About Khowutzun Forest Services

Khowutzun Forest Services (KFS) is a First Nations forestry company providing responsible and reliable delivery of forest management objectives through planning, engineering, silviculture, planting, harvesting, and firefighting services in the Forest Sector on ancestral Cowichan territory and across BC. KFS is Safe Certified with the BC Forest Safety Council and has been in business for over 25 years.

Position Summary

The Forestry Manager oversees the coordination, technical administration, and operational execution of a broad spectrum of forestry activities. Responsibilities include planning and conducting silviculture operations, maintaining comprehensive program records and data, and supporting the effective implementation of the silviculture program. The Forestry Manager supports facilitating community education, and fuel mitigation efforts to minimize wildfire risk. This position works closely with KFS clients, landowners, timber companies and local authorities to support day-to-day business operations, in collaboration with the Operations Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Manages brushing programs, contracts, and reports for community forest and KFS clients and participates in forestry groups and supervises silviculture workforce, ensuring compliance and safety.
• Oversees equipment inventory, site planning, budgeting, and record updates and drafts/reviews contracts and documents for silviculture and firefighting.
• Conducts business development and coordinates training certifications.
• Supports recruitment, training and supervision efforts for professional development and career advancement and compiles reporting as required.
• Participates in and supports monthly Joint Occupational Health and Safety meetings.
• Ensures verification for all safety requirements for any staff or contractors under supervision.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures compliant with organizational policies, regulatory standards, and legislative mandates.

Education and Experience

• Five years supervisory experience in forestry operations with specific experience in silviculture and firefighting operations, WorkSafeBC and fleet management within a forestry industry.
• Relevant leadership experience encompassing all aspects of coastal forestry management, including harvesting, road construction and maintenance, silviculture surveys and operations, wildfire management, and fire protection.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry, Forest Resource Technical Diploma, or an equivalent qualification.
• Must be registered in good standing with Forest Professionals BC as a Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) or Registered Professional Forester (RPF), or be enrolled, or eligible for immediate enrollment, with Forest Professionals BC as a forest professional in training (TFT, ASTFT, FIT, ASFIT) with the intention of obtaining an RFT or RPF designation.
• Proven commitment to safe work practices and adherence to applicable safety procedures.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of forestry fieldwork, which includes working on uneven terrain and in all weather conditions, both independently and as part of a team.
• Experience managing projects and/or contracts related to silviculture, harvesting, and road building.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License with a clean driver’s abstract.
• Additional relevant certifications will be considered an asset, such as Standard First Aid, S100, Wildlife Awareness Training, Danger Tree Assessor Certificate, FPBC Silviculture Accredited Surveyor (SAS) designation, Local Fire Representative Certificate, or other relevant training.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, enabling the cultivation and maintenance of effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen, including expertise in business management, operations, finance, and accounting functions.
• Demonstrated experience in preparing contract bid submissions for silviculture and firefighting projects.
• Ability to provide leadership and mentorship to junior staff members.
• Ability to maintain, prepare and update budget documents, reports and other materials related to operations.
• Ability to work with minimal to no supervision, have good attention to detail and ability to plan and meet tight deadlines while managing multiple projects.

Candidates being considered will be required to undergo a comprehensive evaluation of skills, qualifications, and abilities. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a police information check and vulnerable sector check.

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter and resume to info@khowutzun.com, by April 24,