Area Forester Forest Conservation (Technologist II)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our 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 Canadas 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 Programand 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 - Were 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 Conservation is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of programs plans and contracts for the management of York Regional Forests including silvicultural management capital construction and maintenance of infrastructure assets; identifying planning and implementing silvicultural activities including planting tending and harvesting; assists with administrating the Regions Forest Conservation bylaw including review of permit applications conducting site inspections and investigations monitoring permits orders and educating landowners and other stakeholders on bylaw requirements and good forestry practices; responding to customer inquiries regarding Forest Conservation programs; undertake assessments and identify strategies to manage forest health issues.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

• Assist in the development and implementation of silvicultural and other forest management activities in accordance with approved Regional Forest management plan including the development of work plans preparation and administration of contracts and inspections/audits of forest management activities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of capital and maintenance projects for Regional Forest infrastructure assets including work plans preparation and administration of contracts and inspections/audits of construction and maintenance activities.
• Establishes and maintains forestry files and documentation.
• Updates and maintains green infrastructure inventories including forest communities trails and other supporting infrastructure using geographic information system-based inventory applications.
• Conducts inspections and administers contracts to ensure adherence to contract terms and conditions.
• Conducts site visits inspections and investigations as it relates to administration of the Regions Forest Conservation Bylaw.
• Provides technical leadership to internal staff and external contractors.
• Liaises and fosters positive relationships with internal and external contacts contractors other professionals municipal partners and the public.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a three-year Community College Diploma in Resource Management Technology Natural Environment Technology or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Eligibility to obtain Registered Professional Forester status within two (2) years of hire as well as arboriculture certification under the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Solid forestry related experience in the management of public/community forests administration of tree or forest conservation by-laws and management of forests in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence forest region.
• Experience in forest management and/or a natural resource field including integrated management of both coniferous and deciduous forest types.
• Demonstrated skills to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of applicable Acts legislation and by-laws including The Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
• Valid Ontario Class G drivers license free of serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act.