Watershed Forester

**Internal/External Job Posting**
**Regular Full Time Bargaining Unit Position**
**Watershed Forester**

The Land Management Division is comprised of the Central Services, Conservation Area Operations and Conservation Lands departments and oversees the strategic mandates of the Grand River Conservation Authority as they relate to land use and recreational enjoyment of properties owned and operated by the Authority.

**General Accountabilities**
Reporting to the Supervisor of Natural Heritage within the Conservation Lands team, the Watershed Forester is responsible for creating and maintaining forest management plans for GRCA-owned forest (approximately 11,000 hectares), guide implementation of those plans and report on forest management activities and issues. This position provides input to help ensure the technical integrity of GRCA’s forestry initiatives and ensures compliance with the Professional Foresters Act (2000). The Watershed Forester works with other GRCA program areas, the watershed community and stakeholders in the implementation of adopted projects and programs. The Watershed Forester will contribute forestry expertise to GRCA
Natural Heritage activities and GRCA planning processes, forest-related extension work, and as requested review woodland and vegetation management proposals that may impact regulated natural heritage features.

**Specific Accountabilities**:
1. Coordinate forest management planning on GRCA lands by integrating silviculture and ecological restoration and management principles. Guide and implement forest management activities through the assessment of GRCA-owned forests, preparation of silvicultural prescriptions, and ensuring activities achieve forestry management objectives with a current emphasis on the management of conifer plantations.

2. Assisting and completing the public procurement of goods and services, contract administration, and overseeing the work of consultants and contractors, as it relates to projects that facilitate the operational element s of the forest management plan.

3. Maintain and update the 10 -year GRCA Lands Forest Management Plan; create 5-year plans and annual operating plans and reports, develop and maintain budgets, and work with others to implement the plans; maintain eligibility for relevant tax incentive programs such as the Managed Forest Tax Incentive Program; develop forestry policies and procedures. Provide forestry oversight and input on corporate compliance with the Professional Foresters Act (2000).

4. Coordinate GRCA’s response to managing forest pests, diseases and certain invasive species for the conservation and restoration of forest and other habitats. This does not include GRCAs tree risk management program.

5. Guide aspects of inventory and monitoring of natural heritage and forestry attributes of Grand River Watershed and GRCA properties.

6. Work with the watershed community and stakeholders to promote and provide information on forest conservation, restoration and management.

7. Support appropriate private landowner forestry activities via input to the GRCA forestry extension program.

8. Advise GRCA and other agency staff in forestry matters in support of their decision
- making processes (e.g., parks planning, land use planning, woodland conservation, land acquisition, etc.).

9. Position GRCA forestry programs to optimize contributions to watershed hydrology and natural heritage, and to community and social benefits, consistent with GRCA’s Vision and Strategic plan, and relevant municipal, provincial, national, and international natural heritage/forestry initiatives.

10. Support networks and programs through committee participation and liaison to help accomplish the objectives and accountabilities above.

11. Maintain relevant databases and GIS layers.

**Technical Requirements**:
1. Bachelor of Science in Forestry (or similar) degree; member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association - Registered Professional Forester status (or ability to achieve within 1 year). Ontario Managed Forest Plan Approver designation.

2. Technical understanding and minimum of 3 - 5 years of practical experience in a combination of forest management, silviculture, ecological restoration, urban forestry and\or natural areas management.

3. Ontario Tree Marking Course Certification and Ontario Pesticide Training and Certification is considered an asset.

5. Demonstrated working knowledge of pertinent legislation, including but not limited to, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Conservation Authorities Act, Professional Foresters Act, Forestry Act, Pesticides Act, Endangered Species Act and Migratory Birds Convention Act.

6. Competent in the use of equipment for tree planting, silviculture, inventory and GPS work and knowledgeable in the types of equipment employed by contractors for forest management activities.

7. Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, presentation, stewardship extension, and con