Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician

Job Description

Job Summary

Restoration Artists (Rest-Art) is a environmental restoration company that specializes in the management and control of noxious weeds and invasive plant species in southern Ontario. For the past decade, our staff has mapped and controlled invasive species and learned important plant identification and control techniques that typical landscape contractors cannot provide. We are currently seeking applications for an Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician to provide support to primary exterminators/ecologists.

Working under the supervision of the primary exterminator/ecologist, the Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician will assist in work related to the control of invasive plant species in natural areas. The Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician is required to assist in implementing various control measures as part of an integrated pest management program in order to control invasive species spread on public and private property under the direction of the exterminator/ecologist. An Invasive Plant Species Assistant Technician is expected to be in good physical condition for manual work but capable to complete tasks such as social media content creation or invasive species research.

The work is in various locations across southern Ontario with emphasis in the GTA. The daily start location is Whitchurch-Stouffville. Work can be scheduled between Monday to Friday. A 4-day work week is often adopted to optimize working days for (40 hours/week) for a placement of a minimum of 12 weeks with possibility of extension through spring and summer.

Job Responsibilities

Activities would include some or all of the following tasks:

• Follow the direction of experienced exterminators/ecologists and legislated policies related to the related use of pesticides
• Various invasive species control methods that may include the use of tools like chainsaws, brush saws, backpack sprayers, woodchippers etc.
• Work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions while using herbicides to manage invasive species
• Travel, as needed, in work truck to work location sites;
• Plant identification with particular emphasis on invasive plant species
• Conduct preliminary assessment work related to invasive species control including mapping or species inventories
• Use of professional media accounts and enhancing the social media profile
• Take monitoring photographs
• Use google docs or other collaborative online tools for various individual home tasks that may include aiding in the creation of invasive species management plans, site assessments, and social media posts and ideas.

Benefits:

• Wage dependent on skills and funding and can vary between $19.00-$21.00 with opportunities for wage increases
• Flexible working hours and schedule
• Often working a 4-day work week
• Opportunity for contract extensions
• Career development and opportunities to advance in the company
• Certification and licensing options in the future (ex. Pesticide and/or chainsaw licenses)
• Working outdoors in a variety of locations across Ontario
• Casual dress

Required Skills

The successful candidate should have:

• G or G2 license and reliable car to get to work sites or start location in morning;
• Post-secondary education program related to environment or equivalent experience (Resource Management, Ecology, Biology, Science, Environmental Studies, Environmental Science, etc.);
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs;
• Comfortable working with various herbicides under the direction of the lead exterminator
• Have experience with working with or around chainsaws and woodchippers;
• Have experience working outdoors for long extended periods;
• Have experience working in various weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.);
• A keen professional interest in ecology or invasive species;
• Familiarization with legal drafting and legal documents related to real property activities;
• The ability to organize and manage multiple ongoing assignments;

The following would be considered an asset:

• Exterminator License (Forestry, Landscape, Industrial);
• Experience with chainsaws, brush saws, or other tools:
• Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Familiarization with IPM practices;
• Knowledge about policies and legislation relevant to pesticide application and invasive species;
• Experience with social media accounts;
• Experience with website design and management using Wordpress:

Potential candidates are asked to refrain from telephone contact with inquiries.

Learn more about Restoration Artists by visiting our website; rest-art.ca, or our social media profiles @restorationartists.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 weeks

Pay: $19.00-$21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Experience:

• Invasive Plant species management: 1 year (preferred)
• with chainsaws, brush saws, or other tools: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Chainsaw Certification (preferred)
• Exterminator License (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-01-06