Harvesting Lead

Are you a mechanically minded, solutions-oriented professional who thrives in dynamic, outdoor environments? We’re looking for a Harvesting Lead to play a key role in coordinating road and harvesting operations and ensuring equipment reliability across multiple field sites.

About the Company

Scott and Stewart Forestry Consultants (Scott and Stewart Forestry) was established in Antigonish in 1985 to serve Nova Scotia’s woodlot owners and the forest industry. They have been the recipient of several environmental awards from the forest industry and have grown to be one of the largest non-industrial forest management firms in Atlantic Canada, employing 50 full-time employees and over 200 seasonal workers. Scott and Stewart Forestry strives to work in an environmentally sustainable and responsible manner to improve customers’ woodlands now and for the future.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Harvesting Lead is responsible for day-to-day planning and control of harvesting operations, leading field crews, and coordinating maintenance and repair work on mechanical harvesting equipment. This hands-on leadership role ensures safe, reliable, and efficient operations while maintaining strong communication with clients, landowners, and internal operations and maintenance teams. Success in this role requires flexibility, sound judgment, and proactive problem-solving in changing field conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Field Operations & Maintenance

• Plan, schedule, monitor, and control road building and harvesting activities for effective and efficient operations.
• Work with the Operations Manager to prioritize upcoming jobs and lead crews of up to 10 people.
• Maintain open, consistent communication with the Operations Manager, Head Mechanic, and crew.
• Coordinate with the Head Mechanic to prioritize maintenance tasks and urgent field repairs.
• Provide feedback on equipment performance and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Arrange and manage the floating/transport of equipment to and from operations.

Safety & Quality

• Drive a strong safety culture; ensure personal and team adherence to all safety protocols.
• Conduct regular inspections and participate in the safety auditing program.
• Ensure all operations comply with Company policies, certification standards, and contractual obligations.
• Take timely corrective actions to address safety, environmental, or quality issues.

Parts & Inventory Management

• Track and manage field parts inventory using the established system.
• Order and restock parts directly from suppliers or via approved processes; ensure accurate part numbers and documentation.
• Keep the parts truck stocked to minimize downtime and support field repairs.

Stakeholder & Team Coordination

• Communicate professionally with clients and landowners regarding site access, timelines, and expectations.
• Support, mentor, and hold crew members accountable for safe, efficient work practices.

What You Bring

• Strong mechanical aptitude; hands-on experience with heavy equipment operations or maintenance is ideal.
• Excellent communication skills; able to work effectively with a wide range of people (crew, clients, landowners).
• Calm under pressure; adaptable to changing priorities and conditions.
  Proven problem-solving skills and sound critical thinking.
• Conscientious, dependable, and team-oriented with a strong sense of ownership.
• Patient, empathetic, and professional leadership style.
• Unwavering commitment to personal and site safety.
• Asset (not required): working knowledge of hydraulic systems.
• Understanding that this is a field-based role in remote outdoor locations, comfortable working in all weather conditions.

Why Join Us?

• Work with a dedicated, experienced team that values safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Make a direct impact in a hands-on, field-based leadership role.
• Competitive compensation and opportunities to grow as systems and processes evolve
  

We embrace a culture of belonging in the workplace. No matter who you are, where you’re from, how you think, what you believe in, or who you love, we welcome your application. We all come from different backgrounds and different walks of life, bringing in unique perspectives and experiences. We encourage applications from 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), women, newcomers to Canada, and people with disabilities.

How to Apply
If you’re looking for a field-based leadership role where your initiative and technical judgment make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Maggie Rogers at mrogers@venor.ca.