Resource Forester - Tiwi Islands Plantation Project

About the Role

Join Plantation Management Partners Pty Ltd as a Resource Forester stationed at the Yapilika Forestry Centre on Melville Island, Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory. This role supports the ambitious eucalyptus plantation establishment project, owned and led by the Tiwi Indigenous Tribes, aiming to develop over 30,000 hectares of plantations—the largest carbon eucalyptus initiative in Australia expected to generate approximately 5 million Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update plantation spatial databases and GIS systems to aid planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• Deliver precise spatial analysis and develop technical tools to support operational management, regulatory obligations, carbon accounting, and resource allocation.
• Manage plantation records, inventory, and forecast resources essential for operational performance, financial reporting, carbon tracking, and stakeholder communication.
• Analyse inventory, growth, yield, and resource data, ensuring data integrity and initiating corrective measures as needed.
• Create and oversee plantation establishment, maintenance, and harvesting plans, including budgeting, scheduling, and resourcing.
• Track operational performance to meet targets, promoting improvements in productivity, efficiency, data accuracy, and cost control.
• Develop and execute silvicultural programs including site prep, planting, weed management, fertilisation, pruning, thinning, and plantation health monitoring.
• Investigate plantation performance and lead research trials to optimize tropical eucalypt systems where baseline data is limited.
• Prepare and manage operational budgets, monitor expenses, and report financial variances.
• Oversee contractor tendering, agreements, compliance, and onsite quality control.
• Develop fire management strategies, maintain firebreaks, coordinate fire preparedness and response in collaboration with Tiwi land teams and NT agencies.
• Monitor and manage pest, disease, and weed outbreaks with timely protective actions.

Work Environment and Roster

The position requires FIFO (fly-in fly-out) travel from Darwin, with flights covered by the company. The work schedule follows a nine-day fortnight: either 5 days on/2 days off or 4 days on/3 days off per two-week cycle.

The Yapilika camp is intimate, with typical occupancy of 25–35 personnel outside of planting season, featuring self-contained, air-conditioned rooms with ensuites, access to Wi-Fi and phone reception, and pool vehicle availability. The grounds are lush with gardens and mature trees, complemented by dining facilities, a gym, social club, and fully provided meals and laundry services.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor degree in Forestry or equivalent qualifications.
• Three to five years' experience in plantation forestry, demonstrating strong silvicultural know-how.
• Proficiency in GIS tools and inventory management systems.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and decision-making.

Preferred but not essential:

• Experience working with eucalypt species in tropical or subtropical plantations.
• Familiarity with FIFO or camp-based work environments.
• Experience collaborating with Aboriginal organizations or operating on Aboriginal lands.

Additional Information

Tiwi people and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are highly encouraged to apply. Appointment includes pre-employment medical assessment specific to role requirements, drug and alcohol screening, and a National Police Check.