Invasive Plant Species Technician

**Job description**

Working under the supervision of the primary exterminator/ecologist, the Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician will assist in work related to the control of invasive plant species in natural areas. The Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician is required to assist in implementing various control measures as part of a integrated pest management program in order to control invasive species spread on public and private property under the direction of the exterminator/ecologist. An Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician is expected to be in good physical condition for manual work but capable to complete tasks such as social media content creation or invasive species research.

The work is in various locations across southern Ontario with emphasis in York Region. The daily start location is on the west side of Whitchurch-Stouffville. Work can be scheduled between Monday to Friday. A 4-day work week is often adopted to optimize working days (40 hours/week) for a placement of a minimum of 12 weeks.

**Responsibilities**:
**Activities would include some or all of the following tasks**:

- Travel, as needed, in work truck to work location sites;
- Follow direction of experienced exterminator/ecologist and corporate and legislated policies related to the use of pesticides
- Plant identification with particular emphasis on invasive plant species
- Conduct preliminary assessment work related to invasive species control including mapping or species inventories
- Use of professional media accounts and enhancing the social media profile
- Take monitoring photographs
- Filling out and posting pesticide signs
- Use google docs or other collaborative online tools for various individual home tasks

**Benefits**:

- Flexible working hours
- Often working a 4-day work week
- Opportunity for contract extension
- Career development and opportunities to advance in the company
- Certification and licensing options in the future (ex. Pesticide or chainsaw licences)
- Working outdoors in a variety of locations across Ontario

**Required Skills**:

- G or G2 licence and reliable car to get to work sites or start location in morning;
- Post-secondary education program related to environment or equivalent experience (Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, etc.);
- Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs;
- Have experience working outdoors for long extended periods;
- Have experience working in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.);
- A keen professional interest in ecology or invasive species;
- Familiarization with legal drafting and legal documents related to real property activities;
- The ability to organize and manage multiple ongoing assignments.

**The following would be considered an asset**:

- Exterminator Licence (Forestry, Landscape, Industrial);
- Experience with chainsaws, brush saws, or other tools:

- Familiarization with IPM practices;
- Experience with social media accounts;
- Experience with website design and management using Wordpress.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months

**Salary**: $17.00-$18.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Flexible schedule

Flexible Language Requirement:

- French not required

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Morning shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Chainsaw: 1 year (preferred)
- Invasive Plant Species Management: 1 year (preferred)
- Outdoor: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2023-08-28