The Gorman Group is a modern and innovative forest products company comprised of six divisions across the Interior of British Columbia and Northern Washington State. With a strong commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, the Gorman Group is proud to be a trusted leader in the forest industry. We believe our people are our greatest strength, and their involvement and contributions are essential to our continued success. Our operations reflect a dedication to operational excellence, safety, and responsible forest stewardship.
We are seeking a highly experienced Planning Forester to join our Southern Woodlands Planning Team, based in West Kelowna. This is a senior role requiring extensive operational and strategic forestry experience, with a strong emphasis on building and maintaining meaningful, long-term partnerships. The successful candidate will play a critical leadership role in advancing planning initiatives through collaborative, respectful, and effective engagement with Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide strong safety leadership across all planning activities.
- Lead the development of cutting and road permits in close collaboration with First Nations, ensuring alignment with shared objectives and commitments.
- Build, maintain, and strengthen trusted, long-term relationships with Indigenous communities, as well as government, stakeholders, and the public.
- Facilitate ongoing information sharing, consultation, and engagement with First Nations.
- Oversee preparation of Site Plans, permit applications, and appraisal analysis.
- Supervise consultants to achieve timber development objectives.
- Identify and implement operational efficiencies and contribute to Forest Landscape Planning initiatives.
- Demonstrated and hands-on experience overseeing and peer reviewing the work of other forest professionals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with FPBC.
- Minimum 15+ years of forestry experience, including leadership of complex operational and/or strategic planning programs.
- Demonstrated, hands-on experience working collaboratively with First Nations, including consultation, relationship-building, and joint planning initiatives.
- Proven ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with professionalism and cultural awareness.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Commitment to safety and responsible forest stewardship.
- Valid drivers’ license.
SALARY RANGE: We offer a competitive compensation package based on your skills and experience. The expected base salary range for this position is $100,000 - $145,000 per year.
ABOUT US:
The Gorman Group of Companies is family owned and proudly made up of Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd., Canoe Forest Products, Oroville Reman and Reload, Downie Timber and Selkirk Cedar, Lumby Pole, and Similkameen Forest Products. For 75 years, we have been known for creating The Finest Boards and other specialty wood products. Perhaps even more, we are known for working together.
The Gorman Group is more than just a group of companies…we are a family! We value the family roots that connect us and the employees that work for us. We believe our employees are fundamental to our success as we strive to become the employer of choice through our strong family values, culture, community involvement, innovation, and constant drive for excellence.
The Gorman Group is committed to the well-being of future generations and is fully committed to responsible and sustainable forest management of the lands where our operations are conducted. Our commitment to the environment encompasses the highest levels of stewardship and welcomes accountability.
WE OFFER:
- Family supporting jobs and a safe place to build your career
- Competitive pay, benefits and pension plan
- Employee and Family Assistance Program
- Diverse work opportunities
- An open and innovative culture
- A progressive and dynamic work environment
We are more than a company…we are a community! We believe this community begins at work and with YOU!
We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't meet every single qualification. If you're passionate about the role and eager to learn, we'd love to hear from you! Applications will be accepted until July 31, 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Gorman Group is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce in a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
Follow us on LinkedIn (https://ca.linkedin.com/company/downie-timber-selkirk-cedar), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/downieselkrik/), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/downie_selkirk/) to stay up to date on Gorman Group news and job postings.
