Job Opportunity

Position: Forestry Technician
Organization: Rideau Valley Conservation Authority
Location: based at RVCA Headquarters, Manotick, Greater Ottawa, Ontario

Forestry Technician
Permanent Full-time (35 hours per week)
Work location: based at RVCA Headquarters, work will take place at sites throughout the watershed
There is no direct public transportation to the worksite; candidates should ensure they have reliable transportation prior to applying.

About the RVCA:
RVCA is one of 36 conservation authorities in Ontario responsible for furthering the "conservation, restoration, development and management of natural resources in the watershed" under the Conservation Authorities Act. We are dedicated to protecting people and property from natural hazards like flooding and erosion, while conserving the wetlands, forests and natural areas that reduce their impacts.

About the Job
You will be responsible for:

• Assisting in the delivery of the Trees for Tomorrow and the Green Acres Reforestation tree planting programs.
• Increasing community interest and involvement in enhancing the health of the watershed through tree planting project design and implementation.
• Helping with education and outreach efforts and will work with private landowners to achieve their afforestation objective and to ensure successful tree establishment across the watershed.
• On a regular basis, assisting with the work on remediation projects and other capital projects

Who you are
As the preferred candidate you:

• Have a degree or diploma in forestry or another related environmental program.
• Have one year of relevant experience and are familiar with forestry practices with a focus on afforestation.
• Are familiar with and able to use GIS tools and database programs.
• Are well organized and have excellent interpersonal skills.
• Are proficient in using various software applications including Word, Excel, and Access.
• Have a valid “G” Class (or equivalent) driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, plus experience or a willingness to learn how to operate equipment.

What we offer

• Full-time, 35 hours per week
• Salary range of $56,100 to $66,786 annually
• Membership in the OMERS pension plan
• Free onsite parking
• Group benefits after 3 months of employment

If you are enthusiastic about conservation and think you would be a good fit for this position, please send your resume and cover letter by email no later than 4:00pm May 23, 2025 to: hr@rvca.ca

Please write your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Visit us on the web at http://www.rvca.ca

The Rideau Valley Conservation Authority (RVCA) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive experience for RVCA job applicants and employees. If you require accommodations at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hr@rvca.ca and we will work with you to meet your request. The RVCA welcomes all applications; however, we will contact only those candidates selected for consideration.

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RIDEAU VALLEY CONSERVATION AUTHORITY
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Forestry Technician
Department: Stewardship
Supervisor’s Position Title: Forestry Program Manager
Classification: Band 3
Date of Issue: April 2025

JOB SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the Forestry Program Manager, the Forestry Technician will be responsible for assisting with the coordination and implementation of tree planting projects on public and private lands. The Forestry Technician will also assist with forest management activities on Conservation Areas.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Field work (60%)
1. Conduct site visits and prepare afforestation planting plans for private landowners.
2. On-site coordination of tree planting operations to ensure work is completed to contract specifications.
3. Perform quality control audits on tree planting and tending contractors.
4. Conduct tree planting survival assessments and monitoring assessments.
5. Assist with forest management work on Conservation Areas owned by the RVCA.
6. Assist with the implementation of all tree planting business opportunities and capital projects.
7. Assist with tree planting and tending operations as needed.
8. Help maintain other RVCA interests including caliper tree nursery, facility and equipment maintenance and trail maintenance.
9. Assist with the implementation of the Butternut Recovery Program.

Office work (40%)
1. Prepare tree planting prescription maps and operational maps.
2. Assist with the contract procurement, contract administration, and scheduling.
3. Prepare invoices and tree planting agreements for all planting projects.
4. Assist with program promotions and communication strategy.
5. Assist with the implementation of all tree planting business opportunities and capital projects.
6. Manage the Over-the-Counter tree sale and give-a-way.
7. Manage database by entering project information.
8. General office duties such as maintaining filing, arranging mailing/courier services and other duties as assigned.

EFFORT & WORKING CONDITIONS
Must be able to lift 50 lbs. for extended periods.
Ability to plant and tend trees for extended periods.
Must be able to work in inclement weather with the ability to manage variable site conditions such as rough terrain, sleep slopes, remote areas, etc.
Willing to work some weekends and evenings to complete planting operations or to work at public gatherings to promote the program.
Office work may involve long periods of sitting and concentration.
Long periods of continuous computer use.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND COMPETENCIES
Degree or diploma in forestry, natural resources, or environmental program.
Must possess an Ontario Class “G” Driver’s license and an acceptable driving record are mandatory.
Must be flexible and easily adaptable to rapidly changing situations/priorities.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build strong relationships with landowners, partners, and colleagues.
Strong computer skills with the ability to use MS-Word, MS Access, MS-Excel, Outlook and ArcMap.
Preferred 1-year of experience in afforestation (private or crown land).
The ability to operate farm equipment is considered an asset.
The ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.
Experience working with species at risk is considered an asset.

HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
To meet health and safety standards and regulations, the incumbent must be trained and/or evaluated in the following areas:
RVCA Driver’s Certification
WHMIS
New Employee Health and Safety Training
Emergency First Aid and CPR
All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Training

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