Technical Assistant - Forestry

City of Winnipeg; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government organization in Winnipeg seeks a Technical Assistant – Forestry for various seasonal positions. You'll assist in evaluating trees and addressing forestry-related issues, while ensuring development and application of projects in Urban Forestry. Candidates should have a background in Forestry or a related field paired with technical and customer service skills. The role will require operating City tools and maintaining positive public interactions. Excellent communication skills and ability to work outdoors are essential.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Employer-paid benefits

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year of post-secondary education completed in Forestry, Biology, Urban/Environmental Studies, or related field.
• Technical experience in data collection or drafting/design.
• Experience in customer service or public relations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability in the safe operation of equipment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate trees and detect forest threats.
• Communicate with the public on forestry concerns.
• Operate City tools and equipment related to Urban Forestry.

Skills

Customer service

Data collection

Public relations

Communication skills

Technical skills

Interpersonal skills

Knowledge of tree diseases

Ability to identify plant species

Education

Post-secondary education in Forestry or related field

Tools

MS Office

GIS software

Job description

Technical Assistant – Forestry

Department: Public Works - Parks and Open Space - Forestry and DED Control

Designated Work Location: 1539 Waverley Street, Onsite

Position Type: Multiple seasonal and temporary positions (hiring for the 2026 season)

Hours of Work: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday

Salary: $21.09 - $26.38 hourly as per the Technical Assistant classification

Employee Group: C.U.P.E.

Posting No.: 126539

Closing Date: February 6, 2026

Providing a wide range of services to over half of all Manitobans, The City of Winnipeg is one of the largest employers in Manitoba. We provide a comprehensive range of benefits and career opportunities to our employees. These include competitive salaries, employer-paid benefits, dental and vision care, pension plans, and maternity/parental leave programs. Additionally, we offer education, training, and staff development opportunities to ensure that our employees are equipped with the necessary skills to advance in their careers.

Our Benefits web page provides detailed information about the benefits we offer, and we encourage you to visit it for further information at City of Winnipeg Benefits. We take pride in fostering a diverse, safe, and healthy workplace where our employees can thrive and achieve their full potential.

The City is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse, skilled workforce that is representative and reflective of the community we serve. Applications are encouraged from equity groups that have been and continue to be underrepresented at the City; Indigenous Peoples, Women, Racialized Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQQIA+ Peoples and Newcomers are encouraged to self‑declare.

For the purpose of this recruitment, equity may be a factor in selection. Consideration will be given to Indigenous Peoples, Women, Racialized Peoples, Persons with Disabilities, and Newcomers.

In accordance with the applicable collective agreement(s), recruitment and promotion provisions will be considered prior to applying equity strategies. Where permitted, preference will be given to qualified applicants who self‑identify as members of the equity group(s) listed above.

Requests for Reasonable Accommodation will be accepted during the hiring process.

Preference to internal applicants may be applied.

Job Profile

Under the supervision of the Forestry Technician, the Technical Assistant – Forestry performs technical work assisting in a variety of field and office projects in Urban Forestry and Dutch Elm Disease management programs.

As the Technical Assistant – Forestry you will

• Evaluate trees, firewood and wood debris on public and private land to identify species, detect, sample, and document forest threats such as, but not limited to, Dutch Elm Disease (DED), and assisting with field inspections, data collection, and documentation for various Urban Forestry Technical Programs.
• Communicate directly with members of the public on forestry‑related concerns.
• Operate and maintain City tools, equipment and technical instruments directly related to Urban Forestry.

Your Education and Qualifications Include

• Minimum of one (1) year of post‑secondary education completed in Forestry, Biology, Urban/Environmental Studies, Geography, Horticulture, or Urban/Landscape Design, or related field from a recognized university or technical college plus a minimum of 6 months of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) months of technical experience in any of the following: data collection, academic research, drafting/design, nursery/landscaping operations, report writing.
• Experience in customer service, public relations, or delivering presentations.
• Experience using MS Office such as Word, Excel, or similar software.
• Experience using GIS software or similar mapping/navigation software is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including handwritten communication.
• Ability in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment and technical instruments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of tree diseases, pests and their treatment.
• Ability to recognize biological or botanical features and use identification keys to identify plant and pest species.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set and meet goals/deadlines, and manage assigned workload with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of City of Winnipeg by‑laws and other regulations pertaining to trees.
• Ability to accurately interpret symptoms and laboratory results to determine the presence of insect and disease pests and other environmental stress factors.
• Working knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions and regulations applicable to the work.
• IMPORTANT: Applicants who have been educated outside of Canada must have education which is comparable to the minimum qualification in Canada. Applicants submitting foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service https://www.canalliance.org/en/ at application.

Conditions of Employment

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Full Stage Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid Driver’s Notice in Force letter.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide City approved personal protective safety boots at their own expense.
• Must be physically capable of performing duties of the position. (e.g. capable of lifting and moving objects at least 50 lbs).
• Must be capable of working at various heights, working outdoors in potentially extreme weather conditions, ability to stand and walk for extended periods and over uneven terrain including snow, ice and riverbanks, and the ability to work overhead and at heights for extended periods.
• Role requires accurate colour perception to effectively perform job tasks (e.g. visually detect colour differences among leaves within the tree canopy from the ground to detect Dutch Elm Disease).

How to Apply

APPLY ONLINE, including all documentation listed below:

• Current resume (Required).
• Driver’s Notice in Force document (Required). A Driver’s Notice In Force document can be obtained free of charge from any insurance agency.
• Applications submitted without REQUIRED documentation will not be considered.

Please note, in accordance with Article 12‑8, this position is typically filled by new employees. If applying internally, clearly outline any unusual, irregular, or extraordinary reasons in your cover letter that should warrant your consideration for this role.

• Your application documents must clearly indicate how you meet the qualifications of the position.*

Notes

Online applications can be submitted at http://www.winnipeg.ca/hr/. For instructions on how to apply and how to attach required documents please refer to our FAQ’s or contact 311.

Position Reports To: Forestry Technician

• Applicants may be required to undergo testing to determine their knowledge, abilities, and skills as they relate to the qualifications of the position.

Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.