Forestry Management Assistant - City of Mississauga, Mississauga

Role overview

Kick start your career in urban forestry and natural area management with the City of Mississauga. As part of these City of Mississauga jobs, you will be on the front lines of building and protecting the city's urban forest by working outdoors in parks, neighbourhoods, and natural areas. This temporary opportunity blends field work, technology, and community engagement, giving you hands-on exposure to urban forestry operations, arboriculture practices, ecological restoration, invasive species control, and public-facing environmental initiatives.

Day-to-day

In this role, you will be part of a collaborative team delivering city-wide forestry programs. Your daily responsibilities encompass a diverse mix of field assessments, contractor oversight, resident engagement, and administrative tasks:

• Assists in monitoring and assessing the health and condition of existing and newly planted trees, vegetation, and other forestry assets on streets, parks, and natural areas, and in identifying and reporting on any deficiencies or work required.
• Assist with ground based assistance with arboricultural tasks such as, tree pruning, removals, stumping, etc.
• Perform field audits to validate work orders assigned to contractors are completed in accordance with the contracts.
• Provide first point of contact for resident tree planting requests.
• Provide recommendations for tree planting locations and species.
• Support natural area restoration projects by assessing field conditions, such as wildlife, invasive species, insects, access supports for events (washrooms, parking, etc.), utilities, etc.
• Support forestry events by providing instruction or information on tree planting or restoration initiatives, to the public, ensuring event documentation is collected and maintained (waivers, contact lists, etc.)
• Screen development applications for completeness and identify potential impacts on trees or natural heritage features for further review.
• Provides functional guidance to summer students and volunteers on an as needed basis.
• Collects data and completes research for forestry projects as directed by supervisor or delegate.
• Maintains accurate record keeping of forestry records including updating GIS maps, spreadsheets and data.
• Safely operate and maintain common forestry vehicles, tools, and equipment.
• Accurately operate and maintain specialized scientific data collection, diagnostic, or geospatial equipment (i.e. GPS, GIS, RTK).
• Provide status updates on resident inquiries via email and phone.
• Provide administrative support including: photocopying, scanning, filing.
• Process permit applications, event registrations, fee payments, or invoices.
• Other duties assigned.

What you'll bring

To qualify for these agriculture and forestry jobs Mississauga seekers can pursue, candidates must meet specific educational, technical, and physical standards:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in forestry, arboriculture, urban forestry, ecology, environmental science or a related field.
• Minimum one (1) to two (2) years of related work experience or an approved equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, and/or ecological principles and practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, GIS, computers, mobile devices.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Ability to plan, organize and complete assigned duties effectively and efficiently within assigned timelines.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Familiarity with common forestry equipment, vehicles, and tools.
• Valid Ontario Class G2 Driver’s License or higher with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain, and perform heavy lifting (50lbs), shoveling, bending and kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Must be flexible and able to work overtime, weekends, attend evening meetings, and special events.

What's on offer

This position offers a competitive temporary hourly rate and a structured work schedule within the Community Services Department, Parks, Forestry and Environment division:

• Hourly Rate/Salary: $ 26.29 - $ 35.06
• Hours of Work: Monday to Friday 7:00 am - 3:30 pm with occasional weeknight and weekend shifts, as required (40 hours per week)
• Employment Period: Monday, March 1, 2027 up to Friday, December 3, 2027
• Work Location: 3240 Mavis Rd. Mississauga ON, L5C 3K1 (On-site)