The Hamilton Conservation Authority has a seasonal opportunity for a
Invasive Forest Pest Technician
(2 Summer Positions)
This is a summer position in Hamilton Conservation Authority’s (HCA) Watershed Management Services Department. Responsibilities include assistance with invasive forest pest monitoring activities and inventory of host species, primarily within HCA’s Dundas Valley Conservation Area. This will include conducting physical and visual surveys for the presence of pests and pathogens, as well as collecting field data to assist with future invasive species management activities. The work is conducted mostly off-trail and in a wide variety of field conditions, including on forest slopes. This position will also assist with reporting, entering field data and data management. This position will work closely with HCA’s Invasive Species Technicians, and will report to the Supervisor, Stewardship and Ecological Services.
Responsibilities
- Conduct field surveys for the presence of hemlock woolly adelgid in Dundas Valley Conservation Area properties using visual survey, ball sampling, intercept trap, and branch collection methods
- Conduct an inventory of hemlock trees within selected forest stands to capture tree health, location, accessibility, and other characteristics
- Assess eastern hemlock forest stand characteristics using the Landowner Hemlock Prioritization Tool published by the New York State Hemlock Initiative and other frameworks
- Identify and visually survey for other invasive forest pest and pathogen species in the field including beech leaf disease and oak wilt
- Manual removal of invasive plant species
- Site orientation using aerial photos and GPS unit
- Accurate record keeping of data
- Assist with entering data, data management and report writing
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Enrolled or graduated from University or College program with focus in environmental science, forestry, or biology/ecology-related studies
- Good flora and fauna identification skills
- Ability to work in inclement conditions (bugs, heat, rain), and field work experience is an asset
- Ability to navigate through difficult terrain including slopes and dense brush areas
- Working experience with field inventory protocols and data collection
- Working experience with insect, invertebrate, and microscope assisted species identification
- Knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Invasive Species Act
- Working experience related to invasive plant, insect, and pathogen species is an asset
- Able to work as a team member
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word
- Valid Ontario driver’s license and current first aid/CPR certification
- Transportation to HCA office
Working Conditions
The Invasive Forest Pest Technician (2 Summer Positions) will be based at the Hamilton Conservation Authority’s main office in Ancaster, Ontario; however, the majority of time will be spent in the field on HCA-owned lands and other properties. Working hours will total 37.5 per week, Monday through Friday inclusive, with the additional occasional requirement of evening meetings and work on weekends.
Work Term and Rate of Pay
This is a 16-week casual position with an anticipated starting date of Monday May 5, 2025 an anticipated completion date of Friday August 22, 2025. The rate of pay level is $18.53 per hour.
Application Process
Interested applicants are to send their cover letter and resume in a single file, PDF format via email by 4 PM, Tuesday April 22, 2025 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca (Please include job title in email subject line, and firstname and lastname in the file name)
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.
