Forestry Specialist (Forestry, Logging & Mill Operations)

  Grand River Conservation Authority

  Cambridge, Ontario, Canada

As a member of the Conservation Services team, the Forestry Specialist works with individuals and  community partners to promote and increase the adoption of reforestation projects and good forestry  practices in the watershed.

The Specialist provides technical information to landowners to assist them  with the implementation of tree planting and other natural restoration projects.

The Specialist is the main contact for private landowners accessing GRCA`s financial and technical  assistance programs for tree planting.

The Specialist conducts on-site consultations with clients, performs field inspections and provides ongoing support to landowners.

The Specialist also coordinates the delivery of various cost-sharing programs and ensures that clients have access to the most appropriate sources of funding. This includes preparing and presenting project applications to funding approval committees.

The Forestry Specialist is responsible for leading and assisting with conservation education event planning such as community tree planting events and workshops.

The Forestry Specialist also liaises with local tree related organizations and committees in support of community reforestation initiatives. The purpose of these events and programs is to promote conservation practices to various audiences and client groups.

The Specialist is also responsible for developing and maintaining forestry project data, mapping, and related promotional activities and communications.

The Forestry Specialist will also assist with forest management on GRCA lands and the implementation of the Watershed Forest Plan as required.

Specific Accountabilities

1. Work with rural landowners and community groups to develop appropriate tree planting plans and provide technical assistance to ensure successful completion of projects.

2. Work with rural landowners to develop suitable applications for the various cost share programs.

3. Prepare and present project applications to local Review Committees for consideration for various cost-share programs .

4. Conduct field surveys and site assessments in order to develop appropriate planting plans for landowners.

5. Work with tree planting contractors to ensure that tree planting plans on private land are adhered to and that quality of service is maintained.

6. Undertake projects relating to rural lands restoration and naturalization.

7. Collect, organize, maintain and report project data including financial information and invoicing.

8. Communicate program objectives and project opportunities to potential clients.

9. Coordinate, organize and implement community based activities as part of a team in support of major program areas such as Earth Day Events and other special projects.

10. Develop displays, exhibits and promotional materials to promote conservation programs and practice

11. Undertake communications and promotional activity in support of major program areas and recruit  participants to GRCA tree planting and community forestry involvement programs

12. Conduct spatial analyses in support of proactive forestry extension, and provide GIS-based mapping support in program areas.

13. Coordinate, organize and implement community-based forestry involvement, such as tree planting events, trail work, monitoring, etc.

14. Other duties as assigned.

Technical Accountabilities

1. University degree or equivalent in forestry or resource management, with one to three years of related work experience; eligibility for membership in the Ontario Professional Foresters’ Association an asset.

2. Experience working with landowners and stakeholders to develop appropriate tree planting plans.

3. Applied knowledge of forest silvics and tree planting methodology and procedures.

4. Applied knowledge of agroforestry and urban naturalization “best management practices” and conservation farm planning and forest management practices.

5. Applied knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems and forest inventory.

6. Knowledge and experience developing educational and promotional materials.

7. Knowledge and experience organizing community events.

8. Proficiency in GIS-based mapping (ArcGIS).

9. Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook)

10. Ability to adhere to service delivery expectations and to deal with the public in an effective and courteous manner. 1

1. Ability to balance and coordinate multiple project demands at once.

12. Proven effective communication skills, both written and verbal.

Approximate Start Date: August 2018

Term of Employment: August 2018 to July 2019

Compensation

The pay range for this position is Job Level 6 $27.43 to $34.29 and hours of work are 35 per week

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