Co-op Student - Urban Forestry

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in Kelowna seeks an Urban Forestry Co-op Student to assist with tree maintenance and urban forestry duties. Responsibilities include public engagement, lawn care, and working in various weather conditions. Candidates should be enrolled in a post-secondary program and possess a valid BC Class 5 Driver's Licence. Previous horticulture experience is a plus, and the pay rate ranges from $25.68 to $27.66 per hour. This full-time position runs from early May to late December.

Qualifications

• Must be attending school during the last term and returning to studies.
• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence required.
• Horticulture experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assist City arborists with tree maintenance and planting.
• Engage with the public and maintain parks.
• Perform physical labour in various weather conditions.

Skills

Horticulture experience

Public engagement

Ability to work in all weather conditions

Education

Enrollment in school, college or university

Diploma in horticulture, arboriculture, or related field

Tools

Chainsaws

Small equipment

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Specific to the Urban Forestry Co‑op Student role: The Urban Forestry co‑op student position will assist the City arborists and urban forestry technician with duties related to tree maintenance, tree planting and other urban forestry related duties. General Parks maintenance including tree, plant and lawn care, irrigation upkeep, garbage pickup, raking, shoveling, mowing and use of small equipment and hand tools. Dealing with the public, contractors, other City and event staff.

Duties

• Engagement with public
• Shrub and lawn care maintenance
• Weeding
• Raking
• Shoveling
• Minor irrigation repair
• Mowing
• Line painting

Employment Dates: Early May through to late December

Hours of Work: 6:00am to 2:30pm (may vary depending on assignment)

Days of Work: Monday to Friday (weekends may be required for some assignments)

Results and Activities

You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Able to work occasional weekends and in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour
• Able to work with groups of people and work alone using the buddy system

Horticulture experience and an interest in this field would be considered an asset.

Physical Demands

Working outside in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. This position requires performing a significant amount of digging, bending, lifting.

Special Instructions to Applicant

Specific to the Urban Forestry Co‑op Student role: The Urban Forestry co‑op student position will assist the City arborists and urban forestry technician with duties related to tree maintenance, tree planting and other urban forestry related duties. General Parks maintenance including tree, plant and lawn care, irrigation upkeep, garbage pickup, raking, shoveling, mowing and use of small equipment and hand tools. Dealing with the public, contractors, other City and event staff.

Additional Hiring Information

Student program eligibility requirements: You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. Verification will be required. Enrolment in a formal co‑op program is not required.

International students must be attending school full time, possess a valid study permit and may require a valid co‑op work permit when applying for a co‑op position. Please note that international students can only participate in co‑op work terms for up to 50% of their total program of study (example: a 2‑year diploma program is limited to two co‑op work terms).

The City of Kelowna is committed to being an organization that values and reflects its community’s diverse population, and to fostering an equitable, inclusive and progressive work environment where everyone can be their authentic self and feels a sense of belonging.

Pay Rate

$25.68 to $27.66 per hour plus 14% in lieu of benefits, vacation, and statutory holidays

Posting Information

Posting Number: CK53910P

Posting Date: 12/04/2025

Closing Date: 01/23/2026

Standard Hours per Day: 8

Hours of Work: 7 am to 3 pm

Work Location: PARKS OFFICE/YARD

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Driver's Abstract

Optional Documents

• Other Document 1
• Other Document 2
• Other Document 3
• Other Document 4

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * How many years of experience do you have in wildfire planning, urban forestry, trail building and dealing with forest health issues?
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 to 3 years
  • More than 3 years
• * Do you have a diploma in horticulture, arboriculture, urban forestry or a related field?
  • Yes
  • No
  • In progress
  • I have a diploma in an unrelated field
• * How many years of experience do you have operating and maintaining chainsaws and other small equipment?
  • No response
  • None
  • Less than one year
  • 1‑2 years
  • 2+ years
• * Are you physically able to perform the duties of this job in all weather conditions?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you able to work 40 hrs/week for the entire term (May – August)?
  • Yes
  • No
• * Are you currently enrolled in a post‑secondary school, college, or university?
  • Yes
  • No