About this role
The *Forester *is responsible for planning and coordinating the forest management of ERCA-owned properties, providing input into ERCA?s Conservation Lands Management Program, undertaking ERCA?s hazard tree program and overseeing the Authority's tree planting and seed collection programs.
*To Apply:*
* *Send your resume and cover letter in ONE document (Word or PDF format only) to [email protected] by no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, October 2, 2026.* * *Note the title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email.*
*DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*
* Provides forestry-related recommendations and plans for ERCA's Conservation Lands Management program. * Coordinates and implements ERCA's tree planting program in conjunction with other staff including the preparation of schedules, work plans and costs, and oversees monitoring activities at tree planting sites. * Responsible for the hazard tree abatement program, and coordinates with other Authority staff and external contractors to execute detailed remediation workplans, as required. Inputs into and manages related hazard tree databases and information systems to ensure the Authority?s risk mitigation measures are properly and adequately documented. * Oversees public and internal tree orders; and works with nurseries to ensure that ERCA's tree demand is met. * Meets with and provides information, recommendations and restoration plans to landowners requesting advice on conventional reforestation/afforestation, habitat enhancement, and Forest Management Plans. * Coordinates, in partnership with other Authority staff, ERCA?s seed collection program. * Undertakes public outreach activities related to tree planting and forest management, including workshops and seminars. * Develops and writes forest management plans and other technical documents and reports and contributes to grant applications and related reporting. * Directs and monitors Conservation Area Technicians and Term and Special Grant Employees during tree planting season, to ensure safe work practices and maximize use of available resources. * Implement and coordinate variety of municipal fee-for-service programs related to forestry. Input into municipal, recreation and open-space planning, as directed, and assess and propose mitigation measures for development and projects in natural areas. * Contributes to the financial effectiveness of the Authority through recommendations regarding landowner cost-sharing agreements, municipal fee-for-service programs, tree pricing, optional forestry extension services and sale of lumber when appropriate. * Performs other related duties and responsibilities consistent with the position, as required.
*MINIMUM SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS*
* Completion of a university degree in Forest Ecology, Forestry, Biology, Environmental Studies or related field or combined equivalent post-secondary diploma in arboriculture, horticulture, environmental science, ecology, with related professional certifications or a combination of education, certifications and work experience as deemed acceptable to the employer. * Member of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, Professional Forester (RPF), or eligibility for membership * Two (2) years relevant work experience in Forestry with field experience related to forest management, forest health monitoring, tree planting, and silviculture. * Pesticide Exterminator Licence (Landscape and Forestry designations) preferred * International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification * Certified Seed Collector certification from Forest Gene Conservation Association * Technical Tree Felling and Cutting (Chainsaw) certification * Well developed verbal, presentation, and writing skills * Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team and with a variety of internal and external stakeholders. * Working knowledge of SharePoint with proficiency in MS office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access,