Job Listings

Reforestation Forester

Freres Engineered Wood is seeking a skilled and dedicated Forester to join our Timber Department in Lyons, Oregon, with a primary focus on post-harvest reforestation and silvicultural activities. This position plays a crucial role in overseeing tree planting, vegetation management, and slash disposal on company-owned timberland. The ideal candidate will have experience in forest regeneration, a strong understanding of silvicultural practices, and the ability to lead field crews and contractors effectively.

The Forester will work closely with the Timber Manager and other forestry professionals to plan, implement, and manage reforestation projects, vegetation control efforts, and site preparation activities. This full-time, exempt position offers a dynamic blend of field and office work (approximately 80% field, 20% office), competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Job Title
Reforestation Forester
Branch
Timber Department
Report To
Timber Manager
Schedule
Mon – Fri; some weekends; 40-60 hours per week
Status
Full-time; Salaried Position
Wage Range
TBD- Dependent upon skills and experience
Date
May 2025

Essential Functions

  • Oversee all post-harvest reforestation activities on company-owned timberland.

Manage all aspects of tree planting:

    • Place seedling orders and coordinate transportation from nurseries.
    • Maintain seedling inventory at cold storage.
    • Create and implement planting plans for each season.
    • Supervise tree planting crews in the field.

Manage vegetation control:

    • Obtain or maintain a Restricted-Use Pesticide Applicator License.
    • Identify areas requiring herbicide use; submit necessary paperwork to the Oregon Department of Forestry.
    • Create and implement herbicide prescriptions.
    • Purchase and transport herbicide products.
    • Supervise applicator contractors, including hand crews, drones, helicopters, and roadside spray trucks.

Oversee slash disposal:

    • Identify areas where hand piling, machine piling, or slash burning is needed.
    • Supervise contractors and ensure proper implementation on both company and selected BLM lands.

 

  • Prepare and administer contracts for reforestation activities including planting, vegetation management, site preparation, and thinning.
  • Monitor reforestation projects to evaluate field performance and recommend corrective actions.
  • Manage reforestation data using ArcGIS Pro, Excel, and similar tools.
  • Develop and maintain GIS data related to reforestation projects including contract exhibits, weed/insect locations, and treatment records.
  • Develop cost estimates and track expenditures for project and budget planning.
  • Support the development of annual operational plans and long-term district implementation plans.
  • Conduct timber cruising, identify tree species, grade logs, and calculate value.
  • Lay out projects using aerial photos, GIS, and ground reconnaissance.
  • Supervise logging operations to ensure compliance with contracts and regulations.
  • Ensure compliance with the Oregon Forest Practices Act.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with government agencies, landowners, and neighbors.
  • Stay informed on industry trends, regulations, and innovations.
  • Perform fire preparedness, firefighting, and suppression duties as required.
  • Navigate rugged terrain using compass, GPS, and topographic maps.
  • Demonstrate strong communication, work ethic, and time management.
  • Promote and model safety, environmental stewardship, and professional integrity.

 

Benefits

Health, Dental, Life, Short-term Disability, Section 125, Discretionary Quarterly Profit Sharing and 401 (K), Paid time off, Holiday Pay, and Employee Discount.

Our Company

Freres Engineered Wood Products, formerly Freres Lumber Co., Inc. was established in 1922 in the Santiam Canyon of Oregon. We are a family-owned and operated wood products manufacturing business headquartered in Lyons, Oregon. Now in its third generation, family management continues to build on the success of past generations.

We operate six processing plants, including a small log veneer plant, large log veneer plant, veneer drying facility, plywood plant, mass ply plant and stud mill in addition to having our own fleet of trucks and a cogeneration facility. We are dedicated to reinvesting in our modern manufacturing facilities, providing high-quality wood products, and providing family wage jobs within our communities. We specialize in creating the highest quality wood products, from raw log to finished products, including: hog fuel, bark fines, chips, shavings, specialty veneer, grade lumber, high-quality sheathing grade plywood, MPP and even electricity.

Our passion for continuous improvement aligned with our innovative approach to manufacturing has led us to develop and become the sole producer of a unique, patented wood product, the Mass Ply Panel. If you have growth mindset and a continuous-improvement attitude, you’re probably a great fit for our team!

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