Parks Research Assistant

About Us

Home to vast parkland and attractions including Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon and Capilano Suspension Bridge, the District of North Vancouver is inspired by nature, and enriched by people. Recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for six years, the District offers professional development opportunities, a competitive total compensation package, a nine-day fortnight, and hybrid work arrangements.

This is an exciting time to join us as we transform digital service delivery, reimagine the customer experience, and advance bold climate action initiatives. Known for our flexible, family-friendly policies and inclusive workplace culture, the District is an exceptional place to build a meaningful career.

Position Overview
About the Role Subject to receiving funding through the Canada Summer Jobs Program, we are looking for two temporary full time Parks Research Assistants to inventory park assets for the Parks Department’s asset management program. Park assets include built infrastructure, such as trail networks, bridges, signs, boardwalks, decking, staircases, picnic benches, fencing, sports fields, signs, bleachers, fencing, etcetera. These positions require indoor and outdoor work to undertake a variety of office and field related tasks.

Duties may involve collecting, documenting, and verifying on-site asset information using field instruments; reviewing data, tables, maps, and inventories; identifying and reporting issues in the field; writing summaries, reports, conducting research and summarizing findings; and, communicating with team members, internal stakeholders, and the public. The positions may also assist with other Parks planning tasks, such as engagement support, research and synthesizing information, and data entry.

Other duties may include preparing documentation; sourcing, retrieving, and filing hardcopy and electronic documents and files; drafting, formatting, proofing, and editing routine documents; data entry, and information retrieval using corporate software systems; scanning support; maintaining registers and lists; fulfilling various requests for internal clients; preparing documents and supplies for events; and other clerical tasks as needed.

You have:

Sound knowledge of business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic

Proficiency with MS Windows suite including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook email, and sound keyboarding skills.

Experience with orienting oneself using maps.

The ability to work independently in the field including navigating remote terrain, trails, and parks.

Knowledge or ability to learn how to use field instruments Trimble, ArcGIS Field Maps, tablet, maps) to record and verify numerous park assets.

The ability to follow instructions and perform assigned clerical, data entry and related duties.

Sound knowledge of the applicable sections of departmental rules, policies and procedures governing the work.

The ability to deliver a high level of customer service and deal effectively and courteously with the public, council, staff, contractors, and other external contacts and agencies in processing inquiries and complaints; provide a variety of factual information and related services in a professional manner.

Skill in formatting, proofing, and editing documents and maintaining sound records.

Experience with standard office equipment, methods and procedures.

The ability to walk around DNV parks for several hours while carrying light equipment.

Additional assets would be:

An understanding of GIS software.

A working knowledge of District of North Vancouver parks.

A capability to understand construction drawings, and landscape drawings.

Qualifications
Please note this position is contingent on funding through the Canada Summer Jobs Program which provides wage subsidies to employers to create quality summer work experiences for people aged 15 to 30 years of age, and has the following criteria:

Be between the age of 15 and 30 years of age and be legally entitled to work in Canada (have a valid SIN, be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act)

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