Planning Forester

Planning Forester

West Fraser offers a range of exciting career opportunities for individuals seeking challenging and rewarding careers.

Our Smithers division in beautiful northern British Columbia is recruiting for a full-time Planning Forester. This is an exceptional opportunity for a forestry professional who is ready to make an impact—while enjoying a balanced lifestyle in one of BC’s most picturesque communities.

What We Offer:

At West Fraser, we invest in your success and well-being:

• A competitive base salary with an annual bonus opportunity
• The typical salary range for this position is $80,000 – $108,000, depending on experience, education, and location.
• A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, pension and savings plans, life, disability, as well as vacation time and paid holidays.
• Relocation assistance to support your move to Smithers and help you settle into your new community with ease.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities and the chance to grow your career with a leading forest product company.

You'Ll Do:

As a Planning Forester, you will play a key role in shaping sustainable forest management in the region by:

• Conducting timber reconnaissance to inform sound harvest planning
• Designing roads and cut blocks to optimize operations and protect environmental values
• Administering and supervising contracts (layout, cruising, and site assessments)
• Liaising with government agencies and Indigenous Peoples to ensure collaboration and compliance
• Consulting with stakeholders and incorporating social, cultural, and environmental values into harvest area designs
• Preparing and submitting appraisals as well as cutting and road permit applications
• Developing thorough and effective Site Plans to support operational execution

You Have:

We’re looking for a motivated professional who brings a mix of technical expertise and collaborative spirit:

• A degree or diploma in forestry and registration (or eligibility for registration) with Forest Professionals BC
• Intermediate to Senior level experience - typically an RPF or RFT with 5+ years in operational planning or related forestry roles.
• Strong interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills
• A self-starter attitude with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Familiarity with ArcGIS and information management systems (an asset)
• Knowledge of the appraisal system and timber cruising processes (an asset)
• A valid Class 5 driver’s license

Your Workplace Location:

Smithers, BC, is a vibrant, welcoming northern town surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. With its alpine-inspired downtown and strong sense of community, Smithers is as charming as it is active.

• Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for adventure—fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and mountain biking in summer; world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter.
• A thriving arts and culture scene, friendly neighbours, and high quality of life make Smithers an ideal place to call home.

About Us:

West Fraser is a diversified wood products company with over 50 facilities across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe. We promote sustainable forest practices and produce lumber, engineered wood products (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, and particleboard), pulp, newsprint, wood chips, and other residuals.

Our products support home construction, repair, and renovation, industrial applications, and the production of paper, tissue, and packaging materials—helping to build and sustain communities across the globe.

Diversity:

At West Fraser, we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to innovation and success. We strive to create workplaces that respect and value every individual’s unique background and perspective.

By joining us, you’ll become part of a team dedicated to building a brighter future through inclusivity and collaboration.

Sustainability:

We are deeply committed to sustainable forest management, reflected in our environmental policy and operational practices. By adopting new technologies and innovations, we produce high-quality building materials while safeguarding the forests we depend on.

Wood is a natural, renewable, and environmentally sustainable choice—and West Fraser is proud to be a leader in its responsible production.

• Sustainability Report | West Fraser
• Discover West Fraser in Western Canada (YouTube)