Forestry Field Technician (Temporary Full Time for Approximately 18 Months)

City of Kitchener; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative city is seeking a Forestry Field Technician to enhance urban forestry practices. This role involves managing a vast tree inventory and ensuring the health of our urban forest. You will collect and analyze data, guide community planting projects, and enforce tree protection policies. Join a dedicated team focused on sustainability and community engagement, where your contributions will help shape greener and healthier urban spaces for future generations. If you are passionate about forestry and environmental stewardship, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2 years relevant experience in Forestry or related field.
• Strong knowledge of tree risk assessment and biology.

Responsibilities

• Perform field work to maintain the city’s tree inventory.
• Analyze tree data for maintenance and planting projects.

Skills

Tree Risk Assessment

Tree Biology

Data Analysis

Interpersonal Communication

Technical Field Skills

Education

2-year degree/diploma in Forestry

ISA Certified Arborist

Tools

MS Office

GIS

AutoCAD

Tablets

Digital Apps

Job description

Forestry Field Technician

Temporary Full-Time for Approximately 18 Months

Job Status: Temporary Full-Time (Approximately 18 months)

Pay & Grade: $65,784 to $82,229 Annually, Grade/Band: 7 (under review)

Hours of Work: 35 Hours per week

Initial location: Kitchener Operations Facility

Posting period: May 6, 2025 to May 18, 2025 (at 6:00pm)

Overview

At the City of Kitchener, we believe that an innovative, sustainable urban forestry program and a diverse, rich, and healthy urban forest are vital in building and shaping cohesive communities. Our trees provide social, economic, and environmental benefits, supporting our quality of life by beautifying streets and enriching parks and open spaces.

We are seeking a Forestry Technician to support the implementation of Kitchener’s Sustainable Urban Forest Strategy, focusing on managing over 70,000 street and park trees and 1,000+ hectares of natural areas for longevity and continued benefits for future generations.

Responsibilities

• Perform field work using specialized tools (tablets, digital apps, Fieldmaps) to keep the city’s tree inventory current.
• Collect data on tree species, ownership, health, structural and risk attributes.
• Identify potential planting locations to increase the city’s tree canopy.
• Analyze inventory data for projects like tenders and maintenance.
• Inspect and monitor newly planted trees for acceptance.
• Guide resident-led and city-supported planting projects during planting and warranty phases.
• Review drawings, assess impacts, and recommend tree maintenance, removal, protection, or planting.
• Monitor construction projects to ensure tree protection, document damage, and assess fines if needed.
• Enforce policies on tree protection, replanting, and restoration.
• Participate in public consultations, develop and deliver training, and create educational materials.
• Support contract projects with site inspections and safety compliance.
• Assist in research and analysis to develop best practices and operational plans.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2-year degree/diploma in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience.
• ISA Certified Arborist in good standing and ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or able to obtain within 12 months.
• Valid MTO G class driver’s license.
• Strong knowledge of tree risk assessment and tree biology.
• Technical field skills following protocols for data accuracy.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and use software like MS Office, GIS, AutoCAD.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Reliable with a positive attitude.

Note: Equivalent experience considered: Grade 12 diploma + up to 1 year post-secondary courses + 4 years relevant experience, or 3-year degree/diploma + 1 year relevant experience.

Department/Division: Infrastructure Services, Parks and Cemeteries

Group: CUPE 791

Competition Number: 2025-174

Job Code: 1374

Number of positions: 1

Why work at the City of Kitchener