Value Recovery Forester

Role overview

This fixed-term position focuses on increasing value recovery from harvesting and standing operations by using technology to manage StanForD instruction files. The role is centered on making sure harvester head measurements are reliable, watching machine data transfers each day, coordinating log optimisation, and carrying out harvester head audits. It also involves supporting employees and contractors with technical matters, delivering training where needed, completing log quality checks in forests and at customer locations under the log rejection policy, and helping improve the accuracy of roadside stock measurements.

Terms and conditions

You will report to the Harvesting Process Manager. The contract length is 1 year fixed term. The location is BAU 5 or BAU 6, subject to agreement.

Planning and implementation

• Contribute to value recovery initiatives in forests and support operator training that helps improve returns to shareholders.
• Help roll out harvesting telemetry systems, including STICKS, across employees, contractors and machine operators.
• Build practical knowledge of StanForD controller systems through engagement with OEMs.
• Organise and coordinate training for contractors, operators and staff on value recovery methods, related technology and business rules.
• Improve the use of bucking optimisers and quality buttons on harvesters.
• Support the wider introduction of StanForD Operator Estimation software on forwarders for capturing cutover and roadside stock data.
• Schedule log optimisation and log quality audits in forests and at customer sites, together with harvester head control measurement audits.

Operational duties

• Develop a strong working knowledge of OEM harvester and forwarder controller software.
• Understand the harvester head measurement and calibration process in detail.
• Confirm that machines and related technology meet Forest Machine Minimum Requirements.
• Approve new machines and machine changes used by contractors for harvesting Coillte trees, whether standing or already felled.
• Keep the machine register current and complete machine setup tasks as needed.
• Perform harvester head control measurement audits and give practical feedback to operators and contractors.
• Complete log optimisation and log quality audits in forest sites and at customer destinations.
• Load StanForD instruction files, such as APT files, into harvester controllers and adjust settings so the machine is working to maximise value.
• Carry out log optimisation checks to determine the most suitable optimisation settings in the forest.
• Recognise the effect of weak log optimisation and poor log quality, and communicate audit findings clearly.
• Understand StanForD, the communication standard used for forest machine data exchange.
• Ensure delivery specifications are followed and use the Definition and Measurement of Log Quality Attributes Manual to improve the log quality audit process.
• Put in place and maintain an Operational Standards Manual for log production, with a strong emphasis on value recovery.
• Carry out Value Recovery Assessment walks within the BAUs and feed findings into new Forest Value Recovery performance indicators.
• Support efforts to improve roadside stock measurement accuracy.
• Monitor the quality of machine data in STICKS to ensure compliance with harvesting contracts, the Harvester Head Measurement Policy and file sending performance, and provide monthly validation of harvested average tree size.

People, organisation and culture

• Encourage a commercial approach to log production, ensuring trees are cross-cut in the most optimal way to maximise revenue.
• Promote a respectful workplace culture where trust is built and people are enabled to do their jobs well.
• Actively support and prioritise safe working practices.
• Take responsibility for assigned work and deliver on allocated activities.

Behavioural competencies

• You should be highly organised and able to manage several operational activities at once.
• You need strong attention to detail and a thorough approach to delivery.
• You should be able to learn quickly, absorb new information fast, and respond effectively in changing situations.
• You should work well in teams, share information, support colleagues and help deliver outcomes through others.
• You must communicate clearly in both spoken and written form, adapting your approach to the audience and purpose.
• You should make balanced decisions, consider alternatives, assess risk and arrive at practical conclusions.
• You need resilience to handle demanding work, setbacks, challenge and competing priorities while remaining calm.

Professional qualifications and technical knowledge

• A relevant forestry qualification, or a qualification in a related discipline, together with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• A strong ICT foundation and comfort using Windows computers, smartphone apps and cloud-based systems such as SaaS.
• Good knowledge of machine brands and their onboard computers, plus an understanding of why harvester cutting instructions (APT files) matter.
• Familiarity with StanForD data files generated by harvesters and forwarders, including PRI, HPR, KTR and FPR, and the need to transfer them from forest to office.
• Ability to monitor and analyse data, spot trends and issues, and recommend or implement corrective actions.
• Solid understanding of mechanised tree felling and forwarding operations, including the related health and safety and environmental rules.
• Excellent map reading and orientation skills to locate active harvesting sites and machines in the forest.
• A full, clean driving licence.

Company values

• Committed
• Resourceful
• Collaborative
• Knowledge-led

Application and privacy information

The deadline for applications is 4:00 pm on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. The employer is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can contribute fully.

If you need support or reasonable accommodations to complete your application, you can contact forestrecruitment@coillte.ie.

Application records will be retained for 14 months in line with the Data Protection Act 1988, as amended in 2003, and the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, and used only for recruitment purposes. Further details are available in the organisation’s Data Protection and Privacy Policies.

Additional details

This role includes responsibility for promoting safe working practices, maintaining compliance with harvesting contracts and policies, and contributing to business-wide performance improvement in forest value recovery.