands.

The Forester will provide professional, general, and strategic advice to DRFN’s Lands and Resources Manager as well as Lands’ staff regarding forest management. Further, they will be the primary point of contact for, and will respond to, all referrals with forestry related components within DRFN’s territory.

Additionally, the Forester will identify, solicit, and promote opportunities for DRFN members and companies to obtain work and/or contracts associated with forestry activities in the community’s consultation area.Tips: Provide a summary of the role, what success in the position looks like, and how this role fits into the organization overall.

Responsibilities

General

*Ensures sustainable forest management of lands of interest to DRFN and a balance of social, economic and forest values. This includes but is not limited to wildlife management planning; forest inventory; forest health; forest valuation; and forest stewardship.

*Ensures forestry related work in DRFN’s consultation area is compliant with DRFN/Industry Agreements as well as related legislative requirements.

*Keeps apprised of changes to acts, regulations and guidelines that affect forestry operations in BC and AB.

*Recommends, implements, and evaluates appropriate policies, practices, standards, controls, systems and reporting requirements to the Lands and Resources Manager.

*Participates in consultation and working groups related to forestry and First Nations’ activities.

*Participates in the development of forest industry agreements.

*Seeks opportunities for continuous improvement in the Lands department.

*Conducts meaningful engagement with DRFN community members regarding management of forests in DRFN’s territory.

*Participates in development of DRFN Land Code processes as needed.

*Ensures that Doig River First Nation’s views and cultural interests are incorporated into referral reviews as well as forest management activities in DRFN territory.

Referral Response

*Responds on behalf of DRFN to all forestry referrals (as well as other industry referrals with a forestry component) with the intent of promoting sustainable forestry operations and ensuring that DRFN members can continue to practice treaty rights and cultural activities on DRFN’s land base.

*Provides comprehensive, technical reviews of and responses to referrals.

*Acts as primary point of contact for all forestry related activities in DRFN’s territory and builds effective working relationships with industry representatives.

*Conducts field assessments as necessary and provides opportunities for Lands’ staff to accompany and learn about forestry operations and practices.

*Solicits economic development opportunities from proponents for DRFN community members and companies.

Forest Management in KTP, TLE Wildlands & DRFN Woodlot

*Develops and maintains short, medium, and long-term plans for sustainable forest management in KTP, TLE and DRFN’s Woodlot including goals, objectives and strategic plans plus implements, manages, and reports on same to Lands and Resources Manager.

*Provides opportunities for community members and DRFN based companies to undertake work associated with implementation of management plans.

*Supervises professional and technical staff and consultants.

*Manages KTP, TLE and DRFN Woodlot budgets and expenditures plus guides the development, allocation, monitoring and reporting of the budgets to Lands and Resources Manager.

*Collaborates with DRFN Employment and Training Coordinator to recruit DRFN members to work in KTP, TLE and DRFN Woodlot.

*Works in collaboration with DRFN Health and Safety Committee to ensure occupational health and safety training and Work Safe BC requirements are met for all field-based staff working on forestry initiatives undertaken by DRFN.

*Ensures adherence to all relevant legislation with respect to timber revenue including marking, transportation and scaling of timber harvested from KTP, TLE and DRFN Woodlot.

Economic Development

*In collaboration with DRFN’s Economic Development entities, identifies, solicits, and promotes opportunities for DRFN members and companies to obtain work associated with forestry activities on DRFN’s land base.

*Works to increase awareness by industry partners of the skills and equipment available from DRFN members and companies and endeavor to initiate collaboration between companies and DRFN early in planning processes.

Mentor & Educator

*Acts as a mentor to DRFN Lands’ staff and educates them on forestry practices by discussing referral responses and taking them on field assessments.

Other

*Integrates Beaver culture and language into Lands Department related communications as feasible.

*Follows all DRFN policies and procedures.

*Seeks continual improvement to ensure the duties associated with this position are conducted effectively, efficiently, and professionally.

Performs other duties and assists with special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

*Forestry degree from a recognized post-secondary institution and minimum 5 years work experience

*Recognized training in negotiation and conflict resolution

Knowledge

*Strong understanding and familiarity of traditional Dane-zaa and Doig River First Nation culture, values, interests and history including Treaty 8 and treaty rights

*Well versed in laws and agreements pertaining to land use in DRFN territory, particularly with regard to forestry, oil and gas and mining in the province of BC

*Working knowledge of relevant provincial legislation, regulations and safety requirements

*Field crew supervision experience

Skills & Abilities

*Experience working with Indigenous communities on forestry issues

*Excellent communication skills including the ability to listen, record and communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a timely manner

*Ability to act in a professional and courteous manner in tense circumstances

*Ability to facilitate resolution of conflict in a professional and effective manner

*Demonstrated ability to exercise judgement and discretion when handling confidential information

*Ability to develop good and effective working relationships with industry, public service agencies and staff

*Superior organizational, analytical and reasoning abilities

*Ability to manage multiple, competing demands and deadlines and prioritize workload

*Excellent time management and scheduling skills

*Excellent computer skills – including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Required Certifications

*Current registration as a Registered Professional Forester

*Current registration with the Association of BC Forest Professionals as a Professional Forester

*BC Class 5 Drivers License with no restrictions