Forestry, natural resources and environmental technology 

Position Title: Hemlock Conservation Team Member 
Number of Positions: Two (2) seasonal positions available 
Organization: Medway Community Forest Co-operative Ltd.
Location: Caledonia, Nova Scotia

Date posted: January 29, 2026 
Term of Contract: March 30, 2026, to December 15, 2026 – Seasonal Contract 
Hourly Wage: $24.50/hour, up to 37.5 hours/week 

Background 

The Medway Community Forest Co-operative (MCFC) is Eastern Canada’s first community forest, based in the rural community of Caledonia, Nova Scotia.

Our primary aim is to support local communities through sustainable and ecologically based forest management. MCFC manages a 15,000-hectare Crown land license area using practices that reflect ecological and multi-value forest management. 

The MCFC Hemlock Conservation Program was launched to preserve and protect Nova Scotia’s hemlock forests, which are rapidly declining due to Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA), an invasive insect species that has caused extensive damage to hemlock stands throughout the eastern United States and is now impacting eastern Canada. 

Our Hemlock Conservation Team mitigates the impacts of HWA through monitoring, management practices, and community outreach. We use insecticides and silvicultural practices to protect hemlock trees from HWA infestations and promote their continued survival. The project is a collaborative effort between MCFC, government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation partners, and aims to raise public awareness about the importance of  hemlock forests and ensure their continued survival. 

Job Description 

As a member of the Hemlock Conservation Team, your primary responsibility will be to apply pesticides safely and efficiently to protect old-growth hemlock trees across southwestern Nova Scotia. The successful candidate will be competent in forest navigation and able to work in inclement weather and challenging site conditions. Every team member must possess or be willing to obtain a pesticide applicator certification. By joining the team, you will play a significant role in preserving our natural environment while also gaining valuable field experience. 

Team Members support field operations and maintain equipment under the direction of the Project Coordinator and Team Lead. Duties include, but are not limited to: 

• Completing HWA treatments in accordance with pesticide labels and safe work practices using a variety of application methods (including basal bark and tree injection) 
• Participating in safety briefings, identifying and reporting hazards, and always using appropriate PPE 
• Assisting with cleaning, maintenance, and safe storage of treatment equipment 
• Supporting stand assessments and canopy health assessments, including measuring and marking trees for treatment as required 
• Collecting and managing field data using Survey123 and ArcGIS Field Maps 
• Completing daily tasks and submitting weekly timesheets as required 
• Supporting the Hemlock Hero Volunteer Program and public outreach events, as required 

Preferred Education and Experience 

• Technical diploma in forestry, natural resources, or environmental technology preferred; candidates with relevant experience are encouraged to apply 
• 1–2 years of experience working in forestry or natural resource sectors 
• Experience with canoeing or paddling 
• Experience using smartphone-based data collection applications 
• Experience navigating in remote areas 
• Ability to identify Wabanaki-Acadian Forest tree species 

Other Requirements 

• Willingness to travel to remote locations and camp overnight when necessary 
• Valid Nova Scotia Class 5 Driver’s License 
• Nova Scotia Wilderness First Aid (preferred) or Nova Scotia Emergency First Aid 
• Willingness to work in inclement weather and challenging site conditions 
• Ability to lift heavy items 
• Ability to work weekends and/or a condensed work week 
• Willingness to commute to the Caledonia area daily 

Additional Information 

Compensation: The Team Member’s wage is $24.50/hour.
Strike Team Members typically work a condensed schedule of 37.5 hours over a four-day work week and are paid on an hourly basis. 

Benefits: MCFC provides vacation pay at 4% paid out on each pay, seven (7) paid sick days and two (2)  paid personal days per year, in addition to statutory and public holidays. Employees are covered under Workers’ Compensation in accordance with provincial requirements. 

Other Conditions: All Strike Team Members are required to work on a flexible, weather-dependent schedule. Several overnight wilderness stays, either camping or in cabins, are expected. Breaks in employment may occur during extended periods of heavy rain or drought when treatment work is not possible. 

Location: Based out of the MCFC office in Caledonia, NS, with work occurring at various sites across southwestern Nova Scotia. Applicants must be willing to travel to Caledonia at their own expense each workday. 

Start Date: The Hemlock Conservation Team Member can start as early as March 30, 2026. 

To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to: 
jessica.ihlen@medwaycommunityforest.com
Applications must be submitted electronically as a single PDF and will be accepted until the position is filled. 

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MCFC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who self-identify as part of an underrepresented group, to apply. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.