Urban Forest Health Technician (Internship)

Main Functions

Reporting to the Urban Forest Health Services Manager, the Urban Forest Health Technician is responsible for assisting in the collection and management of urban forest inventory data and safely operating and maintaining equipment. This position plays an integral role in the implementation and execution of urban forest studies and forest health projects occuring in the Greater Toronto Area. This position is responsible for ensuring that data is collected efficiently, accurately, safely, and effectively in the field. 

The following tasks will be performed: 

• Conduct and assist urban forest field observations, data collection and recording, as well as tree and invasive species identification at a variety of sites across the Greater Toronto Area
• Carry out field data collection on trees (species, DBH, condition, etc.), ground cover, and invasive species
• Communicate with private and public landowners - provide project information and articulate basic forestry knowledge
• Accurately record field and project data using a tablet and paper data forms
• Field data entry as required
• Maintain survey equipment in good working order (GPS units, diameter tapes, etc.)
• Participate in regular safety meetings to discuss potential hazards and follow all health and safety protocols to ensure work is completed safely 

At Lallemand Plant Care, we encourage autonomy, innovation, collaboration; routine is not part of our vocabulary! As we grow, we offer career and professional development opportunities locally and internationally. If you are looking for a challenging job where your opinion is valued and you feel you can make a difference, both in your work and to the environment and society, you have come to the right place.  

Technical skills

Required

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or Arboriculture
• Minimum 1 year experience in urban forestry/arboriculture
• Field experience related to forest health and/or arboriculture including basic forest mensuration
• Strong tree identification skills, particularly flora and fauna found in southern Ontario
• Strong understanding of common forest insects and diseases of southern Ontario as well as invasive pest threats
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
• Fluency in written and spoken English

An asset

• Proficiency with i-Tree software suite and direct knowledge of survey protocols
• Master's degree in Forestry, Environmental Sciences, Natural Resources, or Arboriculture
• Experience supervising small teams
• Proficiency with ArcGIS and experience navigating using GPS unit, maps, and compass

Personal abilities

Required

• Excellent written and oral communication skills; active listening skills
• Project management skills and time management; ability to assess priorities among multiple projects, adapt to emerging issues and adjust workplan accordingly
• Critical thinking skills; ability to propose new and innovative solutions to problems and inefficiencies
• Ability to independently problem-solve
• Accountable and reliable
• High-level of attention to detail
• Professional and tactful demeanor
• Positive attitude
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work as a team member
• Must be comfortable working independently and driving in urban and rural environments
• Demonstrated ability and aptitude to work outdoors in adverse weather conditions

An asset

• ISA Certified Arborist
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualified
• First-Aid certification
• Registered Professional Forester

General criteria

Required

• Valid G-class driver's license with a safe driving record
• Ability to exert moderate physical effort (walking through challenging forested terrain while carrying equipment up to 20 lbs)
• Must be comfortable working independently and driving in urban and rural environments
• Regular travel to/from field sites within Greater Toronto Area (90%); remote/home office (10%)

An asset

• Access to a reliable vehicle for field work (mileage reimbursed)

Organization

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company founded in the late 19th century, which develops, produces, and markets microorganisms for various markets. The administrative offices of the parent company are in Montreal, Canada. Today, Lallemand employs more than 5,000 people working in more than 45 countries on 5 continents.

Yeasts, bacteria, fungi: microorganisms have always lived in harmony with plants since their origin and are now recognized for their multiple agronomic benefits. As a world specialist in microorganisms, Lallemand Plant Care carefully selects strains for agricultural use, to improve the nutrition, health, and productivity of plants.

Lallemand Plant Care is a growing business unit and offers many opportunities for career development and professional development on a local and international scale. Joining the Lallemand Plant Care team means collaborating with people who work passionately to develop sustainable, efficient, and clean solutions for agriculture professionals, horticulture, green spaces, and the forestry sector. We regularly recruit new talent from around the world to support our growth and our sales, logistics, marketing, production and research and development efforts.

Please take note that accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.