Job Summary
Dragon Woodland, a sister company of Unicorn Tire Corp., is seeking an experienced and motivated Log Buyer to support our growing lumber and wood-products operations in the Dubuque, Iowa region and surrounding territory.
This position will play an important role in expanding our timber procurement network by identifying and developing reliable sources of logs and timber, evaluating quality and value, negotiating purchases, and establishing long-term relationships with landowners, loggers, sawmills, foresters, timber producers, and other industry partners.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience within the timber, logging, forestry, sawmill, or hardwood lumber industry and a strong understanding of timber procurement, market conditions, and supplier relationship management.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and purchase logs and timber that meet company requirements for species, quality, volume, and pricing.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with landowners, loggers, foresters, sawmills, timber producers, and other suppliers.
- Actively identify and develop new timber and log supply opportunities throughout the assigned territory.
- Inspect and evaluate logs and standing timber for species, grade, quality, volume, and overall value.
- Negotiate competitive pricing and purchasing terms while developing sustainable, long-term supplier relationships.
- Monitor local and regional timber markets, including pricing, availability, supply conditions, and competitive activity.
- Travel regularly throughout the assigned territory to visit suppliers, inspect timber and logs, and identify new sourcing opportunities.
- Coordinate with internal operations and management to ensure purchasing activities align with company inventory and production needs.
- Maintain accurate records of purchases, pricing, suppliers, and procurement activities.
- Represent Dragon Woodland professionally within the forestry, logging, lumber, and wood-products industries.
- Perform additional procurement and purchasing responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications
- Previous experience in log buying, timber procurement, forestry, logging, sawmill operations, lumber purchasing, or a related wood-products field is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of hardwood logs, timber species, grading, scaling, quality, and market values is highly desirable.
- Existing relationships within the logging, forestry, timber, sawmill, or lumber industry are a plus.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to independently develop suppliers and identify new sourcing opportunities.
- Comfortable working in both field and office environments.
- Willing and able to travel regularly throughout the assigned territory.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary based on industry experience, knowledge, qualifications, and skill set.
- Performance-based compensation opportunities may be available.
- Company benefits available in accordance with eligibility requirements.
- Opportunity to build and expand a procurement territory with a growing organization.
About Us
Dragon Woodland is a sister company of Unicorn Tire Corp. Our organization is committed to continued growth through strong business relationships, dependable operations, and a team of professionals who bring industry knowledge and an entrepreneurial approach to their work.
We are looking for a Log Buyer who can bring industry expertise, strong supplier relationships, and a proactive approach to expanding our timber procurement network.
Candidates with experience as a Log Buyer, Timber Buyer, Procurement Forester, Forester, Timber Cruiser, Logging Manager, Wood Procurement Specialist, Sawmill Buyer, or Hardwood Lumber Buyer are encouraged to apply.
If you have a strong background in the timber or wood-products industry and are interested in growing with our organization, we would love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
