Natural Areas Technician, Forestry

Job Summary

Help shape the future of Mississauga’s natural heritage. The City’s Natural Areas Management team is seeking a hands‑on, passionate Natural Areas Technician to support the restoration, maintenance, and monitoring of forests, wetlands, and other natural areas across the city. Working alongside City staff, contractors, and community volunteers, you’ll contribute directly to projects that enhance biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and steward the city’s natural areas for generations to come. This role is ideal for an environmental professional who wants to make a meaningful, visible impact for the future.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement naturalization, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and stewardship projects, including plantings, site maintenance activities and events. 
• Monitor, assess, and document the health and condition of terrestrial and aquatic natural areas to identify maintenance, restoration, and monitoring needs.
• Provide functional guidance and training to seasonal staff and volunteers.
• Conduct field audits and inspections to ensure contractor work meets contract specifications, service levels, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Develop and implement maintenance and monitoring protocols for natural areas.
• Collect, analyze, and manage technical and spatial data using specialized equipment (e.g., GPS, GIS, Survey123, Field Maps etc.) and prepare recommendations and documentation.
• Support contract administration activities, including developing specifications, monitoring performance, tracking budgets and invoices, and reporting issues or discrepancies.
• Respond to service requests and act as a point of contact for residents, City staff, and stakeholders regarding natural areas concerns and inquiries.
• Support program logistics, including receiving plant deliveries, inventorying materials and equipment, and ensuring tools and vehicles are safe and operational.
• Prepare and contribute to reports, correspondence, presentations, and briefing materials, and assist with representing the Division at public and interdepartmental meetings.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Ecology, Biology, Environmental Science, or a related field;
• Minimum 2 years experience in natural areas management or ecosystem restoration;
• Ability to complete tasks independently within assigned timeframes;
• Ability to manage and prioritize tasks from multiple sources;
• Ability to perform administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks;
• Experience with Microsoft Office software;
• Ability to communicate clearly;
• Ability to interact with the public courteously and effectively;
• Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions;
• Ability to safely operate and haul equipment such as RTVs;
• Familiarity with a variety of electrical and fuel powered tools and must be able to operate these tools safely;
• Must follow safety guidelines and precautions specified for work and vehicle operation;
• Understanding of applicable Health and Safety regulations and Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Ability to operate a commercial vehicle and trailer;
• Proficient plant identification skills;
• Knowledge of invasive species and associated management techniques;
• Experience with ecological monitoring and mapping techniques including using a handheld GPS;
• Experience analysing/managing data collected in the field;
• Must be eligible to become a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP) or Professional Biologist (P.Biol.).
• Must be able to work in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and perform heavy lifting.
• Experience in ecosystem restoration, naturalization, invasive species management, habitat restoration, and stewardship in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
• Valid Class "G" Ontario Driver's License;
• Successful candidates will be required to obtain a current driver’s abstract at their own expense;
• Must hold Emergency First Aid CPR Level C Certification;
• Require light lifting of supplies/materials;
• Willingness to work in varying environments, terrain, and weather conditions;
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends as required.