Urban Forestry Co-op Student

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the co-op positions for two (2) undergraduate or graduate-level co-op students from an Urban Forestry, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or related field of study. This position is a summer term co-op (May 2026 – August 2026, inclusive).

Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality's core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The holders of this position will support the oversight of contract based urban forestry programs in an operational capacity, with a focus on the municipality's street tree planting program. This will primarily include inspecting newly planted trees an adding them to an inventory via ArcGIS Field Maps, and conducting warranty inspections on trees planted within the past two years. It will also include inspection and contract planning for stump removal and cyclical pruning contracts.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Urban Forestry Contract Supervisor with the oversight and implementation of contract based urban forestry programs.
• Conduct inspections (related to tree health and planting best practices) of newly planted trees and recently planted trees still under warranty.
• Conduct a caliper tree inventory using tools such as GPS, diameter tapes other forestry field instruments.
• Assess municipally owned land for planting eligibility.
• Assist the Urban Forestry Contract Supervisor with creating planting, stump removal, and cyclical pruning work plans for the following year.
• Assist in the coordination of UFMP implementation through the facilitation of effective planning and project management processes.
• May perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education & Experience:

• Candidates must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary Urban Forestry, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Sustainability, or related field of study that has a co-op or internship component to the program. (Note that this co-op position must be approved by the candidate's educational institution as acceptable towards their program).

Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Proficiency in and ability to maintain accurate records and quickly understand/work effectively with a variety of computer software programs (i.e. Microsoft Office, ArcGIS).
• Ability to organize and prioritize work from simultaneous projects with competing deadlines.
• Ability to thrive in a busy, complex work environment and be able to independently identify opportunities for program optimization.
• High attention to detail, especially when it comes to managing large datasets.
• Ability/willingness to work outdoors in sometimes adverse weather conditions.
• Ability/willingness to interact with the public and answer questions about the municipality's street tree planting program.
• Previous work experience in the urban forestry and or/municipal sector is an asset.
• Valid Class 5 NS Driver's License or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of software i.e. MS Word, Excel, Outlook, GIS, etc.
• General understanding and ability to apply urban forestry best management practices is considered an asset.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note: Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer's discretion.

COMPETENCIES: Conflict Management, Analytical Thinking, Organization and Planning, Customer Service, Valuing Diversity

WORK STATUS: Summer Co-op position, May 2026 – August 2026, inclusive.

HOURS OF WORK: 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

SALARY: Non-Union, $24.00 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay

WORK LOCATION: 3800 Mackintosh St, Halifax, NS, B3K 5A6.

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM on Sunday, January 25,

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to provide proof of their qualifications, including, but not limited to, educational credentials, professional licenses, and relevant certifications.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Talent Acquisition Advisor when invited to the assessment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link: Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax

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