Forestry Management Assistant

Job Summary

Responsible for providing support and assistance in the planning and delivery of forestry services and programs citywide. This includes a variety of field and office-based forestry tasks and activities that range from tree maintenance, tree protection, tree planting, to supporting the management and restoration of natural areas, along with ongoing monitoring and inventory of forestry assets.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists in monitoring and assessing the health and condition of existing and newly planted trees, vegetation, and other forestry assets on streets, parks, and natural areas, and in identifying and reporting on any deficiencies or work required;
• Assist with ground based assistance with arboricultural tasks such as, tree pruning, removals, stumping, etc.;
• Perform field audits to validate work orders assigned to contractors are completed in accordance with the contracts;
• Provide first point of contact for resident tree planting requests;
• Provide recommendations for tree planting locations and species;
• Support natural area restoration projects by assessing field conditions, such as wildlife , invasive species, insects,access supports for events (washrooms, parking, etc.), utilities, etc.;
• Support forestry events by providing instruction or information on tree planting or restoration initiatives, to the public, ensuring event documentation is collected and maintained (waivers, contact lists, etc.);
• Screen development applications for completeness and identify potential impacts on trees or natural heritage features for further review;
• Provides functional guidance to summer students and volunteers on an as needed basis;
• Collects data and completes research for forestry projects as directed by supervisor or delegate;
• Maintains accurate record keeping of forestry records including updating GIS maps, spreadsheets and data;
• Safely operate and maintain common forestry vehicles, tools, and equipment;
• Accurately operate and maintain specialized scientific data collection, diagnostic, or geospatial equipment (i.e.GPS, GIS,RTK);
• Provide status updates on resident inquiries via email and phone;
• Provide administrative support including: photocopying, scanning, filing;
• Process permit applications, event registrations, fee payments, or invoices.

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in forestry, arboriculture, urban forestry, ecology, environmental science or a related field;
• Minimum one (1) to two (2) years of related work experience or an approved equivalent combination of education,training, and experience;
• Knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, and/or ecological principles and practices;
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, GIS, computers, mobile devices;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as a team member;
• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned duties effectively and efficiently within assigned timelines;
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing;
• Familiarity with common forestry equipment, vehicles, and tools;
• Valid Ontario Class G2 Driver’s License or higher with an acceptable driving record;
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and perform heavy lifting (50lbs), shoveling, bending and kneeling for extended periods of time;
• Must be flexible and able to work overtime, weekends, attend evening meetings, and special events.