Forestry Manager

Department: Economic Development – Cheslatta Forestry

Reports To: General Manager

Employment Status: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Danskin, BC (Cheslatta Carrier Nation Office / Field)

Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Position Summary

The Forestry Manager is responsible for the overall planning, management, and operational oversight of Cheslatta Carrier Nation’s forestry program, including the Cheslatta Community Forest (COMFOR), timber harvesting and hauling operations, silviculture and reforestation activities, wildfire rehabilitation, and private land management. Reporting to the General Manager, this position leads a team of forestry staff and contractors, ensures compliance with all applicable provincial regulations and licensing requirements, and advances CCN’s long-term vision of sustainable, community-based forest stewardship. The Forestry Manager plays a central role in maintaining and growing CCN’s approximately $1.2 million annual forestry revenue and upholding the Nation’s commitment to managing the forest for the benefit of current and future generations.

Key Responsibilities

Forest Operations Management

  • Plan, direct, and coordinate all Cheslatta Forestry operations including harvesting, hauling, road construction and maintenance, and log marketing.

  • Oversee the Community Forest Agreement (COMFOR) across the approximately 40,000-hectare licence area within the Lakes Timber Supply Area, ensuring operations remain within the annual allowable cut.

  • Manage all operational planning documents, cutting permits, road permits, and associated regulatory approvals with the BC Ministry of Forests.

  • Supervise and evaluate forestry staff, contractors, and equipment operators; coordinate scheduling and performance management.

  • Ensure all harvesting and hauling operations meet WorkSafeBC and CCN safety standards; conduct regular field safety assessments.

  • Maintain and oversee CCN’s harvesting equipment inventory; coordinate maintenance schedules and capital equipment needs with the General Manager.

Silviculture, Reforestation & Wildfire Rehabilitation

  • Plan and administer silviculture prescriptions, free-to-grow assessments, and reforestation programs, including the coordination of annual seedling planting programs (historically over one million seedlings per year).

  • Manage and advance ongoing rehabilitation of fire-damaged stands from the 2018 wildfires, including fire guard rehabilitation and archaeological monitoring coordination.

  • Coordinate with the BC Forest Enhancement Society (FESBC), BCTS, and other funders for project grants supporting fibre recovery and stand rehabilitation.

  • Ensure compliance with stocking standards, species selection guidelines, and post-harvest obligations under CCN’s licences.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting

  • Ensure full compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), Forest Act, Wildfire Act, and all applicable provincial regulations.

  • Prepare and submit annual reports required under the Community Forest Agreement and Forest and Range Stewardship Plans (FRSPs).

  • Maintain accurate records of timber cruise data, cut control, road management, and all statutory filings.

  • Liaise with BC Ministry of Forests district staff, BC Timber Sales, and other provincial agencies on operational and compliance matters.

  • Support audits and inspections, including Forest Practices Board reviews, as required.

Community & Stakeholder Relations

  • Advance CCN’s reconciliation and economic development goals through the forestry program, prioritizing employment and contracting opportunities for CCN members.

  • Coordinate with the Natural Resources Manager, Senior Policy Advisor, and General Manager on matters intersecting forestry operations with environmental stewardship, cultural heritage, and territorial rights.

  • Maintain effective relationships with the Ootsa Lake Sawmill joint venture partners (Cheslatta Forest Products, Carrier Lumber Ltd.) and regional mill operators.

  • Participate in regional forestry sector bodies, including the Chinook Community Forest and BC First Nations Forestry Council initiatives as applicable.

  • Communicate forestry plans, activities, and outcomes to Chief and Council through the General Manager, including financial performance reporting.

Financial & Administrative Management

  • Develop and manage the annual forestry operations budget in collaboration with the Director of Finance; monitor revenues and expenditures against budget targets.

  • Prepare business cases and funding applications for forestry grants, equipment purchases, and silviculture programs.

  • Oversee log marketing and timber sales to ensure competitive pricing and alignment with CCN revenue objectives.

  • Maintain procurement and contract management practices consistent with CCN’s Financial Administration Law (FAL) and procurement policies.

  • Prepare regular operational reports and briefing notes for the General Manager and Chief and Council as required.

Private Lands & Long-Range Planning

  • Manage CCN’s private forestry lands with a view to optimizing long-term ecological and economic value.

  • Contribute to the 80–100-year community forest planning framework, considering climate change, wildfire risk, wildlife habitat, and future generations’ needs.

  • Support environmental stewardship initiatives including caribou habitat management, watershed protection, and archaeological site avoidance as part of operational planning.

Qualifications

Education

  • Degree or diploma in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution.

  • Registration as a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) or Registered Forest Technologist (RFT) with Forest Professionals British Columbia (FPBC) is required, or eligibility for registration to be obtained within a reasonable timeframe.

Experience

  • Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in forest operations management, including harvesting planning, silviculture, and regulatory compliance in BC.

  • Demonstrated experience managing contractors, field crews, and operational budgets.

  • Experience working with or for a First Nation community or government is a strong asset.

  • Familiarity with Community Forest Agreements, small-scale forestry operations, and BC’s forest tenure system is preferred.

  • Experience with wildfire rehabilitation, salvage operations, and fibre recovery projects is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Thorough knowledge of the Forest and Range Practices Act, Forest Act, BC forest policy, and relevant provincial regulations.

  • Strong operational planning skills, including the ability to develop cutting permits, FRSPs, and silviculture prescriptions.

  • Proficiency in forestry GIS tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Avenza), Microsoft Office Suite, and BC government systems (e.g., RESULTS, eTenure, FAIB).

  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; ability to build effective relationships with staff, contractors, government agencies, and community members.

  • Knowledge of and respect for First Nations culture, rights, and land stewardship values; cultural sensitivity and commitment to reconciliation.

  • Sound understanding of WorkSafeBC forest operations safety requirements.

  • Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence; ability and willingness to work in remote field environments.

Working Conditions

This position is based at the Cheslatta Carrier Nation office in Danskin, BC, with regular travel to field sites within Cheslatta territory. Field work involves travel on rough resource roads, exposure to variable weather conditions, and physically demanding activities. Some evening and weekend work may be required during peak operational periods. A valid driver’s licence and ability to operate a standard 4x4 pickup truck are required. The Forestry Manager may be required to respond to emergency situations including wildfire events.

Compensation & Benefits

Cheslatta Carrier Nation offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $85,000 to $105,000 per year. CCN provides a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental coverage, paid vacation, and access to CCN’s training and professional development programs. Preference will be given to qualified Cheslatta Carrier Nation members and other First Nations candidates.

How to ApplY

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to:

Cheslatta Carrier Nation

Email: info@cheslatta.com

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 909, Burns Lake, BC V0J 1E0

Phone: 250-694-3334

This position will remain open until filled. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply at their earliest opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in Cheslatta Carrier Nation.

This job description reflects the general duties and responsibilities of the position and is not an exhaustive list. Duties may be amended from time to time consistent with the incumbent’s qualifications and CCN’s operational requirements.

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