Project Forester

Join the Whitefeather Forest Initiative and Cat Lake First Nation forestry team as a Project Forester. This is a joint posting for two positions; only one application is needed.

About Us:

Cat Lake First Nation’s Bioeconomy Project aims to harness the community’s natural resources to foster economic growth and cultural resilience. This strategic initiative is focused on leveraging local natural resources and traditional ecological knowledge to promote sustainable economic development within the community. The project aims to create new opportunities in sectors such as forestry and renewable energy, ultimately supporting community self-sufficiency and cultural preservation.

The Whitefeather Forest Initiative was created by Pikangikum First Nation, led by its Elders, to create enterprise and stewardship opportunities for Pikangikum people in the Whitefeather Forest within their ancestral lands. The Initiative is guided by Cheekahnahwaydahmungk Keetahkeemeenaan (Keeping The Land), the first community-based land use plan in the Far North, which sets out the mandate from the Pikangikum Elders. The Whitefeather Forest Community Resource Management Authority (WFCRMA) has been tasked by the community to take the lead for the Whitefeather Forest Initiative and to hold the Sustainable Forest License (SFL) to the Whitefeather Forest on behalf of the people of Pikangikum.

• Work towards and obtain Registered Professional Forester or Associate RPF designation with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association
• Assist with forest management planning activities including planning documents
• Lead a wildlife habitat assessment project
• Develop forest inventory data from remote sensing and on-the-ground data collection
• Forestry road and block design and layout (as-needed)
• Meet with external stakeholders and government representatives to advance the Cat Lake First Nation bio-economy master plan implementation
• Run and manage onsite drone operations
• Prepare maps and GIS layers for annual reporting and preparation of the annual work

• Interest in First Nations culture
• Ability to obtain either RPF or Associate RPF designation within 12 months of hire
• Be based in or willing to relocate to northwestern Ontario
• Self-starter with ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• 1-3 years professional experience in forestry or related field or equivalent
• University degree in forestry, ecology, GIS, or related field, or equivalent
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly for onsite work (up to 30%), including working in adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time
• Strong commitment to health and safety, professionalism, and professional ethics
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Willingness to train and mentor others

• Experience with operational forestry (e.g. road design, block layout)
• A personal vehicle suitable for use on forestry roads
• Experience working with First Nations
• Experience with remote sensing and/or LiDAR processing
• Negotiation and conflict resolution skills
• Strong writing skills or experience working on government funded projects
• Experience working with forest estate modeling tools (Woodstock, FSOS, Patchworks)
• Familiarity with the Forest Information Manual technical specifications

Annual salary from $60,000 - $80,000 depending on education, experience, and location.

Mileage for use of a personal vehicle paid at the Federal rate.

Flexible working environment with creative freedom and flexible hours.

Professional development opportunities and training programs including in forestry, drone operations, and with dedicated paid time for professional development.

Childcare subsidies available for parents of young families.

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on forest conservation efforts in Ontario.

This is a one-year contract with the possibility of renewal.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the position to:  and  no later than January 30, 2026.

Join us in Keeping the Land for future generations.

WFCRMA and Cat Lake First Nation are equal opportunity employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We thank all applicants for their interest, however only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

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