Forest Health Assistant
*** Please note that this position is dependent on pending funding applications. ***
The Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority (GRCA) is currently accepting applications for the contract position of Forest Health Assistant. Working as part of the GRCA’s Conservation Lands team, the Forest Health Assistant will be responsible for supporting forest management operations at the Ganaraska Forest and the nine GRCA Conservation Areas.
The Forest Health Assistant will be primarily responsible for collecting forest inventory data within the Ganaraska Forest in conjunction with the GRCA Forester. This will support the development of silvicultural prescriptions and invasive species monitoring and management within the Ganaraska Forest. The Forest Health Assistant will also support the GRCA’s ongoing invasive species management projects through dedicated monitoring initiatives and removals (manual and chemical). Other duties will include data entry and management in the GRCA’s forest management database, and supporting the Forester and Watershed Biologist with forest operations, mapping, and trail maintenance duties.
Working hours will total 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday. This position will be based out of the GRCA’s Forest Management Office located at the Ganaraska Forest Centre, 10585 Cold Springs Camp Road, Campbellcroft, ON L0A 1B0.
Application Criteria
- Must have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial legislation and regulations. Applicants must hold Canadian citizenship, Canadian permanent residency status, or Canadian refugee status.
- Post-secondary education in forestry, natural resources management, biology, environmental science or a related field.
- Applicant must possess their own Green Patch CSA-approved safety boots. Boots with ankle support and adequate tread highly recommended due to outdoor working conditions.
Summary of Tasks
In coordination with the GRCA Forester and Watershed Biologist:
- Assist with forest inventory and other field data collection for the Ganaraska Forest, with a particular focus on assessing invasive species.
- Assist with invasive species removal, management and restoration efforts, including manual removal and herbicide application.
- Assist with trail inventory, maintenance and inspections.
- Assist with the organization and entry of data into the GRCA’s forest management database.
- Other duties as assigned.
Summary of Required Qualifications
- Post-secondary education in forestry, natural resources management, biology, environmental science or related field. Forestry background preferable.
- Preference for those with past experience in forest inventory and related monitoring data collection, tree marking, and invasive species management.
- A valid Province of Ontario class ‘G’ driver’s license with access to reliable transportation. The GRCA will obtain a 3-year uncertified driver’s abstract of the successful candidate upon hiring.
- A current Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required upon hiring.
- Applicants must be capable of working safely outdoors for entire days without supervision and in inclement conditions, including in remote areas, rough terrain, adverse weather, and in proximity to natural hazards (e.g. insects, poison ivy).
- Applicants must be capable of physically demanding labour and highly aware of safety procedures in accordance with the GRCA Health and Safety Policy.
- Native/non-native tree, shrub, plant and wildlife identification skills, particularly for species found in the Oak Ridges Moraine and/or Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest regions.
Other Skills and Assets
- Comfort working outdoors and with pesticides.
- A passion for good forest management in southern Ontario and initiative to explore topics of interest.
- Basic navigational skills including experience using field GPS units, compass, map and air photo interpretation, etc.
- Strong computer skills and experience with MS Word, Excel, ArcGIS and AGOL tools/applications.
- Experience in the safe operation and maintenance of manual/mechanized field equipment, including but not limited to brush saws, chainsaws, backpack sprayers, and off-road vehicles.
Certifications considered as assets include:
- Provisional or student membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) with aspirations to attain Full or Associate membership in the future.
- Ontario Forestry/Landscape Exterminator License or Pesticide Technician Certification.
- Ontario Tree Marking Certification or course completion.
- Chainsaw Operator license.
- First Aid and CPR Certification.
Please send a cover letter and resume clearly demonstrating how you meet the qualifications no later than April 28th, 2024 to:
Gus Saurer, R.P.F.
Forester – Ganaraska Forest
gsaurer@grca.on.ca
Ganaraska Region Conservation Authority
2216 County Road 28
Port Hope, ON L1A 3V8
www.grca.on.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, the Authority will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you are contacted regarding this competition and you require disability related accommodations, please inform Human Resources.
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