General Manager - Forestry
(Management & Executives)
Full Time
British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada
A subsidiary of the Haida Enterprise Corporation (HaiCo), Taan Forest manages 270,000 acres of Haida Gwaii forest, operates harvesting activity, and produces a highly diversified suite of FSC Certified log and specialty wood products. The General Manager oversees a team of forestry staff and external contractors to ensure they are working safely, following sustainability guidelines, and maintaining production targets. The key focus of this position is ensuring the harvesting team produces quality logs, safely and efficiently.
Steeped in culture, this 12,000 year old community is committed to providing sustainable forest management which reflect the values of the Haida Nation, maintaining the ancient traditions and way of life on Haida Gwaii. A rare opportunity to join this unique forestry company in a leadership role now exists for someone with the right experience, skills and attitude. Working with the highest environmental standards (FSC certified), Taan Forest is able to choose from the finest available Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar, Sitka Spruce and Western Hemlock within the Haida Gwaii rainforest; harvesting logs, milled to their clients’ exact specifications and shipped around the globe.
A proven “people person”, the successful candidate will balance the profitable running of the operation – developing annual operating plans, defining budgets, monitoring performance and negotiating with Contractors – with the development of a highly motivated team – providing leadership, motivation and direction to the team of around 150 forestry professionals. Reporting into the Board, the General Manager will also focus on community relations, sustainability initiatives, health & safety, FSC compliance, marketing, planning and silviculture activities.
Experience gained in a similar environment would be preferable, with at least fifteen years of forest operations experience and a minimum of five years in a management role, ideally with a sizeable multidisciplinary team. The successful candidate will preferably have an undergraduate degree in Forestry Management and will bring proven skills in the preparation and presentation of plans, budgets and strategic business presentations. Excellent interpersonal, teambuilding and communication skills will be essential in building positive working relationship with the Taan Forest team at all levels, as well as with the First Nations community and other external stakeholders. Experience in sustainable forest management and working with First Nations would be seen as a key differentiator.
Haida Gwaii is a uniquely beautiful location, commonly known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, located on the North coast of Biritish Columbia, populated mostly by Haida people. The economy is heavily reliant on art, natural resources (primarily logging and commercial fishing) as well as service industries and tourism – especially for fishing, cycling, camping and adventure tourism. Today, some 3,800 people live on the islands primarily focused on the close knit communities of Queen Charlotte, Skidegate and Old Masset.
Compensation
Competitive compensation package