Summer Intern-Forester/Forester Technician

Job Description 

The Western Woodlot Services Co-op (WWSC) Summer Intern Forester or Forest Technician will work with the WWSC General Manager and staff foresters to deliver a variety of forest management related services to our private woodlot owner members in the seven western counties of Nova Scotia. The location of the intern will primarily be focused in Digby County, however, may include assisting with work in other areas of our service area such as in Annapolis Valley and on the South Shore. 

Under the supervision and mentorship of the General Manager and staff foresters, and following training, the intern’s main duties will include: 

  • Engaging with woodlot owners and responding to general inquiries. 

  • Preparing forest management plans and delivery to members. 

  • Conducting field work such as forest inventory assessments, pre and post silviculture and harvest assessments, and assisting with silviculture and harvest layout. 

  • Utilizing QGIS for developing various maps of members’ woodlots. 

  • Assist in identifying potential silviculture and harvesting work. 

  • Assisting with organizing and delivery of educational field days and workshops to members. 

  • Contributing informative content on various aspects of woodlot management for our social media posts. 

  • Helping with administrative tasks as required. 

This is a 15-week internship based on a 35-hour work week, which may include some evening and weekend work. 

Educational requirements: 

Candidates must be enrolled in or a recent graduate of a post secondary program in forestry or related discipline. Work experience related to the field of forestry will be considered an asset. 

Minimum skills, knowledge, and experience: 

  • Utilize navigation and mensuration tools to perform various forest mensuration tasks (mainly to obtain forest inventories and other assessments). 

  • Identify forest trees and other vegetation species. 

  • Ability to delineate forest stands from available aerial imagery. 

  • Utilize GIS software including performing spatial queries and creating maps. 

  • Proficiency at using Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Word and Excel 

  • Ability to work well both independently and in a team environment. 

Personal requirements: 

The applicant must be / have - 

  • Physically fit and capable of working long hours outdoors. 

  • Self-motivated and capable of working within a wide variety of forest conditions, as well as with various organizations and individuals. 

  • Strong oral and written communication skills. 

  • Proficient organizational skills and ability to multi-task in a busy work environment. 

  • Able to work productively as part of a team while responding to feedback. 

  • An aptitude for safe work practices. 

  • A valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle. 

  • Between the ages of 20 and 30 (inclusive) at the time of intake/selection. 

  • A Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have been granted refugee status in Canada. 

  • Legally entitled to work according to the relevant provincial/territorial legislation and regulations. 

Wages: $18.00 – $20.00 / hour based on a 35-hour week for a term of 15 weeks. 
Anticipated start date is May 13th, 2024. 

A cover letter and resume illustrating why and how you are the best candidate for this summer intern position can be sent by mail, or email in PDF format to: 

Patricia Amero, General Manager RPF
Western Woodlot Services Cooperative Ltd. 
3594 Second Division Road 
Concession, NS 
B0W 1M0 

Email to info@westernwoodlotcoop.com 
Phone: 902-523-2141 
Website: https://www.westernwoodlotcoop.com/ 

All applications for this position will be accepted until April 15th at 5:00pm (AST). 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.