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Assistant Timber Buyer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Timber Buyer information

What is an assistant timber buyer?

Assistant Timber Buyers are professionals who support the procurement of timber by assisting in evaluating forest stands, negotiating with landowners, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They often work under the supervision of senior timber buyers and help with tasks such as marking trees for harvest, preparing contracts, and maintaining records of purchases. Their role is essential to ensure sustainable sourcing and efficient supply of timber for lumber mills and other wood product industries.

What does an assistant timber buyer do?

As an Assistant Timber Buyer, your week is likely to be a blend of field and office activities. You’ll spend significant time visiting timber harvest sites, assessing timber quality, and building relationships with landowners. In the office, you’ll analyze inventory data, help prepare purchase agreements, and coordinate logistics with the procurement and operations teams. Balancing time between outdoor site assessments and administrative tasks is common, so strong organizational and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant timber buyer?

To thrive as an Assistant Timber Buyer, you need a foundational understanding of forestry, timber markets, and procurement practices, often supported by a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with inventory management software, GIS mapping tools, and knowledge of relevant regulations or certifications like SFI or FSC is typically required. Strong negotiation, interpersonal, and analytical skills help build supplier relationships and optimize purchasing decisions. These competencies are crucial for ensuring sustainable sourcing, cost-effectiveness, and compliance within the timber industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Timber Buyer jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Timber Buyer jobs in Michigan are:

Administrative Assistant

AMERICAN FOREST MANAGEMENT INC

Houghton, MI • On-site

$15.25 - $20.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Join our dynamic team at American Forest Management, Inc. (AFM) as a full-time Administrative Assistant. In this role, you will support a small, collaborative team of forestry professionals in a fast-paced office environment.  Your day-to-day responsibilities will include coordinating with field personnel, foresters, client accounting personnel and clients to support active land management operations. The position is based on-site in AFM’s Houghton, MI office and reporting directly to the Region Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring operational efficiency.

About American Forest Management, Inc.  (AFM):

Founded in 1966, American Forest Management, Inc. is a nationally recognized land and natural resource consulting firm headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. AFM provides sustainable land management, consulting, and real estate services for a diverse portfolio of land assets - including timberland, farmland, and other privately held properties - serving landowners throughout the United States, Panama, and Costa Rica.

AFM’s team of experienced professionals works closely with clients to understand and achieve their objectives through a comprehensive suite of land management and advisory services. With 50 regionally based offices managing almost 6 million acres, AFM offers strong local expertise, while its national platform supports collaboration among multidisciplinary teams of foresters and technical specialists to manage large and complex land projects.

AFM’s services include land and wildlife management; land sales and acquisitions; forest inventory, planning, and design; growth and yield modeling; cash-flow projections; environmental and farmland services; appraisal; forest resource data management; and harvest scheduling.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform timber settlement accounting reconciliations.
  • Generate service contracts for timber harvesting, silviculture, road work, and property maintenance using standardized forms and information provided by foresters.
  • Accurately enter and maintain service contract information in forest management and accounting systems.
  • Code and enter accounts payable information into specialized forest accounting software.
  • Provide day-to-day administrative support for forestry, real estate, and other business operations.
  • Review contracts, agreements, and supporting documentation for accuracy and completeness.
  • Communicate professionally with buyers, sellers, contractors, vendors, clients, and the public.
  • Manage incoming phone calls, provide general information, and direct inquiries to the appropriate staff.
  • Collect, sort, and distribute incoming mail and assist with outgoing mail and shipments.
  • Prepare and edit routine correspondence, listing packages, proposals, marketing materials, reports, presentations, and internal communications.
  • Maintain and organize electronic and physical files and records, including information stored in SharePoint and other business systems.
  • Support audit preparation, recordkeeping, and compliance documentation.
  • Prepare agendas, documents, and other materials for internal and external meetings.
  • Operate standard office equipment and coordinate maintenance or service when necessary.
  • Manage assigned workload independently with minimal supervision while coordinating priorities with other staff.
  • Perform additional administrative and operational support duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Associate’s degree in business administration or related field is preferred. Relevant administrative experience and strong organizational, communication, and computer skills will also be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to specialized accounting and forestry systems.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, with a strong commitment to accuracy in all tasks.
  • Familiarity with office procedures and equipment.
  • Commitment to maintain strict confidentiality with both client and internal company information.
  • Ability to foster strong team relationships with managers, colleagues, clients, vendors and customers.
  • Outstanding customer service skills, with the ability to communicate professionally, respond effectively to inquiries, and ensure a positive experience for clients.
  • Proficiency in verbal and written communication.
  • Strong ability to prioritize workload effectively.

Work Environment:

Step into a dynamic work environment that champions productivity and collaboration. You’ll find yourself in a supportive setting where your organizational skills and proactive approach are highly valued. Embrace a culture that encourages teamwork and fosters innovation.

Working Hours:

Monday – Friday 7am – 4pm in office

Salary and Benefits:

  • Salary will be commensurate with experience.
  • Eligible for annual incentive programs based on individual and company performance and new business
  • Paid vacations, sick time and holidays
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision healthcare plans
  • Parental Leave
  • Short- & Long-Term Disability plans available
  • 401(K) retirement plan with matching company contributions
  • Educational Assistance Reimbursement Program

Join our team and contribute to the success of our client-based forest management business while honing your administrative skills in a dynamic environment!

Why Work at AFM

For 60 years, American Forest Management has helped landowners manage, buy, sell, improve, and enjoy millions of acres of land.  At AFM, employees have the opportunity to make a real impact by helping clients unlock the full potential of their property while building lasting relationships based on trust and shared success.

We are committed to sustainable land and forest management, responsible environmental stewardship and high-quality client service. Our six core values—Integrity, Stewardship, Innovation, Dedication, Respect, and Knowledge—guide everything we do and create a culture where employees can grow, collaborate, and make meaningful contributions to both the land and the communities we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or national origin.