Manager - Forest Biometrics (Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)

Full Time

  Rayonier

  Yulee, Florida, United States

This position leads the forest biometrics team to deliver effective forest modeling tools, improves data quality through effective processes and procedures and ensures the appropriate forest inventory data is available to support the company’s needs.  Supports land acquisition and disposition efforts by summarizing, analyzing and interpreting seller provided property data.  Leads data verification efforts for forest inventory and growth and yield information. Leads or directs the development of forest inventory sample designs, compilation standards and statistical tests of significance; reviews results and modifies data as required.  Coaches and mentors a total of three direct reports to achieve company goals and objectives.

 Responsibilities:

  • Manages the continual improvement of Rayonier’s enterprise based forest inventory programs with focus on growth and yield models. Leads the team in the development, validation, calibration and recommendation of growth and yield and silvicultural response algorithms.
  • Through self and team reviews, summarizes and communicates technical facts about seller provided data for acquisitions and company data for dispositions.
  • Works with team to ensure good alignment of inventory and planning assumptions used for both current ownership, as well as acquisitions.
  • Works closely with LIS GIS staff to ensure good alignment of assumptions between tabular and spatial data on acquisition projects.
  • Creates efficient processes to collect, compile, and analyze seller provided or Rayonier collected inventory data. Reviews and recommends forest inventory verification sampling procedures.  Develops, conducts and interprets statistical tests of significance.
  • Provides analytical and decision support for identifying, evaluating and conducting timberland divestiture activities.
  • Supports LIS colleagues in conversion of data to Rayonier’s Land Management System for successful acquisitions.
  • Directs the team to support Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) as needed for annual SFI reporting requirements and periodic SFI program audits performed by accredited 3rd party auditors.
  • Monitors data quality and system performance through frequent interaction with forestry and real estate staff.
  • Assures a safe working environment and attitude among employees.
  • Develops training plans for individual team members to advance each employee’s professional development. 

Required Qualifications:

  • Minimum of MS in Forestry or Forest Biometrics (or similar), or equivalent experience. 
  • Minimum of ten (10) years in forest inventory analysis, geographic information systems, acquisition analysis and/or harvest scheduling. Candidate must have proven, strong leadership skills and demonstrated success in building successful teams. 
  • Knowledge of forest inventory design and analysis, forest growth and yield, sampling and mensuration techniques, statistics, geographic information systems, harvest scheduling, timberland valuation, strong analytical and problem solving skills. Programming skills in languages such as SAS, R, VB or C#; advanced Microsoft Office skills; strong database (SQL Server, Oracle) and SQL skills. Ability to manage internal and 3rd party service provider relationships and performance. Strong written and verbal communication skills.