Assistant Operations Manager

About Forest Solutions:

For more than 25 years, Forest Solutions Inc. (FSI) has been the leading forestry and land management company in Hawaiʻi. We specialize in a diverse range of forest management services, including some of the largest tree planting projects in the state, targeted control of invasive species, wildfire pre-suppression, native forest management, establishment and maintenance of native and exotic timber plantations, forest inventory, development of traditional agroforest systems, forest planning and permitting, and community engagement. We are a team-oriented small business with project managers, foresters and natural resource specialists, forest technicians, and field crews that all contribute experience and insight to addressing resource management challenges in Hawaiʻi.

Our work is always practical, rewarding, based on best available science, informed by field observations and experience, and connected to Hawai‘i’s biocultural heritage. Our forest technicians support a variety of forest management work across hundreds of thousands of acres of Hawai‘i’s forests.

As a part of our diverse team, you can have a role in shaping the future of large-scale forest management in Hawaiʻi! For example, in support of our client’s projects, FSI planted over 1,000,000 native plants across 3,500 acres, including the largest native forest restoration project in the state.

As a part of our diverse team, you can have a role in shaping the future of large-scale forest management in Hawaiʻi! If you value Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural resources, enjoy working in the rugged outdoors in beautiful locations, and want to engage in worthwhile conservation work - this position is for you!

About the Job:

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Assistant Operations Manager to enhance and scale our forest management projects on Hawai‘i Island. This entry to mid-level position, reporting to a Senior Forester, focuses on project implementation, planning, and problem-solving in areas such as planting, weed control, access maintenance, and forest products. Key responsibilities include crew supervision, safety, herbicide application, heavy equipment operations, and remote data collection. The role involves assisting in the coordination and execution of forestry operations, ensuring project objectives are met efficiently. A strong background in forestry or natural resource management, along with excellent organizational and leadership skills, is desirable.

The work location varies widely, typically involving off-road travel across Hawaiʻi Island within 30 minutes to 2 hours in the Kohala, Ka‘ū, and Kona regions. Locations and projects may change frequently, including off-island assignments. The role provides specialized guidance on Forest Solutions projects, coordinates focused projects, and supports the team as needed.

Duties include extended off-road driving in remote areas, supervising work crews, monitoring project progress, and hiking up to 6 miles through dense forests and rain. Expect 2-3 helicopter flights per year for remote work or field operations.

Office time is minimal, usually less than one day per week, for tasks like procurement, GPS and drone data management, equipment maintenance, and progress reporting. Regular interaction with land management professionals is required for project coordination and field condition reporting.

Work is project-based and highly responsive to client needs and timelines. Flexibility, a sense of purpose, and self-motivation are essential, in addition to technical skills. This is a full time, year-round position with supervisory responsibilities. The position is expected to be 80% or more outdoor work and 20% or less office time.

Principal responsibilities:

• Assist senior forester in supporting project organization, planning, field crews, tracking work progress, and inspecting the quality of fieldwork;
• Review operation safety and implement improvements;
• Collect, process and analyze GPS information;
• Supervise heavy equipment operations – site preparation, road maintenance, maintaining equipment maintenance logs;
• Ensure the correct use and maintenance of field equipment, tractors, skidder, excavator, crawler tractors, review equipment use logs;
• Apply and supervise the application of pesticides in accordance with the label and legal requirements, including personal protective equipment, verify the correct application methods by field crews;
• Represent company or clients at public and private meetings in a professional manner.
• Assist in preparing annual work budgets, project proposal, and estimate the cost of completing projects.

Candidate Selection Criteria:

The successful candidate will have bachelor’s degree in forestry, botany, natural resource management, biology, or related field; or 4-6 years of equivalent field experience with some formal training.

Essential Qualifications:

• Willingness and ability to work alone or in small teams in remote locations, with little or no mobile phone coverage.
• Physically able to walk long distances in rugged terrain, over sharp lava fields or in thick forests for a full workday collecting field data in all weather. Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Experience operating small powered tools safely such as weed eaters, chain saw, etc.
• Experience in the use of a computer and Microsoft Office suite, basic knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS software, able to upload/download GPS data.
• Willing to mix and apply pesticides and chemical fertilizers in strict accordance with label requirements.
• Able to drive 4WD, manual transmission vehicles on rough roads, valid US driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Able to legally work in the United States at the time of hire.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the ecology of native Hawaiian flora and fauna
• Experience with field equipment – bulldozer, excavator, UTV/ATV, tractor
• Supervisory experience, including as a team leader
• Speak or understand languages other than English

Compensation & Benefits:

Competitive compensation starts at $60,000 per year, depending on experience; option for vehicle allowance with stipend provided for off-road work, or use of company vehicles; 401K retirement plan; healthcare including general, dental, and vision; and PTO policy plus holiday pay.