Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category M&P - AAPS
Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Business Operations, Level D
Job Title Interim Manager, Alex Fraser Research Forest (Leave Replacement)
Department University Research Forest Operations
Compensation Range $8,305.08 - $12,952.33 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date November 10, 2024
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date Oct 31, 2025
1 year leave replacement position.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Interim Manager of the Alex Fraser Research Forest in Williams Lake, BC. This role offers a unique opportunity to manage a multi-faceted research and education facility while working in a vibrant community at the heart of British Columbia's forestry sector.
The Interim Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the research forest, overseeing its operations, and financial health. This includes leading a team of professionals, and managing crown land tenures. The role requires a strong combination of leadership, business acumen, and a passion for forestry education and research.
Organizational Status
This position reports directly to the Associate Dean, Research Forests and Community Outreach, within the UBC Faculty of Forestry. The AFRF comprises 9,800 hectares of crown land and a 55-acre private parcel that serves as the office and accommodation hub for operations. The Interim Manager will collaborate with faculty and staff across UBC and work closely with local and provincial stakeholders to ensure the sustainable management of the forest.
Work Performed

• Manages all activities within the research forest, ensuring all operational aspects are aligned with UBCs research, educational, and sustainability goals. Oversees areas such as forest management, research support, educational program delivery, and public access, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and university standards.
• Manages budgets and staff resources across all units, ensuring effective allocation of financial and human resources. Prepares budget forecasts, revenue forecasts, monitors expenditures, and manages financial reporting to maintain accountability and meet financial goals/ expectations.
• Maintain and update comprehensive policies, procedures, and systems to support consistent and safe forest operations. This includes refining standard operating procedures for forest management, safety protocols, research activities, and public engagement programs.
• Oversees inventory management, facilities, and security systems, ensuring that all resources, equipment, and infrastructure are maintained and secure. Coordinates with staff to ensure equipment is available, functional, and regularly serviced for research, educational programs, and forest maintenance activities.

• Execution of major equipment purchases and renovations.
• Provides staff leadership and development, conducting regular training, safety drills, and team meetings to ensure effective performance and professional growth. Manages recruitment, onboarding, performance evaluations, and other HR-related duties for the team.
• Ensures compliance with UBC safety and environmental standards, conducting regular risk assessments, safety audits, and reviews of operating procedures to minimize hazards and ensure a safe working environment for staff, researchers, and visitors.
• Collaborates with academic staff and program coordinators to ensure that the forests educational programs are effectively integrated into UBCs broader learning objectives. Supports the delivery of programs such as field courses, workshops, and community outreach events.
• Liaises with government agencies, Indigenous partners, industry representatives, and community organizations to foster collaborations, ensure regulatory compliance, and enhance research and educational outcomes.
• Manages operational challenges by adapting to unexpected changes in forest conditions, weather events, or program needs. Implements solutions that minimize disruptions while maintaining the safety and integrity of the forest and its programs.
• Participates in planning activities by providing input on operational needs, infrastructure upgrades, and resource requirements based on day-to-day observations and feedback from staff and researchers.
• Performs other related duties to support the successful operation of the research forest and its alignment with UBCs mission.

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Decisions made affect worker and public safety and sustainability on 10,000 ha of public forest land, creating legal and financial liabilities for the Faculty and the University, and affecting the reputation of the University within the forestry profession, the surrounding community and broader public. The financial authority of the position enables the self-supporting mandate of the AFRF. Errors in decisions can adversely affect the Faculty s and the University s legal, reputational and financial interests.
Supervision Received
This position works independently to initiate, coordinate and carry out the day-to-day management of the AFRF, under the broad direction of the Associate Dean, Research Forests and Community Outreach. The incumbent is expected to work cooperatively with faculty and staff of the Faculty of Forestry, government agencies, First Nations and stakeholders, and resolve problems of a technical or policy nature with only goal based supervision.
Supervision Given
Manages a full time staff of 6 UBC employees, up to 4 seasonal employees and volunteers, and up to 30 contract employees.
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of six years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with ones own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing ones own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Forestry is required; a post-graduate degree in Forestry or a related discipline is an asset.
• Membership or eligibility for membership with the Association of BC Professional Foresters is an asset.
• At least 5 years of experience in forest management, including planning and operations on forest lands in British Columbia.
• Strong knowledge of BC's forestry regulations and crown land tenure systems.
• Experience managing professional teams, contractors, and a variable budget.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in financial management, including budget planning, cost control, and forecasting
• Familiarity with various silvicultural systems, logging methods, and forest protection practices
• Strong computer literacy, including the use of word processing, spreadsheets, and database software.
• Class V Drivers License, Level I First Aid Certificate, and S100 Fire Suppression Certificate
• Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, on challenging terrain, and in remote areas.
• Willingness to travel regularly to UBCs Vancouver campus and the Malcolm Knapp Research Forest in Maple Ridge.