Forest Assistant

Pay or shift range: $39.56 CAD to $46.40 CAD

TBD

Public Works

Full-Time

Requisition #: THECO001011

Description 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

Presentation and writing skills; able to prepare written reports and work plans

Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office suite

Knowledge of the Weed Control Act 1990 and ability to identify noxious weeds prescribed in this Act

Knowledge of the Pesticide Act and appropriate herbicides for controlling noxious weeds

Valid Class G driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required

Clear criminal reference check

The County of Dufferin strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. To effectively do so, all positions at the County of Dufferin require a commitment to upholding the County’s equity mandate through on-going and mandatory training and examining our day