Dustin Douillard, Registered Professional Forester
In our final interesting career segment, we introduce you to Dustin Douillard, Registered Professional Forester (RPF). Dustin’s career with Tolko has taken him from summer student to Harvesting Superintendent with a few interesting stops along the way.
Dustin has been in his current role of Harvesting Superintendent for eight months. Before that, he was working in Lumber Sales. “It’s been an interesting road,” he says. “I started my career as an Engineering Field Technician in Armstrong and have stayed with the company ever since. In my years with Tolko, I have been given the opportunity to work in many business areas allowing me to build a well-rounded understanding of the business. I have worked in Plywood as a Supervisor, in Lumber as a Superintendent, and even spent some time in Lumber Sales before my current role. As a result, I feel I have a very good understanding of the business, our products, and our customers.”
Dustin, who now manages Tolko’s harvesting operations in the Okanagan West Zone, which stretches from Peachland to Malakwa, realizes this knowledge is paramount even in his current role. “Right now, my team consists of two Area Supervisors, two Logging Supervisors, and a Woodlands Assistant. Together, we manage harvesting and road construction in the area. This includes safety, quality, environment, budgeting and cost control. We sort and deliver the required log profile to three or four different manufacturing facilities based on species and size. While I work on the harvesting side of things, understanding the entire business helps me get the right log to the right mill so we can optimize production and deliver an excellent product for our customers.”
Dustin now knows his future with Tolko will be spent on the Woodlands side of the business, but he doesn’t regret the road he’s travelled to get here. “I have enjoyed each and every challenge the job has provided. I have been given the opportunity and responsibility to make a contribution to the business and see the positive results my contribution leads to. It’s been a very rewarding experience.”
And it’s something Dustin recommends. “Give Tolko a try if you are looking for a future with a company that appreciates and respects the contribution that their employees make,” he says. “You won’t regret it and you can build a career you’re proud of.”
