What you can expect:
- the chance to work outdoors in the Yukon’s stunning natural landscapes;
- sustainably manage our forests alongside a dedicated team;
- a dynamic and rewarding work environment – no 2 days are the same;
- employment with one of Canada's Top 100 Employers;
- hands-on forestry experience to grow your career; and
- excellent benefits, pension and job security.
What we do
Our foresters provide expert advice on sustainable forest management. They conduct research, develop plans and oversee programs for managing and harvesting forest resources. Working closely with First Nations, industry partners and stakeholders, they help interpret regulations and ensure forests are managed responsibly for future generations.
Our development foresters collaborate with foresters, forest technicians, First Nations and industry partners to guide forest management standards, permitting and best practices.
Pay and benefits
Forester salary: $99,800 - $115,857/year and development forester salary: $85,225 - $98,818/year.
Pay is based on the Yukon Employees Union pay grid. Learn more about benefits and leave here.
Your role
Forester:
- lead strategic forest resource planning to support long-term sustainability;
- develop and oversee policies, procedures, and operational plans for responsible forest management;
- lead negotiations, consultations, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring effective collaboration with First Nations, government departments, and industry partners;
- manage tenure administration and silviculture strategies to maintain forest health and productivity;
- guide and oversee timber harvest planning, road construction, licensing, and permitting;
- provide leadership and training for contractors, seasonal staff, students, and colleagues; and
- collaborate with other Yukon government departments, Yukon First Nations, and federal and provincial jurisdictions on forest management initiatives.
Development forester:
- develop operational and site-level plans to support sustainable forest harvesting and a viable industry;
- assists in negotiations, consultations and stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment with forest management standards;
- analyze data, conduct assessments and implement forest management strategies for planning, inventory, operations and environmental impact analysis;
- oversee procurement and manage contracts related to forest development activities; and
- support licensing and permitting for commercial and personal harvesting.
Training:
- Comprehensive field safety training;
- opportunities for technical courses, field trips and conferences; and
- Yukon government-supported leadership and professional development programs.
Recruiting process
1. Resume review.
2. Written assignment.
3. Interview.
4. Reference checks.
5. Conditions of employment.
6. Offer of employment.
Job requirements
A degree in Forest Resource Management or a related field is required for both forester and development forester positions.
A day in the life
As a forester in the Yukon, every day is an adventure! Some days you’ll be drafting timber harvest plans and meeting with First Nations to collaborate on forestry initiatives. Other days, you’ll be out in the field using drones, ATVs and snowmobiles to survey areas and plan silviculture projects. You may also work alongside Wildland Fire Management on fuel abatement activities. Your role blends outdoor adventure with strategic planning, ensuring Yukon’s forests remain healthy and productive for years to come.
Contact
To learn more about the positions in the Forestry branch, contact Jennifer Russell, operations manager at [email protected].
For information about the recruitment process, contact Fiona Solon, manager, Human Resources at [email protected].