Join the vibrant team at American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) as a Forester in Spokane, WA. American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) was founded over 50 years ago and is the largest forest consulting firm in the United States. We are a private, employee-owned company. AFM currently manages over 5.7 million acres of privately owned timberland and has sold over $3.2 billion in real estate transactions under AFM Real Estate, a subsidiary of AFM. With 300+ employees operating from 52 offices in 22 states and Panama and Costa Rica, AFM's team of professionals is focused on meeting client needs by providing a complete range of forestry services. We are humbled that over 600 clients have entrusted the Spokane office staff to be advisors and stewards of their land.
This position will play a pivotal part in accomplishing the District’s work with non-industrial private forest landowners. Projects usually involve timber harvesting to reduce fire hazard and improve forest health, non-commercial fuels reduction operations, and reforestation. The Spokane office works with a number of other client types as well, including city, county, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, lumber mills, and tribes.
This position will also incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CPA106 plans, timber management plans, and county tax plans. They will be responsible for forest management on multiple properties under AFM management, assist in new business development for private, tribal, and government clients, and other tasks assigned by the District and Region Manager.
Located along the WA/ID border to focus on growing our business footprint in Northeast Washington and North Idaho and will report to the Spokane District Manager. They will be responsible for forest management on multiple properties under AFM management, assist in new business development for private, tribal, and government clients, and other tasks assigned by the District and Region Managers.
Possessing an ability to build meaningful relationships and partnerships will be critical to success in this position. The applicant should also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This individual should be able to work independently, manage variable schedules, and coordinate multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. This individual will have the freedom and encouragement to find new and innovative ways of conducting business.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Harvest unit layout under WA DNR Forest Practice Rules and/or Idaho Forest Practice Rules
- Monitor contractor harvesting, road construction and maintenance activities, reforestation and non-commercial thinning and/or fire hazard reduction operations
- Visit properties and assess forest health, insect and disease issues, wildfire hazards, and other resource concerns. Incorporate qualitative and quantitative assessments into Forest Stewardship Plans, NRCS CPA106 plans, timber management plans, and/or county tax plans
- Responsible for day-to-day communications with clients, contractors, and applicable government regulators to ensure desired outcomes of assigned projects.
- Conduct tree marking in diverse timber types to demonstrate harvest prescription on a variety of ownerships and management objectives.
- Assist with log marketing of harvested forest products
- Assist in new business development in NE Washington and North Idaho.
- Participate in forest inventory and stumpage valuation projects individually or with a team
- Participation in industry meetings and co-ops to expand AFM brand
- Assist in monthly and annual budget preparation
Additional Requirements:
- Working knowledge of forestry skills including the use of tools used in timber cruising, photo interpretation, timber harvesting, road construction, and other duties that pertain to forest management.
- Office and remote field environments. Utilization of various means of transportation, potentially including 4x4 pickup trucks, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), side by sides (UTVs), and snowmobiles. Required to drive, ride or walk through rough terrain in difficult weather conditions, in daylight and dark, in wet and dry environments. Involves working long periods of time outdoors, sometimes alone, including adverse weather conditions.
- Exposure to loud noise, extreme temperatures, fumes or air borne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and inclement weather. Exposure to heavy equipment operations. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to drive, walk, stand, talk, and listen. The employee is frequently required to bend, stoop, reach with hands and arms, lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Potential travel and ability to function as a team member on large projects throughout the western U.S. Overnight travel is required on some projects. Overnight trips are typically 2-3 days in length and occur up to once or twice per month in the summer and less often in the winter.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or equivalent
- 3+ years field experience in the Western US
- Strong knowledge of western US tree species, silviculture, wildfire behavior, risk, and mitigation strategies, and wildlife habitat improvement opportunities.
- Familiarity with WA DNR and/or Idaho Forest Practice rules, including RMZs, WMZs, CMZs, unstable slope identification, forest road BMPs
- Highly self-motivated and able to work without consistent direct supervision
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Strong listening capabilities with the ability to translate communications into appropriate action
- Ability to manage multiple projects under strict time constraints. Ability to multi-task and prioritize in a fast-paced work environment
- Proficiency in basic computer programs such as MS Word, Excel, and Arc GIS
- Ability to safely operate vehicles on steep and narrow mountain roads. Valid driver’s license and good driving record
- Soft Skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, attention to detail, time management and decision-making.
Work Environment:
This role balances office work with remote field assignments. Fieldwork often involves solo ventures into remote forest lands accessed by private unimproved roads, necessitating off-road driving skills. Expect extended periods outdoors, including adverse weather conditions like summer heat and extreme cold. Travel to properties across Washington is required, potentially involving out-of-town and overnight stays to projects in Central Washington, North and Central Idaho, Western Montana, and NE and Central Oregon (expenses covered).
Salary and Benefits:
- Expected salary range: $60,000-$90,000. Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Additional compensation:
- Company provided vehicle with unlimited personal use
- Eligible for annual and new business bonus plans
- Paid vacations, sick time and holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision healthcare plans
- Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
- 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
- Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program
- Company assigned cellular phone
Join us in our commitment to forest management excellence and a dynamic work environment. Apply now to contribute your expertise to our team!
About AFM
For over 50 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land. We remain dedicated to our vision of making land ownership more rewarding by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property. Through expert services and decades of experience, we build lasting relationships grounded in trust and shared success.
We are committed to high-quality, sustainable forest management and responsible environmental stewardship. Our approach to sustainability is rooted in our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—which guide every aspect of our forestry consulting operations and drive us to promote sustainable business practices.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.
