VAST Resource Solutions Inc. (VAST) is a diverse environmental, engineering and forestry consulting company. We are a trusted advisor and regional expert, delivering professional and practical solutions for complex and challenging projects across multiple industries. VAST is a locally owned business based in Cranbrook, British Columbia (BC) and gives back to the communities we serve throughout the beautiful Kootenay regions of BC.
VAST embraces a culture that provides a welcoming and empowering environment for our employees to advance their careers, embrace new challenges, and grow their expertise while working within a collaborative, energetic, and passionate team. Employees are truly valued and respected, allowing for flexibility, creativity and an innovative approach to work/life balance.
For more information on this position and how to apply please see the link below.
Tree Planting is ideal for financially motivated individuals looking to challenge themselves. It is extremely demanding but it is also very rewarding in terms of personal growth and compensation. We are a large social camp, with a good work life balance.
For more information on this job posting and how to apply please see the link below.
Research & Development Intern; University of Rosenheim, Germany
“As a research and development intern at the University of Rosenheim in Germany, I have had the pleasure of immersing myself in a new culture both inside and outside of work.
The opportunity to live and work in another country without permanent employment has been cherished due to the finite timeline of the internship, allowing for a valuable experience without a long-term commitment.
Lastly, gaining insights into the forest industry in another country has been exceptionally interesting, highlighting both similarities and differences. For students interested in traveling or participating in an exchange study program, international co-op should be considered as a more productive alternative.”
Dan Macmaster graduated from the Master of Sustainable Forest Management program at UBC Forestry. He is currently working as the Forestry Manager and Registered Professional Forester (RPF) for the Osoyoos Indian Band and West Boundary Community Forest.
What drew you to pursue the MSFM program at UBC Forestry, and how has it impacted your career?
I was a high school teacher for 15 years and really wanted to try something new in the forestry field. Being able to transfer from teaching to forestry through MSFM was perfect. The program recognized all the work that I’ve done in my “first career” and as a result, I did not have to start from scratch as I began my “second career” in forestry. MSFM gave me the opportunity to become an RPF and work in the forest industry in a very short time frame.
Can you share a pivotal moment or experience during your time in the program that significantly shaped your approach to sustainable forest management?
The 558 project linked me with a company called Vaagen Fibre Canada where I completed a modelling project on their private land. Vaagen hired me right after the program was done and I worked there for 10 years as a manager. Even though that mill has shut down, this job brought me lots of opportunities and solidified my place in this industry.
How do you believe forest management initiatives contribute to addressing contemporary environmental challenges, and what role do you see alumni from this program playing in such efforts?
All of our lands should be managed in one form or another. MSFM provided an understanding that collaboration and communication are critical to all forest management decisions. With over 250 MSFM’ers out there in the industry today, one would think we are making a solid impact! I run into MSFM students all the time in the industry and government.
In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing issues facing sustainable forest management today, and how can professionals in this field navigate and address these challenges?
Involving First Nations at the start of all decisions on the land base. Developing partnerships (as a First Nations forestry manager) with other licencees and stakeholders is critical. Professionals can navigate the challenges in our forest industry by being creative, using the skills that the MSFM program taught us, and directly work with the local entities that influence land management decisions.
Could you highlight a post-graduation project or initiative that reflects the skills and knowledge gained from the MSFM program?
I’d say that developing a forestry department from scratch at the Osoyoos Indian Band was based on the knowledge I received from MSFM. There was a strong focus in my program in 2012/13 that First Nations will be at the forefront of forestry decision-making in the years to come. Back then, FN did not have anywhere close to the presence in land managing decisions as that they do today. I made those connections early and was ahead of the curve for Indigenous relationships thanks to the direction of the program.
What advice would you offer to current students or individuals considering pursuing a similar path in sustainable forest management?
Go to every conference or convention you can. Network. Hand out business cards. Meet people in the industry. Don’t settle for a “pigeonhole” job at a major licencee when you can make a much bigger difference working for a community forest or First Nation. It’s not WHAT you know sometimes, but WHO you know. Don’t focus on high-end modeling and detailed policies – that is not what helps local rural communities and First Nations get employment and bring in revenue. Start at the ground level when you are making decisions and relationships, not at the 10,000 foot level where no one in the Interior BC small town knows or cares what you’re talking about. Understand First Nations forestry management and community forests because they are the future. You will be responsible for the livelihood of so many rural communities, so get out there and be great!
Chartwell Resource Group Ltd. is looking for an ENGINEERING SUMMER STUDENT to join our team for the 2024 field season. The position will be primarily based out of our North Vancouver office, although alternate locations will be considered for the right applicant. Applicants should expect a heavy field component in their duties and must be willing to travel within the province for up to 10 days at a time. Successful candidates will get hands-on experience using Total Stations, RTK-GPS and other survey methods. Your work will be under the supervision of our EGBC and/or FPBC accredited members. Work terms of 4 or 8 months will be considered.
For more information about this position and how to apply please see the link below.
Chartwell Resource Group Ltd. is looking for outstanding individuals to join our Engineering and Roads team. Our mission is to provide the highest calibre of service to meet the needs of our clients, and we are only as good as the people on our team. We are looking a full-time intermediate ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN, to fulfill key roles within of our diverse and professional team. The position can be based out of any of our office locations (North Vancouver, Squamish, Chilliwack, or Sechelt). Consideration for a remote work-from-home arrangement may be considered for the right candidates. Professional designation(s) are considered an asset but are not required. Candidates with senior levels of experience are encouraged to apply and will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
For more information about this position and how to apply please see the link below.
Generous Forest Services (Genfor) is a full-phase natural resource management company based out of Southern Vancouver Island. Our headquarters is in downtown Duncan with satellite offices in Port Alberni, Nanaimo, and Qualicum Beach. Genfor provides forest engineering, silviculture site plans, timber evaluation, GIS analysis, and LIDAR drone services across coastal British Columbia. Our expanding client base includes community forests, woodlots, tree farm licenses, private landowners, and First Nation tenures. Genfor’s mission is to provide professional services while maintaining a safe and respectable work environment for our employees.
For more information about this position and how to apply please see the link below.
Field Research Assistant; Organization for Tropical Studies; South Africa
I have been working on a variety of research projects as the Field Research Assistant in South Africa this fall, including vegetation sampling, baobab tree surveys, and camera trap maintenance. I have learned many technological skills using equipment throughout this position, specifically deploying camera traps and taking vegetation measurements. In tandem with my technological knowledge, I have also honed many transferable skills which will aid me in future positions, such as leadership, and organization.
Being a Patrick Duffy International Work Award winner has allowed me to pursue this position in South Africa in combination with the University of British Columbia, Organization for Tropical Studies, and Colorado State University, enriching myself professionally and personally. Having the opportunity to work internationally through the Forestry Co-op Program has made me a well-rounded person equipped with many skills that will assist me in future positions.
Pacificus is a dynamic environmental consulting company that offers professional guidance based on scientific expertise. We have registered professional biologists, biologists, technologists, and commercial divers on our team that conduct assessments, provide recommendations, and assist clients through their development and research projects. We have expertise in freshwater and marine coastal ecosystems and provide an environment to grow your career.
See the link below for more information on the job posting and how to apply.
Pacificus is a dynamic environmental consulting company that offers professional guidance based on scientific expertise. We have registered professional biologists, biologists, technologists, and commercial divers on our team that conduct assessments, provide recommendations, and assist clients through their development and research projects. We have expertise in freshwater and marine coastal ecosystems and provide an environment to grow your career.
See the link below for more information on the position and how to apply.
