Women in forestry
Women from across BC are choosing to make forestry a lifelong career. Here’s why, in their own words.
Michelle Nagy, Log Purchaser at Mosaic Forests.
Michelle Nagy, Log Purchaser at Mosaic Forests.
Jeanna Glendinning, logging truck driver. Photo credit: Jeanna Glendinning
Aren Knudsen with the Ponting Contracting Ltd. crew. Photo credit: Ponting Contracting Ltd.
Jeanna Glendinning, logging truck driver. Photo credit: Jeanna Glendinning
Nancy Ponting
I am the second generation in my family to work in the forestry industry. My love for forestry began when I was a wee lassie in elementary school. From grade 1 to grade 6, my school principal was a huge fly fisherman and he was passionate about teaching us the true value of salmon enhancement and taking care of our fish creeks and healthy forests. We had to learn and identify our trees and understand what wildlife lived amongst them.
As a young woman, I heard that the forestry industry wasn’t for young women, so despite my early love of it I pursued other jobs – waitressing, fish processing for export, retail, on call for fire and flood clean up, and food service – just to make ends meet as a single mother of 3.
Until one evening in November of 2001, I met Mark Ponting, a single father of 2. Mark had big dreams of starting his own business as a logging and grade company. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I knew that in order to make my dreams come true, I had to jump in with both feet and give it my best shot.
On May 12th, 2003 we formed a company, Ponting Logging & Grade Ltd in our dining room with help from Mark’s Uncle Vern. Seriously, I had no idea on how to use a computer or even wanted to. Mark needed my help to get our business off the ground. He knew how to do the work, his uncle would help with business meetings with accountants & bankers, and I was told to get the safety program together, “OH&S Binder and such.”
I was stumped, not having any idea what he meant! So off I went to North Island College to learn how to turn on a computer, type, do payroll, AR & AP, then learn how to put a safety program together. It didn’t end there.
Mark needed a part time cook for our first job, and a fill-in rock truck driver for a couple days, and a fill-in swamper on the drill. I was also the parts delivery person that drove all over Vancouver Island, Nanaimo to Port Hardy, meeting the crew boat or float planes when I wasn’t in camp. I was able to get a real taste of multitasking until we found the right people for the jobs.
Mark did everything else. We had a small crew of 3 and all I heard was “Nance, can you get us this?” “Nance, pick that up” “Nance, Nance, Nance!”
I did the grocery shopping for years, bagged, boxed, organized staff parties, ordered company jackets, hats – it just never ended. 24 hours a day, every day, while our camp was running. I was also their emergency on-call person, my phone always next to me. I was able to drag my children and my dog Mylo in and out of camp, where they had to help me with the regular chores running a camp. Those were the early days and we have evolved so much since then. I laugh to myself as I look back…
Eventually, Mark and I decided that we needed to change our company name to Ponting Contracting Ltd. and to stick to building logging roads, drilling & blasting and bridge installation, land clearing, dump site setup, and dock installation. Still a busy roster, but we manage.
Today, we have about 6 grade sides and our crew size numbers between 24 and 27. One float house camp is in use daily, one land camp sits empty, and we have 2 crew boats. My title is Office Manager & Safety Coordinator. I have been blessed with a few wonderful ladies that helped out in our office over the years, but these past few years we have hired a full-time gal named Aren and she has been a perfect fit. Aren is also studying to be a project manager, plus she is doing everything that I used to do. Her work has a taken a major load off of our operations, as well as Mark’s work!
Michelle Nagy
Why forestry as a career? Good question. Well I can tell you, I feel like a very lucky person to be employed in this industry. I have met and have worked with some of the most talented, intelligent and interesting people throughout my career, some of which have mentored me along the way. In this industry it feels like many share the same passion and love for the outdoors.
This is how my story begins, it was 23 years ago when I started my journey as a forester. It all began in 1997 at BCIT where I entered the forestry program in Burnaby. Having grown up in the rural town of Prince George, forestry seemed like a natural fit to me as I seemed to always be outdoors. To be honest, I did not know a tree species from another growing up. I am glad that didn’t stop me from pursuing a career that that I knew would be both challenging and rewarding.
Upon graduating from BCIT in 1999, I worked as a silviculture assistant in Alexis Creek. Although I enjoyed working up there, I had a desire to work on the coast so I moved to Gold River to work as an engineering assistant. At this point, I did not know that this would be the start of many 10/4 shifts in camps across coastal inlets and valleys. I have had the pleasure of visiting some of the most scenic places, viewing all varieties of wildlife, and traveling in many forms of transportation.
