General Manager, Silviculture

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Working Arrangement

Job Description

The Opportunity

Manulife Forest Management (MFM) Southern Division along with Northeast and Lake State Operations currently consists of timberland investments approximating 2.1 million acres within the 11 southern states including Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma as well as the Lake States and Northeastern states of Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York and Maine.  

The General Manager is responsible for managing silviculture programs, technical programs and cooperative research related to genetic improvement, reforestation, vegetative competition control and forest nutrition.  Furthermore, this position is responsible for oversight of the Southern Division Land Records program.   We are seeking a knowledgeable and committed professional with a commitment to socially responsible investments and sustainable forest management. 

Key Responsibilities

• Motivate and lead a team of professionals
• Develop and maintain a strong, service-oriented relationship with appropriate MIMT personnel. 
• Ensure client fiduciary obligations are met and maintained.
• Demonstrates a dedication to a zero-harm safety culture, continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Service the continuous information and communication needs of multiple teams across the U.S. South
• Provide leadership to 3+/- positions as direct reports focused on silviculture and land records programs for the US South. 
• In conjunction with the Resource Support Team (RST), perform cost/benefit analysis and implement, as appropriate, the latest forest management technologies and tools. 
•  Coordinate and perform training functions related to MIMT/MFM policies, procedures and continuing education needs for division personnel.
• Assume a lead role with divisional involvement in various cooperative research programs including:    

•  NC State Tree Improvement Cooperative (NCSTIC)

   NC State Forest Nutrition Cooperative (NCSFNC)

  Western Gulf Tree Improvement Cooperative

  All other research cooperatives where appropriate and needed

• Provide lead role for MIMT/MFM’s genetic programs and seedling procurement programs for MFM’s Southern Division.

• Provide support and consulting to operational personnel in areas related to harvesting, planning, reforestation, and silviculture.

• Assist in policy and procedure development and implementation. Ensure compliance with MIMT and MFM policies and procedures. Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
•  Coordinate division-level Request for Proposal (RFP) efforts related to silviculture activities along with any needed management and support for procurement.  This includes, but is not limited to Reforestation, Seed and/or Seedlings, Chemical Applications and Inputs, Forest Fertilization Applications and Inputs.
• Participate in appropriate industry associations and committees.
• Continuously assesses opportunities for improving the efficiency and efficacy of MFM’s silvicultural systems  while increasing profitability and growth while reducing risk
• Proven ability to achieve superior outcomes in negotiations with contractors, suppliers and governments.

What are we looking for

• A bachelor's degree in Forestry or equivalent experience as required
• A Graduate degree in forestry or related science field is highly desirable
• Minimum 10 years forest or silviculture management experience
• Minimum 5 years organizational and team supervision experience
• Proficient knowledge of forest genetics and current tree improvement methods.
•  Proficient in southern pine silviculture and management, including associated management cost and return expectations, discounted cash flow analysis, harvest administration, and timber marketing.
• Familiarity with timberland accounting, inventory/GIS systems land records, and general forestry operations.
• Knowledgeable in silvicultural prescriptions and soils.
•  Proficient in knowledge and experience associated with the Sustainable Forestry Initiative.
• Knowledgeable in safety-related management.
• Must have exc