Forestry Technician (Technician II)

ABOUT US

Almost million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager, Forestry is responsible for assisting with the delivery of the Urban and Regional Forest programs and activities; street planting, maintenance and monitoring; forest property management and maintenance; and providing technical support for Invasive Species and Green Infrastructure programs.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Implements and monitors regional tree planting programs, including inspection of tree planting, in conjunction with capital roads and other projects.
• Performs standardised data collection and analysis, including street inventory, insect and diseases monitoring, urban forest health assessment and other tree inventories.
• Assists in performing information data management including establishing and maintaining section files and documentation.
• Liaises with government and non government agencies, contractors, developers, public etc. regarding technical, greening and urban forest promotional issues.
• Investigates and responds to inquiries and complaints from the public.
• Promotes the importance of forests, urban forestry, the Greening Strategy, trees and the natural
• Implements natural environment restoration and planting plans.
• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Community College Diploma Program in Resource Management, Arboriculture or related field.
• Must be registered as a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Experience with tree maintenance and pruning practices, forestry equipment and its maintenance, trail maintenance, fence and gate installation and maintenance.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license free of serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
• Knowledge of urban forestry and arboriculture principles and concepts related to forestry and trees, including hazard tree assessment and understanding of tree health and survival in a rural and urban context.
• Knowledge of tree biology and physiology, including strong tree identification skills.
• Knowledge of applicable legislation, bylaws and regulations including the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Knowledge and demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies including customer focus, communication, collaboration and personal ownership.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and data base applications and Geographic Information Systems.
• Ability to read and interpret road and development construction drawings and specifications in relation to impacts on vegetation.
• Ability to perform heavy lifting and to work in adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours as required.