In 2001, I decided to return to university to complete my degree in natural resources to allow me to reach my goal of becoming a Registered Professional Forester. Throughout my career I have worked for both consultants and major licensees. I have worked as a Silviculture Assistant, Engineering Assistant, Logging Engineer, Area Engineer, Area Planner, Contract Manager, Operations Planner to my current position as a Log Purchaser. As a Log Purchaser, I am able to incorporate all of my experience and training into one role while learning something new about the business every day.
This is what I love about the forest industry, the many different jobs one can do depending on level of interest and training. I have seen many changes over my career. Safety across all phases are improving, different stakeholders are working together, and many best practices are being integrated into how forest management is approached.
Has it been challenging as a women in this industry? This is a question I get asked frequently. My answer to this is absolutely, without a doubt. However, I can say honestly with all the experiences I have had, never have any of these experiences made me think that this was not the career for me or did I feel like I was unable to do the job that I was asked to do.
I truly believe that any career that is chosen, regardless if you are a man or women, requires discipline and passion. So my advice to anyone wanting to pursue a career in forestry is to ask oneself the following question. What is it that I you are passionate about? By digging deep into this question, it could help you discover a career that best suits you. Mine is without a doubt, in the working forest.
Jill Telosky
Since I was a teenager, I’ve had it in my head that I wanted to be a truck driver. I’m not sure where it came from. At 19, I got my licence. A friend of my dad’s, who owned a self loading logging truck, let me go to work with him and he would let would me drive. I loved it!!!
At 20 I got a local job hauling freight. Flat decks, B trains, vans, I drug it all around. It was great experience. About a year and a half later I started driving logging truck and haven’t looked back. I drove highway log trucks all over BC for 6 years.
I’ve been driving off highway log trucks for 10 years now, at the same awesome company. I’ve learned to run all kinds of equipment and do a lot of low bedding. Most of my closest friends I’ve met in this awesome industry.
The first year of logging was a little tough. I had to prove myself and toughen up a bit.
It’s long days and hard work in the bush but I love it! I’ve made well over a million bucks with my $1200 ticket.
Work your butts off, ladies!!! Ain’t no mountain you can’t haul off!
(Originally published by the Women's Trucking Federation of Canada, 2018)
Aren Knudsen
I am the third generation in my family to be working in a role with the forest industry. Both my father and grandfather worked for the pulp and paper mill in Powell River.
My first job out of college was working for the Ministry of Forests in Powell River in an administration role. Even though I was a front office staff there were times when C&E would need help and off I was in a helicopter counting tree stumps in a trespass or off with the recreation department checking on our forestry camp sites. I also dressed up as Smokey the Bear every year during forestry week and would lead classrooms full of students through our forestry education walk teaching them the different trees and forestry practices. It was a great place to work with a great group of people.
From there I moved onto many different positions outside of forestry. In 2003 my husband and I moved to Campbell River and I helped him manage our appraisal company while I started taking on bookkeeping clients. I again started to work with many different forestry companies from full phase logging operations, heavy duty equipment sales, and forestry consulting to log sorts and, of course, road building.
I started working on a part time “temporary” basis with Mark and Nancy at Ponting Contracting Ltd. six years ago. My contract quickly went from temporary to permanent as I became more and more involved in the management side of the company: slowly getting out in the field, learning how we built roads and what the licensees were looking for. Over a year ago I got offered to come on to the team full time and I have not looked back. From organizing barge moves, staffing, fuel and powder orders and measuring up the final product, my new position has been a steep learning curve which has been challenging but also very rewarding. I love that I have a mix of office and field work and I try every day to make this organization a great place to work for everyone involved. I have also had the opportunity to go back to school and am currently halfway through my Project Management course through UBC Sauder School of Business. I have already been able to implement some of my learnings into my everyday job and I look forward to being to apply more as the course progresses. Ponting Contracting is a great company to work for and I am very thankful to Mark and Nancy for the opportunity that they have provided.
Working in forestry is exciting, challenging and offers such a range of employment opportunities. I am very happy that I have made the career change and look forward to seeing where it takes me.
Erin Fitchett
I have been with A.F. Timber, which is based out of Balfour just outside of Nelson, since its humble beginnings in 1998. I have a strong marketing and administration background. My duties include keeping the operations in order so that the crew can be out there doing what they do best. I want to make sure the crew knows they have my support while they are on the ground everyday.
