Forest Operations Manager
Te Awahohonu Forest Trust is an ahuwhenua land trust with big aspirations for our whenua and our whanau. The Trust manages two large sheep and beef stations, a 6,100ha plantation forest and 10,000ha of pristine native forest. A board of five trustees is responsible for the protection of the Trust asset on behalf of approximately 1,500 owners
As the trust business is growing, we are now looking for our next highly valued kai hoe, our Forest Operations Manager.
Role overview:We are seeking a hands-on Forester to lead and deliver operational forest growing activities across the Trust’s commercial forest estate, support biodiversity/restoration work in native areas, support forest hunting access and work closely with the Trust’s leadership, whanau, staff and contractors.
The Forest Operations Manager will be responsible for planning and managing the establishment, silviculture and crop protection operations whilst supporting the team and contractors on H&S, Environmental and FSC compliance.
About You:You are an experienced forester wanting to create sustainable, high-quality forests that will be a legacy for the Trust. As part of our team, you’ll help drive collaboration, share best practices, and set high forestry standards across our operations.
You’ll also work closely with forestry contractors and our farm team to ensure expectations are met and engage with our whanau.
Preferred skills- Experience managing people and forestry projects
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
- Strong background in silvicultural operations, including planting, pruning, thinning, weed and pest control, forest health management, road and track maintenance, and wilding pine control.
- Ability to develop and manage operational forestry budgets
- Experience in setting and negotiating contracts
- Strong skills in scheduling forestry operations
- A relevant tertiary qualification
- Proficiency with ArcMap and Geomaster
- Experience with certification schemes (e.g., FSC/PEFC)
- Meaningful work that combines sustainable production forestry with taonga protection and community outcomes.
- A competitive salary, vehicle, and professional development opportunities will be provided to the right candidate
- A supportive workplace connected to whenua and whanau.
A full job description is available on request.