Forester I

Join the vibrant team at American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) as a Forester in the western UP of Michigan. Reporting directly to the District Manager, this role plays a pivotal part in comprehensive forest management, participating in planning, permitting, timber harvest, road construction, silviculture, client reporting, and budgeting. You’ll also handle additional duties assigned by the District and Region Manager. 

More about who we are: 

American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM).  Founded in 1966, AFM is a leading national forestry consulting firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company sustainably manages and provides timberland consulting and real estate services for privately owned timberland throughout the United States, Panama and Costa Rica, AFM’s team of professionals is focused on meeting client needs by providing a complete range of forestry services. Our small regionally dispersed offices allow us to provide individualized services, and our large overall size allows us to coordinate teams of foresters and technical specialists for large, complex jobs. 

AFM’s team of professionals is focused on meeting client needs by providing a complete range of forestry services including land and wildlife management, land sale and acquisition services, forest inventory and design, growth and yield modeling, cash flow projections, environmental and farmland services, appraisal, forest resource data management and harvest scheduling.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• All aspects of fieldwork, office work, analysis, and reporting to landowner/client.
• Lead silviculture and reforestation planning, managing contracts efficiently.
• Design and secure permits for harvest unit layouts in a multifaceted regulatory landscape.
• Oversee road construction, maintenance, permitting, and contract administration.
• Collaborate in budget development and management.
• Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) for effective property management.
• Operate within the FSC/SFI objectives.
• Fulfill other assignments from the District and Region Manager.

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry or related field OR Associate’s Degree in Forestry with 2+ years of experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient team player with adaptability.
• Capability to work in challenging field conditions.
• Valid Driver’s License with safe vehicle operation skills.
• Preferred experience with QGIS and ArcGIS software.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools like Word and Excel.
• Soft Skills: communication, teamwork, problem-solving, adaptability, attention to detail, time management and decision-making.

Location: Houghton, MI  

Work Environment:  

This role balances office work with remote field assignments. Fieldwork often involves solo ventures into remote forest lands accessed by private unimproved roads, necessitating off-road driving skills. Expect extended periods outdoors, including adverse weather conditions like summer heat and extreme cold. Travel to properties across upper Michigan is required, potentially involving out-of-town and overnight stays (expenses covered). 

Salary and Benefits:  

• Expected salary commensurate with experience.
• Additional compensation:
• Company provided vehicle with unlimited personal use
• Eligible for annual and new business bonus plans
• Paid vacations, sick time and holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision healthcare plans
• Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
• 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
• Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program

To apply, please click here

Join us in our commitment to forest management excellence and a dynamic work environment. Apply now to contribute your expertise to our team! 

About AFM 

For over 50 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land. We remain dedicated to our vision of making land ownership more rewarding by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property. Through expert services and decades of experience, we build lasting relationships grounded in trust and shared success. 

We are committed to high-quality, sustainable forest management and responsible environmental stewardship. Our approach to sustainability is rooted in our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—which guide every aspect of our forestry consulting operations and drive us to promote sustainable business practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.