I also work in the community to promote the forest industry. I reach out to the public to help them remember that loggers are valued members of our society and that the task they perform is necessary and honorable. The Logger Pride movement was born.
I began working with social media to spread her message. My core belief is that if you don’t tell your story somebody else will. I contacted the B.C. Environment Ministry and was invited to participate in school presentations as well as to set up a booth at local forestry day events. To date, I have spoken to more than 1,000 children about steep slope logging and how the logs get from the stump to the mill, as well as explaining how logging is sustainable and beneficial to our future.
I have also been working with Selkirk College developing a logging training program and exploring the possibility of making logging a Red Seal trade. A.F. Timber sponsors a $1,500 bursary for young people entering the forest industry after post-secondary education and in fact, the first recipient of that fund even helped with the planning and layout of one of our cut-blocks!
I am very proud to be part of the logging community and I have a lot of passion for spreading a positive message about logging. One of the exciting projects I have implemented and continue to work hard on is the Kyle Levy – Pride in Logging Bursary, an annual bursary of $1,500 to a student entering the field of Logging or a full time Forestry or Trade program.
Jeanna Glendinning
I got into logging because I wanted steady work and a decent pay check. I loved being in nature and needed a change from sales/service work.
Every job site I’m at for the first time I get asked the same question, “What got you into this?” I don’t answer it, I just ask them the same question back. I hear things like, “I grew up in a logging family,” “The pay check is good,” “I like being in the woods...” It’s all the same reasons for me.
My start in the industry was about 5 years ago. After looking at returning to school for a social work degree, my best friend suggested I research what the forest industry had to offer. The opportunities in forestry and logging were viable and plenty, and equipment is what excited me the most. I got my Class 1 license and began looking for work. Although it wasn’t easy finding a foot in the door I started at a company that was willing to take the risk and time to train me.
In forestry, I’ve found fair pay and the chance to travel for work to many places throughout BC. I find challenges and learning opportunities regularly and the bonus of a new view around every switchback.
Jacqui Beban
I grew up in Nanaimo. I’m fourth generation on both sides – my mom and dad’s families. I never knew anything different. Dinner at my grandparents’ house was always talking about the forest industry and logging. My parents owned Frank Beban Logging and had logging operations all over the coast.
My mom was going back through some of her stuff and she found a picture that I drew in Grade 1. The teacher printed: When I grow up I want to be. And I put underneath: A logger. And I had this horrible drawing of somebody with an axe and a tree. We had a good chuckle about that.
My first job for our company was cleaning crummies when I was 11 years old and working in the cookhouse. Crummies are what we call the pickup trucks that we use to travel back and forth to the bush.
My dad passed away in 1987 when I was 12. There was a lot going on in our business and in the industry – it was a very difficult time. And it was difficult for a lot of people because my dad employed a lot of people, a couple hundred, and was admired by a lot of people in the industry and the community. There was a minority shareholder who took over the operations and my mom put a management team in place to run it.
After high school I started working in the office of another family member’s logging company. I left there and did some travel and volunteer work, and then I started with my mom’s company. I worked in the shop as a parts girl – ordering parts, cleaning the shop, cleaning the bathrooms, running around picking up parts and making runs to camp. I was learning all the different ins and outs of the operations and the office.
I’ve run just about every piece of equipment – but I use the word run very, very lightly! I’ve jumped on and experienced every piece of equipment that we own, but I’m not productive by any means. We have an amazing crew and the opportunity to go learn from them and hang out with them for the day is something that’s always been appealing to me.
I like the people and I think, really, that’s what it comes down to. This industry attracts good, hardworking, fun, caring people. We have this image of a logger being this tough, burly guy, but some of the best people I’ve ever met are some of my crew.
I like that the industry is multi-generational. Myself being fourth-generation. And my husband, Justin Durning, is also in the industry. He’s a falling contractor and he’s fourth generation as well.
I was always around loggers growing up, so I never really felt like an outsider to them. I didn’t feel like I was one of the guys, but I didn’t feel like an outsider either. I don’t feel that I experienced a lot of challenges that were related to me being a woman. I mean, our industry is challenging and it can be really tough, but I never thought my challenges were because I am a woman. I do understand and appreciate that there is that out there. It’s not that I was sheltered from it, I just never thought that the issues I was dealing with was because I am a woman.
There has definitely been more women entering the industry. I’d say more on the professional side, so engineering and the foresters, but we are starting to see more equipment operators and truck drivers. They’re great people and hard workers – that’s one of the things it comes down to.
