Forest Assistant

• Pay or shift range: $39.56 CAD to $46.40 CAD
• TBD
• Public Works
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: THECO
  001011

What we can offer YOU!

• A competitive hourly wage ranging between $39.56– $46.40 (January 1, 2026 Non-Union Pay Grid);
• Eligible to enroll in OMERS pension plan
• Access to Perkopolis; discount, reward and benefits program
• Access to an Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Unlimited access to live and interactive webinars offered by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI)
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.

What you’ll do

• Plan and implement projects to preserve the ecological value of the Dufferin County Forest and ensure its sustainability and regeneration
• Develop plans for planting and growing new trees, monitor trees for healthy growth, and assist with determining optimal harvesting schedules.
• Conduct inventory of stands to be harvested and monitor harvesting operations
• Assist with the preparation of silvicultural prescriptions for stands to be harvested
• Assist with monitoring tree marking contract
• Inventory, monitor, and control invasive species
• Inventory and monitor species at risk and support the conservation of wildlife habitats
• Collect, manage, analyze, and present geospatial data through the development and maintenance of maps, databases, and other geospatial tools which support forest management
• Respond to public inquiries regarding recreational use of the County Forest and provide "on-the-ground" contact with Forest users
• Monitor recreational activities in the Forest, including hunting
• Assist with monitoring and maintaining signage, garbage bins, and other infrastructure in the County Forest, and arrange maintenance for all gates
• Participate in local events to promote the County Forest (e.g., home shows)
• Assist in identifying new opportunities for promoting the Forest and engaging in educational outreach
• Prepare educational content about the County Forest for the Dufferin County website and as needed for other initiatives
• Update and maintain the Dufferin County Forest & Rail Trail web pages
• Respond to complaints received from people whose agricultural or horticultural use of their property is affected by the spread of noxious weeds
• Investigate complaints received and physically visit the site to assess the complaint and determine the course of action to be taken.
• Issues notices and/or orders to destroy weeds in accordance with the Weed Control Act 1990
• Contact contractors to cut or treat weeds in accordance with the County’s Weed Control Program
• Identifies and locates noxious weeds. Inspect roadside and ditches for noxious weeds.
• Assist in the preparation of annual management plans and operating plans for the Country Forest, including associated public consultation
• Assist in preparation of reports/memoranda as needed for supervisors, senior management, Infrastructure and Environmental Services Committee, and County Council
• Provide technical tree-related advice to staff in the Public Works department
• Other duties as assigned

What you’ll bring

• University degree or college diploma in Forestry or a related field with equivalent experience
• BScF, Bachelor of Science in Forestry is considered an asset
• Registered Professional Forester (R.P.F.) designation or the ability to acquire designation within one year
• One year of related work experience
• Experience working in the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Forest considered an asset
• Experience working in a municipal environment considered an asset
• Knowledge of current forest management practices and guidelines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; able to communicate effectively and tactfully with internal staff, community stakeholders and members of the public
• Excellent customer service skills, with demonstrated problem-solving ability
• Presentat…