Job Description

At J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) Woodlands, our role as stewards of the land is one of the most important that we play. Our business begins with managing and protecting the forest. We are dedicated to sustainable forest management, research, conservation, and protecting our forests from fire and insect outbreaks. Focused on rigorous land management and responsible stewardship, JDI Woodlands is guided by a 100-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water, and wildlife. We are committed to applying disciplined science, advanced technology and best practices while ensuring accountability through independent audits and environmental certification.


Forest Patrol Limited, a subsidiary of JDI Woodlands, is responsible for aerial applications, aerial fire suppression, and forest management planning flights. We operate four Air Tractor 802s, a Quest Kodiak, and two Bell 407 helicopters. Our pilots and ground support staff work seasonally at our airbase and camp in Juniper, New Brunswick.


Forest Patrol Ltd. is seeking an Operations Manager who wants to join a family-owned business and lead a team of dedicated pilots and ground operations staff. The ideal candidate will be seeking a long-term, full-time managerial role. The Manager reports to the JDI Woodlands Chief Forester.



What We Offer:

• Work in a safety conscious environment
• Flexible Benefits Package to meet the needs of you and your family, including Health & Dental, Life Insurance, Short & Long-term disability, RRSP Contributions
• Annual wellness reimbursement
• Work with the best equipment and latest technology in the industry


• General management of Forest Patrol's operations, 15 direct reports and assets, including: supervision, performance management, administration, budgeting and forecasting, daily operations, and leadership at the Juniper Airbase during the operational season, from May - October
• Coordinate with the Chief Pilot and Chief Aircraft Maintenance Engineer for aerial programming, pilot succession planning, pilot training, maintenance scheduling, and regulatory compliance
• Ownership of the safety and environmental management programs
• Divisional forest fire planning, training, aerial response and efficiency, equipment strategy and inventory management
• Head Office Liaison role for seasonal forest fire management
• Develop proficiency in role of Aerial Supervisor, to work with the Birddog pilot to lead forest fire response and aerial application programs, and participate in emergency response and aerial programs
• Coordinate with Forest Protection Limited and the Province on large scale insect and fire protection and mitigation strategies, including research, planning, training, and operational efficiencies
• Develop and lead JDI's Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM), including: working with consultants, suppliers, industry experts, and regulatory bodies to build a cost effective aerial and ground herbicide spray strategy; continual improvement of BMPs; coordination of aerial programming with JDI Woodlands Regional Foresters; and aerial applicator contractor management
• Manage all herbicide and insecticide inventory for divisional programming
• Manage and administer pesticide application permits, training, and compliance
• Budget, program, and training planning, annual reporting, and administration from November - March at a JDI Woodlands office (Saint John or Fredericton)
• Process improvement initiatives


• A minimum of 5 years of leadership and management experience,
• Preference will be given to an individual with professional aviation experience including aerial application (insecticide and herbicide), aerial fire suppression, and/or airbase management.
• Post-secondary education in aviation and/or forestry
• Willingness to live at the Juniper Airbase and camp as required during the operational months of May - October
• Valid Canadian Passport and the ability to travel across international borders for training and conferences as required
• Valid Canadian Driver's license with clean abstract
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to manage demanding workloads in fast-paced operational environment


At Irving Woodlands , we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife.


Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.



Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.
We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.
Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.
We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.