My advice to women interested in forestry is to surround yourself with people who want to work with you, uplift you and encourage you. There are a lot of people in our industry that are a great resource and if they feel you are serious about something, they will go out of their way to help you.
(Originally published by Canadian Forest Industries: “Logging genes: Q&A with TLA past president Jacqui Beban” (2020))
Jen Norie
Jen is the General Manager of VIH Helicopters Ltd and of NexJen Marine Services Ltd., as well as the Marketing and Communications Manager for the VIH Aviation Group of Companies. In addition to her roles within the VIH Aviation Group, Jen also serves on the Board of Directors for the Truck Loggers Association. Jen is third generation in her family to be involved in the forestry sector. Jen's grandfather founded Norie Brothers Logging, and her father founded VIH Logging Ltd.
“I’m third generation in my family to be involved in helicopter logging operations. The passion and achievements of my successors is contagious, and inspires an ambition to continually innovate and create opportunities for future generations within the forest sector.
Growing up in the industry, my passion for helicopters (and in particular helicopter logging) was ignited when my father took me to visit helicopter log landings on the weekends. Sitting in the truck watching the Kamov and Sikorsky helicopters place the incredible pieces of wood in the landings and feeling the power of the machinery and camaraderie of the team sparked an interest at a very young age.”
After many years of working at VIH as a teenager, Jen studied Business Management at Dalhousie University in Halifax, NS, as well as International Business and Commercial Law at the University of Victoria. After gaining enough work experience and education, Jen became the General Manager of VIH Helicopters. With a focus primarily on helicopter logging, Jen leads a team of nearly 300 professionals that operate six heavy helicopters and are the market leaders in safe, efficient heli logging activities. Jen has grown the business to include support helicopters, float camps, tugs, boom boat operations, and float planes: all to support the primary business of successful helicopter logging on the west coast of Canada.
Jen was also featured in both Helicopters Magazine and Wings Magazine as one of the “Top 10 Under 40” in the Canadian Aviation Industry.
Justine Olney
Unlike many of the other stories on here, I didn’t grow up in the outdoors or with family in the industry – I was what you’d call a city slicker – born and raised in Vancouver. Logging, operating machinery, driving trucks, working in camps – those were not jobs girls did, or so I was told!
I got my start about 7 years ago. I had my OFA 3 certificate and was asked if I could cover “for ONLY 10 days” in a logging camp. I was terrified! But after the 10 days, when I was asked to stay on, I jumped at the chance. I loved it. I was tired of my career (teaching) and was looking around for something else. I loved being outdoors, the scenery, the machinery, flying in helicopters, and living in camps where someone else cooked my meals and cleaned my room! What was not to love about that!!??
I also learned that there was more to forestry than the misinformation we mostly hear about on social media – that is large swaths of clear cuts and mismanagement. I was impressed with how much planning and care went into harvesting trees starting with site plans, engineering through to the required replanting of trees to ensure the forests remain sustainable.
When the logging project ended, I decided that I’d rather have a more proactive role in the safety of workers than first aid offered – avoiding injuries was so much more preferable to tending to injuries after they happened. So, I started courses towards getting my certificate in Occupational Health and Safety. I also wanted hands on experience in the industries I could potentially be working in, so I took labour jobs with civil construction companies, learned how to operate machinery, and worked towards being a Site Safety Officer. Eventually I received my certificate and began working as a Safety Coordinator for a large construction company, but I kept thinking about forestry and looking for a way back to that industry.
When the opportunity arose to take a temporary position with Nootka Sound Timber during COVID, I didn’t hesitate. Happily, since then, the position has turned into a permanent one. I love the job. No two days are ever the same and there are always lots of exciting and unexpected challenges. There is so much freedom and positive support for the future of the safety program. COVID has been a major consideration and developing safety protocols around it has been a primary concern, but everyone has adapted to our new reality.
Camp life is still awesome, and the scenery is spectacular. The people have also been super welcoming, and I feel the industry is a little like a large extended family – I’ve met people again that I originally met 7 years ago. I have never felt as though I had to ‘prove’ myself because I’m a woman in a mostly male dominated industry. That could be in part because the owner, Jacqui Beban, has always had such an active role in the company, or simply because most of the stereotypes are just that – stereotypes. For any women thinking of getting into the forestry industry, I’d say not to worry about not being treated equally – in fact, I’d say my experience has been that I’ve been treated more equally in forestry than in any other industry I’ve worked in. For me, forestry has been incredibly rewarding and I am so thankful that I took that job to cover First Aid for 10 days!