Forestry Technician

Position: Forestry Technician
Organization: Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
Location: Formosa, near Walkerton & Hanover, Ontario

Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority
2024 Forestry Technician
One full-time, permanent position

Summary of Functions

SVCA’s forestry technicians are responsible for assisting the Manager of Forestry and Lands in field and office work related to our properties and those of private landowners. Responsibilities span a range of activities that include tree marking, planting, and the preparation of silvicultural prescriptions. They also engage in forest ecosystem inventory, mapping of forest stands, and infrastructure identification. Additionally, their duties involve herbicide application and contributing to the planning and execution of various projects, including development, restoration, and stewardship initiatives. Reporting directly to the Manager of Forestry and Lands, these technicians operate from the Formosa Administration Office, where they also handle supervisory and other operational tasks related to land management.

Qualifications

• A technical diploma in Forestry
• Minimum two years of field experience as a Forestry Technician
• Ontario Tree Marker Certification in Hardwoods
• Licensed Pesticide Exterminator
• Certified Chainsaw Operator
• Managed Forest Plan Approver status
• Associate Professional Forester or Forester status with the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, considered an asset
• Valid class ‘G’ Ontario Driver’s License
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Sound knowledge of forest management practices
• Experience and knowledge in the use and application of GIS and GPS systems
• Capability to perform manual labour
• Experience in conservation and restoration project implementation
• Property maintenance experience
• Working knowledge of stewardship, ecosystem restoration, agricultural soil, and water conservation practices
• Familiarity with flora and fauna species identification
• Ability to undertake field work under varying terrain and weather conditions
• Demonstrate tact and good judgement in interactions with staff and the public
• Basic knowledge of legislation and internal policies and procedures related to the workplace environment
• Well-developed communication skills, including drafting, editing written materials, and articulating ideas clearly and concisely to various audiences
• Self-motivation with the capability to balance competing priorities and manage ambiguous situations

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the Manager of Forestry and Lands, the Lands Technician, and Field Operations Staff
• Conduct forest resource inventory field work and compile results into operating and management plans
• Coordinate and maintain a forest property database, including verification of property tax assessment values
• Enforce Section 29 of the CA Act, keeping detailed records
• Create and implement silvicultural prescriptions for forest operations on private and Authority lands
• Coordinate and supervise forest harvest operations on private and Authority lands.
• Create work schedules
• Plant and supervise the planting of seedling and landscape stock
• Provide landowner services regarding the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program, forest management, tree marking, tree planting, and herbicide spraying
• Undertake technical aspects of assisting in the delivery and promotion of the Forestry Program
• Provide forestry expertise to other Authority departments and the public as required
• Undertake performance evaluations of staff under supervision
• Use GPS equipment to map and locate Conservation Authority owned forests and infrastructure
• Plan and execute various initiatives, including engaging with landowners for best management practices, project development/implementation, invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and plant identification
• Work in the office to create mapping and assist with plans related to mapping
• Evaluate project success, author reports, map locations, and develop/review best management practices
• Apply for external grant funding to secure funds for Forestry and Lands projects, report back to funders, and maintain an internal grant database
• Use GPS equipment to map invasive species on Conservation Authority properties
• Maintain property and other facilities
• Perform duties in a professional, friendly, and courteous manner
• Operate weed eaters, riding lawnmowers, ATVs, gators, tractors, sprayers, saws, and other small tools
• Supervise other staff as required
• Work with communications staff on community education events and outreach activities
• Ensure work is conducted safely in compliance with all SVCA Health and Safety Policies
• Perform other duties as assigned appropriate to the responsibilities of the position

Work Environment and Conditions

This position requires work in an office environment as well as out-of-doors. The outdoor field work will require physical effort (e.g., extensive walking, navigating uneven terrain, heavy lifting, and working in various weather). In the event of flooding conditions, shift work may be required.

Location

SVCA’s Administrative Office, 1078 Bruce Road 12, Formosa, Ontario. Travel is normally within the Saugeen watershed, but meetings outside the watershed may be required.

Wages & Benefits
37.5 hours per week, full-time, permanent
Salary range: $64,095 -$75,944
Comprehensive benefit package
OMERS pension
Enrolment in SVCA’s Employee Assistance Program

Start date: October 2024
Closing date for applications: September 25th, 2024, at 11:59pm

Please submit your cover letter and resumé outlining how your experience meets the necessary qualifications by email to:
Janice Hagan, Executive Assistant, Saugeen Valley Conservation Authority j.hagan@svca.on.ca

Email is the preferred submission method. Submit your cover letter and resume as one .pdf document. Document file name and email subject line should be your name followed by _FORTECH2024 (e.g. Janice.Hagan_FORTECH2024.pdf).

Please indicate you saw this posting at GoodWork.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SVCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In accordance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA), SVCA will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability – related accommodations or more information about accommodation, please visit http://www.saugeenconservation.ca/access or email accessibility@svca.on.ca

All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA).