What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Forester position at South Coast Lumber?
South Coast Lumber (SCL) is seeking a Chief Forester to join our growing team in Southern Oregon. This position will be based out of our Brookings, Oregon office and will play a key leadership role in supporting forest management activities across company timberlands.
We are seeking a highly organized, self-motivated professional who can work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. This is a full-time position with opportunities for professional development and advancement within a growing, vertically integrated forest products company. Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Primary Job Duties and Responsibilities:
- Approximately 75% field-based work supporting forest management and harvest operations.
- In coordination with the Lands Manager and Planning & Certification Manager, execute the harvesting layout program across company timberlands in accordance with Oregon Forest Practice Rules.
- Lead and manage a team responsible for harvesting layout and preparation.
- Oversee the implementation of the silviculture program following harvest activities to meet financial objectives and long-term forest management goals.
- Support the company’s Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certification, including maintaining accurate records and assisting with audit compliance.
- Assist with forest inventory, resource mapping, and boundary line delineation.
- Perform and oversee timber marking activities, including pre-commercial and commercial treatments, timber sale marking, and RMZ layout.
- Manage projects independently and collaboratively from planning through completion.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a dynamic, strong team-oriented environment.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in Forestry (required).
- 5 years of traditional forestry experience (preferred).
- Field experience managing and implementing forestry operations and road projects in Pacific Northwest forests.
- Working knowledge of current Oregon Forest Practice rules.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail.
- Active listener with the ability to interpret input and apply it to practical solutions.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc.).
- Proficiency with ArcPro or ArcMap.
- Leadership mindset and commitment to professional growth.
Please submit a resume and cover letter by April 30, 2026 to JacobG@socomi.com
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.