Technical Assistant; Forestry

Overview

Technical Assistant;
Forestry – City of Winnipeg

Department: Public Works – Parks and Open Space – Forestry and DED Control
Designated Work Location: 1539 Waverley Street, Onsite
Position Type: Multiple seasonal and temporary positions (hiring for the 2026 season)
Hours of Work: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday
Salary: 21.09 – 26.38 hourly as per the Technical Assistant classification
Employee Group: C.U.P.E.

Posting No.: 126539 Closing Date: February 6, 2026

Under the supervision of the Forestry Technician, the Technical Assistant – Forestry performs technical work assisting in a variety of field and office projects in Urban Forestry and Dutch Elm Disease management programs.

• Evaluate trees, firewood and wood debris on public and private land to identify species, detect, sample, and document forest threats such as Dutch Elm Disease (DED), and assist with field inspections, data collection, and documentation for various Urban Forestry Technical Programs.
• Communicate directly with members of the public on forestry-related concerns.
• Operate and maintain City tools, equipment and technical instruments directly related to Urban Forestry.

• Minimum of one (1) year of post-secondary education completed in Forestry, Biology, Urban/Environmental Studies, Geography, Horticulture, Urban/Landscape Design, or related field from a recognized university or technical college, plus a minimum of 6 months of related work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six (6) months of technical experience in data collection, academic research, drafting/design, nursery/landscaping operations, or report writing.
• Experience in customer service, public relations, or delivering presentations.
• Experience using MS Office (Word, Excel) or similar software.
• Experience using GIS software or similar mapping/navigation software is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including handwritten communication.
• Ability to operate and maintain equipment and technical instruments safely.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Knowledge of tree diseases, pests and their treatment.
• Ability to recognize biological or botanical features and use identification keys to identify plant and pest species.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, set and meet goals/deadlines, and manage workload with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of City of Winnipeg by-laws and other regulations pertaining to trees.
• Ability to interpret symptoms and laboratory results to determine presence of insect and disease pests and other environmental stress factors.
• Working knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and regulations applicable to the work.

* IMPORTANT:
Applicants educated outside of Canada must have education comparable to the minimum Canadian qualification. Foreign credentials require an official academic assessment report issued by a recognized Canadian assessment service.

• The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure it remains valid.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Full Stage Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Successful candidates will be required to provide a valid Driver’s Notice in Force letter.
• Successful applicants must provide City-approved personal protective safety boots at their own expense.
• Must be physically capable of performing duties (e.g., lifting and moving objects at least 50 lbs).
• Must be capable of working at various heights, outdoors in potentially extreme weather, and able to stand/walk for extended periods on uneven terrain, including snow, ice, and riverbanks; able to work overhead and at heights for extended periods.
• Role requires accurate colour perception to identify leaf colour differences for DED detection.

APPLY ONLINE, including all documentation listed below:

• Current resume (Required).
• Driver’s Notice in Force document (Required). A Driver’s Notice In Force document can be obtained free of charge from any…