Harvesting Lead Hand

Overview

The Harvesting Lead Hand supports daily harvesting operations by ensuring production targets, safety standards, contractor performance, and environmental compliance are achieved. This role acts as an on-the-ground leader who provides direction, coaching, and quality oversight in active harvesting areas.

Responsibilities

• Field Leadership & Operational Execution: Provide daily direction and oversight to contractors in active harvest blocks. Ensure production goals (daily/weekly) are met and troubleshoot issues impacting productivity. Verify that work is completed in alignment with block prescriptions, layout, and operational plans.
• Quality, Safety & Environmental Compliance: Monitor operator performance to ensure adherence to safety standards and safe operating procedures. Confirm that all harvesting activities meet quality expectations, including stump quality, damage mitigation, trail layout, and merch specs. Ensure compliance with environmental standards (e.g., watercourse buffers, soil disturbance limits, BMPs).
• Operator Performance Management: Evaluate operator productivity, quality, safety behaviours, and adherence to expectations. Identify performance gaps and coach operators on improvements. Provide consistent feedback to both operators and supervisors.
• Productivity Improvement & Problem Solving: Identify opportunities for improved efficiency (e.g., trail layout, machine utilization, block flow). Report recurring issues impacting production and recommend solutions. Participate in continuous improvement initiatives across Woodlands operations.
• Stakeholder Communication & Reporting: Communicate daily with the Operations Supervisor regarding progress, issues, and needs. Document block-level observations, operator performance notes, and production updates. Support planning teams by reporting realtime conditions (terrain, soft spots, timber variations).

Qualifications

Education & Technical Knowledge

• Diploma or certificate in Forestry Technology, Natural Resources, Forest Operations, or a related field; equivalent field experience may be considered.
• Working knowledge of harvest block layout, harvest prescriptions, and operational plans is considered an asset.
• Understanding of forest harvesting methods and equipment (mechanized or conventional operations).
• Knowledge of environmental regulations and Best Management Practices (BMPs) related to forestry operations.

Field Operations & Leadership Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in forestry or construction operations, harvesting supervision, or contractor oversight.
• Proven ability to provide daily field direction and leadership in active harvesting environments.
• Experience coordinating and monitoring operator performance to meet production targets.
• Demonstrated capability to troubleshoot operational issues that impact productivity or safety.

Safety, Quality & Environmental Compliance

• Strong understanding of occupational health and safety standards in forestry (e.g., safe work procedures, hazard identification).
• Experience conducting or supporting safety inspections, audits, and observations.
• Ability to assess and enforce quality standards, including stump height, damage mitigation, trail layout, and merchandising specifications.
• Familiarity with environmental compliance requirements, including watercourse buffers, soil disturbance limits, and erosion control measures.

About Us

Founded in 1882, J.D. Irving, Limited (JDI) has operations in Canada and the United States and are a team of 20,000 dedicated employees. At J.D. Irving, Limited, you are part of a dynamic team of professionals who lead with integrity and are passionate about delivering results. With a culture that nurtures talent and creates an inclusive workplace, you can grow your career across our various operating divisions.

We are committed to creating accessible environments for our colleagues, candidates, and customers. Requests for accommodation due to a disability (which may be visible or invisible, temporary, or permanent) can be made at any stage of application and employment. We encourage candidates to make their accommodation needs known so that we can provide equitable opportunities.

Worried you do not meet all the requirements? Studies have shown that many applicants apply only to job opportunities when they feel they meet 100% of the criteria. We promote an inclusive environment where everyone is appreciated, recognized, and empowered to contribute fully. If you are interested in this position but are worried you did not meet all the requirements, we would encourage you to still apply.

We appreciate your interest in our company however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About The Team

At Irving Woodlands, we take pride in our role as stewards of the land. Focused on rigorous and sustainable land management, Irving Woodlands is guided by an 80-year management plan that preserves the environmental and ecological integrity of our land, air, water and wildlife. Irving Woodlands maintains an engaged team of over 1,600 employees, contractors, seasonal workers and students who are dedicated to research, conservation and continuously improving our forest management practices and long-term business results. Our multi-faceted team trains, develops and builds long-term, rewarding careers in all aspects of forestry, from tree nurseries and tree improvement to research and environmental management. Our forestry professionals, supported by our logistics and professional services group, are world-class and implement leading strategies in these areas: silviculture, planting, harvesting, trucking and logistics, operational and road construction, maintenance, technology, forest patrol and research. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work across any of our safety first, cutting-edge technology operations and land holdings located in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Maine.