Value Recovery Forester

Role Objective

To improve value recovery and log optimisation from harvesting and standing operations by utilising technology to control the StanForD instruction files. Ensure harvester head measurements are accurate while monitoring daily data transfer from machines, co-ordinate log optimisation and harvester head audits. Support staff and contractors on relevant technical aspects, train staff, contractors and operators as required, to carry out log quality assessments/audits in the forest and at customer locations in line with Coillte’s log rejection policy and finally to support the drive to improve the accuracy of Roadside Stock measurements.

Terms and Conditions

Reports to: Harvesting Process Manager

Contract: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract

Location: BAU 5 or BAU 6 by agreement

Responsibilities

Planning

• Support forest value recovery initiatives and machine operator training to improve the returns to our shareholders.
• Assisting in the company wide implementation and use of harvesting telemetry technology (e.g. STICKS) to staff, contractors and operators.
• Gain skills and knowledge of the StanForD forest machine controllers from Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s).
• Plan and coordinate the training of contractors, operators and staff in forest value recovery processes, related technology and business rules.
• Improve the use of value bucking optimisers and quality buttons on harvesters.
• Assist in the company wide implementation and rollout of StanForD Operator Estimation software on forwarders for the recording of cutover and roadside stocks.
• Plan the Log Optimisation & Log Quality Audits in the forest and at customer destinations as well as harvester head control measurement audits.

Operations

• Develop an in-depth understanding of OEM harvester and forwarder controller software.
• Ensure an understanding of the harvesting head control measurement and calibration process.
• Ensure the forest machines and associated technology comply with the Forest Machine Minimum Requirements.
• Responsible for the sign-off on new machines (and change of machines) that are used by contractors to harvest Coillte trees (both standing and harvested)
• Maintain an up to date forest machine register and set-up new machines as required.
• Carry out harvester head control measurement audits and provide feedback to operators and contractors.
• Carry out Log Optimisation and Log Quality Audits in the forest and at customer destinations.
• Upload a StanForD Instruction file (e.g. APT file) onto a harvesters’ controller and adjust the machine settings to ensure it is maximising value.
• Carry out log optimisation audits to determine appropriate log optimisation in the forest.
• To be fully aware and understand the impact of poor log optimisation and log quality and to report back on results from audits.
• An understanding of the standard for communication between computers in forest machines i.e. Standard for Forest Machine Data and Communication (StanForD).
• Ensure the delivery of specification and use this in conjunction with the Definition and Measurement of Log Quality Attributes Manual to develop and manage an improved Log Quality auditing process.
• Implement and monitor an Operational Standards Manual for log production operations with a strong focus on value recovery.
• Implement and carry out Value Recovery Assessment walks within the BAU’s and to feed these into a new set of Forest Value Recovery performance indicators.
• Support the drive to improve accuracy of Roadside Stock measurements.
• Oversee the quality of machine data in STICKS to ensure compliance with harvesting contracts, Coillte’s Harvester Head Measurement Policy, File Sending Performance and to report on the validation of the harvested average tree size on a monthly basis.

People, Organisation & Culture

• Support the promotion of a commercial culture in the production of logs where trees are cross-cut optimally in order to maximise revenue.
• Promote an attitude of respect for people in the workplace where trust is nurtured and people feel empowered to do their job.
• Actively promote, manage and prioritise a safe working environment.
• Take ownership and be responsible for assigned tasks and activities.

Behavioural Competencies

• Organised: A highly organised individual that can prioritise and execute several operational initiatives.
• Attention to Detail: To be thorough and have the ability to deliver.
• Quick Thinking/Learning: Ability to pick up and assimilate relevant information quickly and easily. Learns new tasks rapidly. Responds swiftly and appropriately. Can think on their feet in rapidly changing environments.
• Team Work: Actively participates in a team environment and encourages co-operation. Aware of the needs of others and responds flexibly. Shares information and supports other team members. Can get things done through others and set realistic objectives. Seeks opportunities to develop others. Prioritises team goals over individual goals.
• Communication: Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and be able to articulate both in oral and written form. Uses appropriate language, style and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication. Able to convey complex information clearly. Anticipates the information that others will need.
• Judgement/Decision Making: Takes balanced view of situations incorporating different perspectives. Seeks alternative viewpoints. Recognises priorities, weighs up different options and evaluates risks. Reaches logical conclusions and decides on appropriate plan of action. Evaluates previous judgements in order to improve.
• Resilience: Measured confidence to take on demanding work or put forward views when they may be challenged. Stays calm in a crisis. Handles competing demands. Overcomes setbacks. Welcomes and learns from criticism.

Professional Qualifications and Technical Knowledge/Abilities

The successful candidate will posess some of the following competencies:

• Education and Experience: Relevant qualification in Forestry or related discipline with at least three years relevant experience.
• Technology: A strong ICT background and comfortable working with Windows based computers, SmartPhone applications and cloud based systems (e.g. SaaS).
• Forest Machinery: A good knowledge of the various machine brands and their onboard computers. An understanding of the importance of cutting instructions (APT files) on a harvester.
• Machine Data Telemetry: Understanding the various StanForD data files produced by harvesters and forwarders (e.g. PRI, HPR, KTR, FPR) and the need to transfer these files from the forest to the office.
• Data Monitoring & Analysis: Ability to monitor and analyse data, identify trends, problems and propose/implement corrective actions.
• Harvesting Operations: A strong understanding of mechanised tree felling and forwarding operations and the associated health & safety and environmental regulations.
• Orientation & Map Reading: Excellent orientation and map reading skills in order to locate active harvesting sites and machinery in the forest.
• Driving Licence: Full clean drivers licence.

Our Company Values

• Committed
• Resourceful
• Collaborative
• Knowledge-Led

Applications

Closing date for applications is 4pm, Tuesday, 30 June 2026. Please submit your application through our Recruitment platform here.

Coillte is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all which builds upon our core values and fosters a positive work environment where EVERYONE can bring their true self to work and achieve their full potential.

If for any reason you would like us to make any supports or accommodations to help you in making your application please contact us at forestrecruitment@coillte.ie

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