Forest Technician

SILVICULTURE AND FOREST HEALTH

Date Posted: May 15, 2023
Job Number: 1228846

Employer: Ministry of Forests, Forest Improvement and Research Management Branch
Job Location: BC MINISTRY OF FORESTS PGTIS, Prince George, British Columbia
Job Start Date: May 11, 2023
Job End Date: September 08, 2023
Job Type: Full-time
Application deadline: February 28, 2024

Job Description

JOB OVERVIEW
This position is responsible for carrying out a variety of field work and technical activities related to seed orchard operations, including establishing and maintaining orchards, research trials, and operational projects.

ACCOUNTABILITIES
1. Perform a variety of technical and field activities:
a. Lead seasonal crews during cone harvest and other field projects (ie. pruning, rogueing, planting, etc.).
b. Harvest cones via orchard ladders and lifts and prepare cone crop for storage and shipment.
c. Collect and apply pollen. Access receptive cones for adequate pollination.
d. Complete all seasonal field work as required (grafting, transplanting, weeding, pruning, etc.).
e. Survey orchards to assess female and pollen cone production, tree vigour, pests, etc.
f. Apply chemicals to orchards and research trials (fertilizers, pesticides, plant growth hormones).
g. Install, operate, test, and maintain irrigation systems.
h. Label and organize grafts and seedling lifts for orchard establishment and research trials.
i. Assist research trials (tree breeding, cone collection, pollen management, seed extraction, etc.)
j. Maintain accurate records for all activities, update electronic databases as required.
2. Special Equipment:
a. Operate and maintain technical equipment (data loggers, moisture sensors, ovens, microscopes, etc.)
b. Operate various hand tools (shovels, rakes, loppers, pruners, hand saws, etc.)
c. Operate equipment (chainsaws, brush saws, pole saws, etc.) and small power tools.
d. Operate vehicles and machinery (up to 25hp) such as small tractors, pickup trucks, ATVs, side-by-sides, orchard lifts, mowers, compressors, and generators.
e. Work around larger equipment such as bobcats, orchard lifts, tractors, and excavators.
f. Operate a variety of communications equipment including radios, satellite, and GPS devices.
3. Other duties as required:
a. Ensure safe work practices at all times, in accordance with WorkSafe BC, Occupational, Health and Safety regulations and policies.
b. Identify all safety hazards and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for each task.
c. Respond to and report safety concerns and obtain and maintain Level 1 first aid training.
d. Complete specialized training (ie. aerial platform operator, fall arrest, ATV operator, pesticide applicator ticket, etc.)
e. Clean and complete minor maintenance on buildings and surrounding grounds.
f. Inventory supplies, equipment, pesticides, and chemicals.
g. Prepare and update written procedures and technical reports.
h. Perform physical challenging work.
i. Work in moderate to extreme weather conditions.