Director, Operations & Strategy

Job Title: Director, Operations & Strategy

Location: Brookton, ME (with regular remote office/work from home flexibility)

www.baskahegan.com

Description: Baskahegan Company is a 106-year-old (5th generation) family company that owns and manages 150,000 acres of natural forest in eastern Maine. With a focus on economically sustainable, ecologically sound and socially responsible forest and land management, the Company seeks a motivated leader to join the Baskahegan team. This person will be a key player in the next chapter of a legacy underpinned by values of care for the lands, waters, wildlife and local communities. Reporting to the President & CEO (a 4th generation family member), this role oversees a small team of professionals that include a Forestry Operations Manager, GIS/Wood Supply Analyst, Forest Resource Specialist, and a part-time Office Manager/Bookkeeper.

The ideal candidate will have many of the following skills and experience:

• Experience managing direct reports.
• Understanding of forest management economics.
• Knowledge of general accounting practices and procedures.
• Experience in the forestry or forestry-related business.
• Familiarity with carbon markets and projects.
• Experience or familiarity with timber cruising and forest inventories.
• Familiarity with certification programs (e.g. SFI, FSC).
• Experience working with accountants or financial auditors.
• Technology expertise, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel), Google Workspace and GIS software.
• Experience with any of the following a plus: QuickBooks, Spatial Woodstock (Remsoft), LiDAR data, Caribou, WALDO.

The ideal candidate will have the following credentials:

• A Bachelor’s Degree.
• A Master’s Degree in Forestry or another relevant field a plus.
• A valid Maine Forester License or willingness to become licensed.

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes and ways of working:

• A commitment to integrity and the highest ethical standards.
• A commitment to sustainable forest management and an appreciation for natural-stand silviculture.
• Strong initiative and natural curiosity.
• Attention to detail to ensure tasks are completed thoroughly and correctly.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex data or concepts for a range of audiences.
• A collaborative mindset and a desire for continuous improvement.
• The ability to inspire confidence in and build relationships with shareholders.
• A desire for thought partnership with a blend of strategic thinking and analytical rigor.

The primary responsibilities are to:

• Oversee, coordinate and support the activities of the Forestry Operations Manager, GIS/Wood Supply Analysist, Forest Resource Specialist, and part-time Office Manager/Bookkeeper.
• In partnership with the team, plan for annual harvest strategies (volume, species mix, stand profiles, operational considerations).
• Support the Forestry Operations Manager in merchandising forest products.
• Provide input to the President on budgets and forecasts.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with vendors, contractors and customers.
• Pursue new customers and opportunities.
• Assist the President with identifying and analyzing land acquisitions.
• Track the latest developments (opportunities and challenges) in the forest products markets in Maine and New Brunswick.
• Assist (off-site) accounting team with weekly, monthly and annual accounting questions.
• Provide assistance to the team in coordinating and preparing for the annual SFI audit.
• Provide general administrative leadership and support to daily operations.
• Oversee Company hardware and software assets and web-based subscriptions.
• Coordinate tri-annual Company appraisal and provide necessary market and inventory information.
• Prepare for and attend board meetings, providing content to the President in the weeks leading up to each meeting.
• Assist the President in planning and coordinating tours and on-site meetings.
• Represent the Company in policy, research and/or education forums.
• Administer summer internship program.
• Other projects as assigned or pursued.

Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Deadline: Position is open until filled.