Forestry Management Assistant

Job Summary

Kick‑start your career in urban forestry with the City of Mississauga. As a Forestry Management Assistant, you will be on the front lines of building and protecting the City’s urban forest – working outdoors in parks, neighbourhoods and natural areas while gaining real world experience that blends field work, technology, and community engagement.

In this role, you will work as part of a collaborative team, gaining hands‑on experience through a mix of field and office‑based activities. Your work will contribute directly to tree planting initiatives that enhance public spaces across the City. There will also be opportunity to gain hands on exposure to urban forestry operations, arboriculture practices, ecological restoration, invasive species control and public facing environmental initiatives.

Employment Period: 12 Months from Start Date

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday – 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide recommendations for tree planting locations and species within public road allowances and City parks.
• Respond and address resident tree planting service requests.
• Perform field audits to validate work orders assigned to contractors and ensure they are completed in accordance with the contracts.
• Assists in monitoring and assessing the health and condition of existing and newly planted trees, vegetation, and other forestry assets on streets and parks and identifying and reporting on any deficiencies or work required.
• Support Forestry events by providing instruction or information on the Forestry Section to the public, ensuring event documentation is collected and maintained (waivers, contact lists, etc.)
• 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.
• Accurately operate and maintain specialized scientific data collection, diagnostic or geospatial equipment (i.e. GPS, GIS, RTK).
• Assist with ground based assistance with arboricultural tasks such as, tree pruning, removals, stumping, etc.
• Safely operate and maintain common forestry vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• 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.
• ISA Certification would be considered an asset.
• 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.
• Must provide a current driver’s abstract, obtained at the candidate’s own expense.
• 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.