Forest Operations MAnager POSITION

Position: Forest Operations Manager


Location: Te Awahōhonu Forest Trust, Napier 

 

Te Awahōhonu Forest Trust is an āhuwhenua land trust with big aspirations for our whenua and our whānau. The Trust manages two large sheep and beef stations, a 6,100ha plantation forest and 10,000ha of pristine native forest. A board of five trustees is responsible for the protection of the Trust asset on behalf of approximately 1,500 owners


As the trust business is growing, we are now looking for our next highly valued kai hoe, our Forest Operations Manager.


Role overview


We are seeking a hands-on Forester to lead and deliver operational forest growing activities across the Trust’s commercial forest estate, support biodiversity/restoration work in native areas, support forest hunting access and work closely with the Trust’s leadership, whānau, staff and contractors.

The Forest Operations Manager will be responsible for planning and managing the establishment, silviculture and crop protection operations whilst supporting the team and contractors on H&S, Environmental and FSC compliance.


About You
 
You are an experienced forester wanting to create sustainable, high-quality forests that will be a legacy for the Trust. As part of our team, you’ll help drive collaboration, share best practices, and set high forestry standards across our operations. You’ll also work closely with forestry contractors and our farm team to ensure expectations are met and engage with our whānau.
 

Preferred skills


  • Experience managing people and forestry projects
  • Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder engagement skills
  • Strong background in silvicultural operations, including planting, pruning, thinning, weed and pest control, forest health management, road and track maintenance, and wilding pine control.
  • Ability to develop and manage operational forestry budgets
  • Experience in setting and negotiating contracts
  • Strong skills in scheduling forestry operations
  • A relevant tertiary qualification
  • Proficiency with ArcMap and Geomaster
  • Experience with certification schemes (e.g., FSC/PEFC)


What we offer

  •  Meaningful work that combines sustainable production forestry with taonga protection and community outcomes.
  • A competitive salary, vehicle, and professional development opportunities will be provided to the right candidate
  • A supportive workplace connected to whenua and whānau.


Please send your CV and a covering letter to applications@teawahohonu.co.nz by the 10th of April 2026


A full job description is available on request.