Description
AFM’s Columbia Gorge, Washington District has an opening for a District Manager position reporting to the Region Manager. The position is responsible for the management of 43,000 acres of forestland owned by private families in the Columbia Gorge. It is also responsible for managing government and tribal contracts as well as non-industrial private forestland work, including implementing forest and fuel reduction projects utilizing a variety of cost-share and grant funding. The position is responsible for maintaining current client relations, as well as expanding AFM’s client base and presence in the region, cultivating strong relationships with both existing and prospective clients.
In this role, a successful candidate will lead a team of three employees while mentoring, developing, and guiding them to achieve their career goals. The District Manager serves as the primary face of AFM within the district and is expected to actively engage with clients, contractors, industry partners, agencies, and the broader forestry community across the Pacific Northwest.
Activities include internal and client budget preparation, timber sales and marketing, harvesting, reforestation, silviculture, road construction and maintenance, contract negotiation, certification compliance, easement monitoring, grazing lease administration, environmental compliance, forest and fuel reduction projects, and non-industrial private forestland management.
District Manager – Columbia Gorge, Washington
American Forest Management, Inc. seeks a skilled District Manager for its Columbia Gorge District. Reporting to the Region Manager, this role involves overseeing 43,000 acres of forestland in Washington in the Columbia Gorge region, as well as non-industrial private forestland management activities. The District Manager will play a crucial role in managing existing operations, developing and strengthening client relationships, driving new business in forest management, and supervising a team of three current employees.
This is a relationship-focused leadership role requiring an individual who is confident, outgoing, and comfortable engaging with a wide range of landowners, partners, contractors, and community stakeholders. The successful candidate will bring an entrepreneurial mindset, a strong presence in the Pacific Northwest forestry community, and a passion for building long-term professional relationships with non-industrial private landowners, government agencies, tribal, and industrial clients. The candidate should possess strong forest management experience and knowledge, including but not limited to forest management planning, log marketing, contract negotiations, harvest and roads operations, and silviculture management. The candidate should also possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
About American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM):
Founded in 1966, American Forest Management, Inc. is a nationally recognized land and natural resource consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFM provides sustainable land management, consulting, and real estate services for a diverse range of land assets - including timberland, farmland, and other privately held lands - serving landowners throughout the United States, Panama, and Costa Rica.
AFM’s team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand and achieve their objectives through a comprehensive suite of land management and advisory services. With 50 regionally based offices managing almost 6 million acres, AFM offers strong local expertise, while its national platform supports collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of foresters and technical specialists to manage large and complex land projects.
AFM’s services include land and wildlife management; land sales and acquisitions; forest inventory, planning, and design; growth and yield modeling; cash-flow projections; environmental and farmland services; appraisal; forest resource data management; and harvest scheduling.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s in Forestry; Master’s in Forestry; or related field.
- Minimum preferred 10 years of experience in forest management including harvest and road operations, silviculture, fuels management, and/or non-industrial private forestland work.
- Strong background in client engagement, relationship management, and business development preferred.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
- Established familiarity with the Pacific Northwest forestry community and regional practices strongly preferred.
- Capability to work in challenging field conditions.
- Experience with Washington Forest Practice Rules and Oregon Forest Practices Rules.
- Knowledge and ability to work within the performance standards of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).
- Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Products; working knowledge of GIS & GPS applications.
- Ability to multi-task, prioritize in a fast-paced work environment, work independently, and make sound, client-focused business decisions.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; confident engaging with landowners, industrial clients, and diverse stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work within and lead a team of foresters.
- Must have the personal presence and professionalism necessary to represent AFM with credibility across the region.
- Valid Driver’s License with safe vehicle operation skills.
Work Environment
- Join our team and thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment that values innovation, integrity, and professional growth. At American Forest Management, we foster a culture of teamwork and open communication, where every team member’s contribution is recognized and valued.
- Day-to-day, this position will work in both an office and remote field environment.
Principle Duties & Responsibilities:
- Serve as primary relationship manager for district clients and actively develop new client partnerships.
- Identify and pursue new business opportunities aligned with AFM’s strategic goals in the region, including but not limited to forest and fuel reduction projects utilizing a variety of cost-share and grant funding.
- Manage three-person team in compliance with Company mission, vision, core values, and policies.
- Prepare budgets, annual operating plans, forecasts, and reports for clients.
- Oversee the management of contractors in the implementation of forest operations, including timber harvest, roads, and silviculture.
- Manage contract negotiation for management operations to ensure compliance with government regulations and client objectives.
- Manage team performance and safety.
- All aspects of fieldwork, office work, analysis, and reporting.
- Utilize Geographic Information System (GIS) for effective property management.
- Operate within the Sustainable Forestry Initiative's objectives.
- Fulfill other assignments from the Region Manager.
- Soft Skills: communication, leadership, adaptability, relationship building, problem solving, decision making, time management, conflict resolution, and team building.
- Some out-of-area travel will be required.
Salary and Benefits
- Expected salary range: $95,000-$125,000, 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
- Parental Leave
- Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
- 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
- Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program
This role offers a dynamic opportunity to lead forest operations, shape the growth of AFM’s presence in the Pacific Northwest, and build meaningful, long-term relationships with landowners and industry partners while contributing to a team-oriented environment within a leading forest consulting firm in the United States.
Why Work at AFM
For 60 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land. At AFM, employees have the opportunity to make a real impact by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property while building lasting relationships based on trust and shared success.
We are committed to sustainable land and forest management, responsible environmental stewardship and high-quality client service. Our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—guide everything we do and create a culture where employees can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to both the land and the communities we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.
