Employees

Timber Pricing Coordinator

Employee Name:

Brian Oke

Title:

Timber Pricing Coordinator

Ministry:

Ministry of Forests and Range

Background:

Education: Diploma, Renewable Resources - Forestry Technician (BCIT) Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management Forestry (UNBC)
Member of the BC Public Service Since: 2005

My Role

I direct and monitor the Northern Interior Forest Region's timber pricing activities. I am responsible for determining stumpage rates and providing interpretation of the Interior Appraisal Manual to both ministry and industry colleagues. I directly supervise three to six staff and am responsible for their daily work activities (we determine stumpage rates for approximately $400 million in Crown revenue each year), as well as helping to coach and mentor them through their professional careers.

Career Path:

Upon graduating from university, I spent three years working for industry gaining a wide experience in timber development, silviculture, planning, as well as working within a large team environment. In 2004, I successfully passed the Registered Professional Forester (RPF) exam and attained the designation Registered Professional Forester. After spending one subsequent year with a forest consultant in Prince George, I took a role with the Ministry of Forests as a Timber Pricing Officer. I spent two years working in the appraisal world, determining stumpage rates for all licensees in two districts. Recently, I was promoted to the role of Timber Pricing Coordinator.

What I Like Best:

The opportunities are unlimited. I got into this job because of the outdoors — I liked being in the bush, and was into hiking, camping and fishing. That's what steered me towards a career in forestry. I get to work with so many different clients and colleagues, between phone and meeting in person — it's a large team we work with. This job is fast paced and exciting and you get a real appreciation for trying to balance the needs of the forest industry with the public's interests.

Ideas At Work:

I assert the financial interests of the Crown every day. My team determines the value for timber that generates nearly half a billion dollars in public revenue every year. My values as a professional forester are essential to making a difference for the public who rely on me. I get great satisfaction from doing the best job I can.

Advice:

For a lot of forestry jobs, you need to get into the professional aspect of forestry, whether it's a degree or a diploma. You also need to get registered with the Association of BC Forest Professionals as a Registered Professional Forester. Get competent in your field of practice and get a real appreciation for what's going on in the woods. This way you'll get to see what's going on at an operational level and get a respect for processes. The revenue section of the ministry has a tangible direction; it offers real-life experience that you can really sink your teeth into.