Technical Assistant - Forestry at City of Winnipeg

Under the supervision of the Forestry Technician, the Technical Assistant - Forestry performs technical work assisting in a variety of field and office projects in Urban Forestry and Dutch Elm Disease management programs.

As the Technical Assistant – Forestry you will:

• Evaluate trees, firewood and wood debris on public and private land to identify species, detect, sample, and document forest threats such as, but not limited to, Dutch Elm Disease (DED), and assisting with field inspections, data collection, and documentation for various Urban Forestry Technical Programs.
• Communicate directly with members of the public on forestry-related concerns.
Operate and maintain City tools, equipment and technical instruments directly related to Urban Forestry

Your education and qualifications include:

• Minimum of one (1) year of post-secondary education completed in Forestry, Biology, Urban/Environmental Studies, Geography, Horticulture, or Urban/Landscape Design, or related field from a recognized university or technical college plus a minimum of 6 months of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Six (6) months of technical experience in any of the following: data collection, academic research, drafting/design, nursery/landscaping operations, report writing.

• Experience in customer service, public relations, or delivering presentations.

• Experience using MS Office such as Word, Excel, or similar software.

• Experience using GIS software or similar mapping/navigation software is preferred.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including handwritten communication.

• Ability in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment and technical instruments.

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.

• Knowledge of tree diseases, pests and their treatment.

• Ability to recognize biological or botanical features and use identification keys to identify plant and pest species.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set and meet goals/deadlines, and manage assigned workload with minimal supervision.

• Knowledge of City of Winnipeg by-laws and other regulations pertaining to trees.

• Ability to accurately interpret symptoms and laboratory results to determine the presence of insect and disease pests and other environmental stress factors.

• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions and regulations applicable to the work.

• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of employment:

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Full Stage Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid Driver’s Notice in Force letter.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide City approved personal protective safety boots at their own expense.
• Must be physically capable of performing duties of the position. (e.g. capable of lifting and moving objects at least 50lbs).
• Must be capable of working at various heights, working outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions, ability to stand and walk for extended periods and over uneven terrain including snow, ice and riverbanks, and the ability to work overhead and at heights for extended periods.
• Role requires accurate colour perception to effectively perform job tasks (e.g. visually detect colour differences among leaves within the tree canopy from the ground to detect Dutch Elm Disease).