What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Forester position at Sappi?
Description
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Forester who thrives in an independent, field-based role and wants to make an impact with a respected, forward-thinking organization. As a Senior Forester, you’ll be responsible for purchasing and harvesting standing timber to supply high-quality fiber and fuel to the Somerset Mill, overseeing logging operations, and building trusted relationships with landowners and contractors — all while promoting responsible forest management aligned with SFI certification standards.
In this role, you’ll enjoy the independence of a consulting forester with the stability and resources of a major company. Our foresters manage their territories with flexibility and autonomy, backed by a supportive and experienced team.
Key Responsibilities
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Forester who thrives in an independent, field-based role and wants to make an impact with a respected, forward-thinking organization. As a Senior Forester, you’ll be responsible for purchasing and harvesting standing timber to supply high-quality fiber and fuel to the Somerset Mill, overseeing logging operations, and building trusted relationships with landowners and contractors — all while promoting responsible forest management aligned with SFI certification standards.
In this role, you’ll enjoy the independence of a consulting forester with the stability and resources of a major company. Our foresters manage their territories with flexibility and autonomy, backed by a supportive and experienced team.
Key Responsibilities
- Purchase and harvest standing timber to meet mill fiber and fuel requirements.
- Manage a network of logging contractors to ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
- Promote land stewardship consistent with SFI Fiber Sourcing certification.
- Maintain accurate records for stumpage, deliveries, and landowner relations.
- Support road building and other operational projects as needed
- Develop and write Maine Tree Growth plans.
- Build and strengthen relationships with landowners and contractors; proactively seek new opportunities and partnerships.
- Provide regional leadership, mentoring others and supporting team initiatives.
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry.
- Minimum 5 years of forestry experience.
- Eligible for or currently hold a Maine Forester’s License.
- Proven knowledge of GIS mapping, timber inventory and analysis, and forest regulations.
- Strong understanding of regional forest markets, BMPs, and SFI certification.
- Demonstrated leadership and mentoring abilities.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Proficiency with spreadsheets, word processing, and related software tools.
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout Maine and northern New England.
- At least 2 years of experience procuring timber.
- Experience working across both private woodlots and large industrial forest lands.
- Proven ability to negotiate contracts with landowners and contractors.
- Familiarity with using drones to enhance harvest efficiency and landowner engagement.
- Active participation in forestry organizations (e.g., Maine Tree, SAF, Tree Farm, SWOAM).
- Experience with certification audits.
- Work independently while being part of a highly skilled, forward-thinking forestry team.
- Enjoy flexibility and autonomy with the support of a well-established company.
- Contribute to sustainable forestry practices that strengthen local economies and protect forest health.
Sappi provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Sappi complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.