SUMMER 2024 CO-OP: Urban Forestry Co-op Student

  • Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
  • Deadline: February 12, 2024 at 11:59 pm

Urban Forestry Co-op Student

Job Posting

An employment opportunity exists in the Urban Forestry department of Public Works at the Halifax Regional Municipality for two (2) undergraduate or graduate-level co-op students from an Urban Forestry, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Sciences/Studies, Sustainability, or related field of study. One position is a summer term co-op (May 2024 – August 2024, inclusive), and the other is a summer and fall term co-op (May 2024 – December 2024, 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.

MAJOR FUNCTION

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

SPECIFIC 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.

TECHNICAL 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.
  • Previous work experience in the urban forestry and or/municipal sector is an asset.
  • Valid 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.

Other:

  • Normal hours are 8:30am 4:30pm Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.
  • Office location is 3800 Mackintosh St, Halifax, NS, B3K 5A6.

SALARY LEVEL

$22.00 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay.

METHOD OF APPLICATION:

HRM Career website or send your Cover letter and resume to
Natalie Secen, Contract Supervisor, Urban Forestry – Public Works
Email Address: natalie.secen@halifax.ca

Please ensure that cover letter and resume are submitted as a single file.  

Application deadline: submission will be received up to noon on Monday, February 12th, 2024.

For any questions, please contact Natalie Secen at the email address listed above.

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

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.