Area Planner (Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)

Western Forest Products' is currently recruiting for an Area Planner for our Stillwater Forest Operation in Powell River, B.C. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under the supervision of the Operations Planner, the Area Planner plays a lead role in Forest Operations Planning, providing ongoing tenure administration and permit acquisition services.  The incumbent is responsible for engineering related planning and operational forestry related to the engineering, road construction planning and harvest forecasting within the designated TFL.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety & Environmental Performance

• Provide leadership in safety and environmental stewardship by demonstrating and ensuring the adherence of company safety and sustainability processes and procedures.

Financial Performance

• Support the development of the annual road construction and engineering budget for the designated TFL;
• Work closely with the Divisional Accountant to ensure all operational decisions are based on sound financial analytics;
• Utilize financial data to analyze trends and make recommendations to improve efficiency;
• Recommend effective and innovative strategies to drive cost efficiencies in the operation.

Leadership

• Provide leadership and direction to improve safety, reduce operational costs, and maximize value and margins while meeting customer requirements;
• Manage and supervise planning and administrative employees and contractors at the operation;
• Create and sustain a culture of accountability and continuous improvement;
• Protect Western’s reputation by managing issues, engaging support from senior leadership as required;
• Hire, train, coach and manage the performance of salaried staff and contractors;
• Actively maintain current and potential mutually beneficial relationships with First Nations partners, Government agencies and public and private interest groups to support access to incremental fibre; and
• Liaison with Corporate Forestry Planners to assist in strategic planning.
• Participate in the consultation process with First Nations and other stakeholders, acting as a member of the information sharing team.

Operations

• Coordinate all engineering, GIS, and development activities required for the annual timber harvest;
• Plan, schedule and manage short term tactical plans for projected road and cutblock development, helicopter logging and bridge programs;
• Manage, Track, and Implement waste & residue program;
• Preparation of Cutting Permit and Road Permit Applications;
• Stumpage Analysis/Optimization and Appraisal Data Preparation.
• Manage and Implement the Timber Cruising Program;
• As-built Road Assessments for stumpage appraisal applications;
• Coordination of First Nation Information Sharing with relevant First Nations;
• Updating appropriate WFP applications with all the data required for Appraisals and Permit Submissions;
• Work with other Planners to prepare and manage the engineering and road construction budgets;
• Support the coordination and management of Company certification systems (EMS, CSA, FSC) within the Operation;
• Prepare and peer review the various plans and assessments associated with cutblock development including:
• Site Plans, Harvest, Road, Silviculture and Deactivation Instructions, Cutting Permit Submissions, Road Permit Submissions and related engineering projects, and preparation of other applications as necessary;
• Assess completed activities for adherence to plans and enact corrective measures, as required;
• Ensure compliance with various Operational Plans and Company policies in regards to cutblock development;
• Develop deactivation plans as required;
• Ensures a road inspection program is in place and properly implemented;