It is very important to me to have a career where I am making an impact

I have been in the forestry industry for four years. I started as a Silviculture summer student and worked as a Silviculture Assistant my second year there. I’m currently a Silviculture Supervisor with West Fraser and I run all the herbicide activities and take care of the aerial seeding program at our division. I also help with mechanical site prep and pile burning during the winter months.

Sustainability is a huge reason why I got into this industry. It is very important to me to have a career where I am making an impact and in the Silviculture department I can do that. We take care of the reforestation on a cutblock after harvest and prescribe different methods of treatment so that we can bring back a successful stand.

My advice to women is to not be intimidated and that anything is possible if you just put the work in. The number of women joining this industry has grown tremendously. There are so many aspects to forestry such as field, technology, research, and teaching that are pursuable. Getting into forestry was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The experiences and skills that I have obtained so far have been great.

Creating a work life balance can be difficult sometimes, depending on which projects you are working on. I try to make sure that I give myself time to recharge and leave work at the office. I also have amazing superiors that are very understanding and flexible. Outside of work, I really enjoy playing sports and love taking photographs. I’m constantly taking pictures wherever I go. Traveling is a huge part of my life and I’m grateful that I work for a company that lets me take time.

- Rashelle Silviculture Supervisor