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.

We are currently hiring for two Forestry Management Assistant positions:

• Forestry Capital Delivery Team: Contribute directly to city-wide tree planting initiatives that enhance parks, boulevards, and other public spaces across Mississauga.
• Natural Areas Management Team: Support ecological restoration projects, invasive species management, and community stewardship events that help protect and enhance the City’s natural heritage systems

Employment Period:

1. Up to December 31, 2027 (Forestry Capital Delivery Team)
2. Up to December 10, 2026 (Natural Areas Management Team)

 Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 7:00 am – 3:30 pm with occasional weeknight and weekend shifts as required. 

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 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 the Forestry Section 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.
• 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.
• Other duties assigned.

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.
• Must be willing to obtain and provide a current driver's abstract at their 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.