Brian Vrablick, Intermountain Region Manager in Spokane, Washington, started his career in 1991. He has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from Washington State University, and he is an American Tree Farm System Qualified Inspector. Brian is also a member of several organizations, including the Association of Consulting Foresters and the Society of American Foresters.
Why did you pursue a career in forestry?
There are numerous reasons why I went into forestry, but this is my earliest memory of having a desire to work in the woods. From the time I was eight years old, every fall, my Grandpa, Dad, and several of their friends went to deer camp. I didn’t know it then, but our deer camp was located on the largest block of State DNR land in WA State (140,000 acres). We set up our army tent, cut firewood, and got ready for a week of hunting high-elevation mule deer. Also, every year, a guy in a red pickup truck would stop by and check in. He worked in that area, and he was a good resource for us regarding the state of the deer population, where current activities were, etc. I remember saying to my Dad “I wonder how you get a job like that?” Several years later, I had that job as a forester in the Loomis Forest.
What do you like the most about your role with AFM?
One of the things I like about working at AFM is that there are so many different clients, projects, budgets, and objectives we are constantly working on. There are queries and deadlines coming from all different angles, and you never know who will be on the other end of the phone when you pick it up. Taking those calls, having discussions, developing proposals, assembling a team, and getting projects completed and out the door is always exciting. Variety brings a lot of satisfaction and energy to the job every day. On the other end of the spectrum, I still love to work with landowners to help them assess their land, identify resources and issues, develop a plan, and implement practices on the ground. Driving down the road and seeing where my hands helped shape the forest you see today is very gratifying. These are just two of the reasons I enjoy working at AFM.
