Conservation Area Technician
Dundas Valley Conservation Area
Dundas Valley Conservation Area is approximately 1,200 hectares and provides passive recreational activities for residents and visitors including a major multi-use trail system (hiking, horseback riding, biking, cross country skiing) while conserving the natural landscape, flora and fauna. The Dundas Valley has been designated as an Environmentally Significant Area and contains many species of Provincial, Regional, and Local significance. Maintaining and promoting relations with the public at large and continuing to build relations with the Haudenosaunee with respect to their treaty rights and harvesting activities that take place within the DVCA is a priority.
Responsibilities
The Conservation Area Technician is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the facilities and grounds in a manner that allows for increases in the number of visitors to the Conservation Area. The position also plays an important role in customer service and administration, providing information and services to visitors and provides a level of supervision to the conservation area during evenings and weekends, handling all conservation area issues as they arise in the absence of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. The position may also assist Fifty Point CA twice a year to help with launching and docking of boats and may be assigned to the Millgrove Works yard for designated periods in the winter.
Other duties include:
Grass cutting & trail maintenance as well as supervising casual maintenance staff on the day to day conservation area maintenance as needed
Snow removal
Assist in the development, set-up and hosting of special events
Safely operate all equipment and identify maintenance issues
Identify, report and eliminate hazards if possible relating to trees, roadways and recreational areas
Assess and handle any issues that arise in the absence of the area Superintendent or the Assistant Superintendent
Deal with potentially upset customers, defuse and calm any problem, directing visitors to leave and/or potentially evicting from the conservation area
Work with other enforcement agencies as needed such as Hamilton Police Service, Hamilton Animal Control, Hamilton Parking Bylaw, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry etc.
Complete written reports as directed
Complete training and keep up to date on all policies
Work along with and guide staff on policies, including recommending retraining and other support measures and progressive discipline in circumstances when policies are not followed
Work according to policies at all times and to lead by example
Complete safety audits on casual or full-time staff as directed
Operate all equipment in a safe manner according to HCA policies/Safe Working Procedures
Report maintenance and other issues to appropriate personnel
Maintain records for equipment including circle checks and gas usage
Other duties as assigned to assist the team effort at Hamilton Conservation Authority in any of our areas
Qualifications
Post-secondary education is required in the form of college diploma/certificate or university degree
Valid driver’s license (minimum G class license)
Sufficient experience is required to show a mechanical aptitude to operate various pieces of equipment
Good communication skills and a proven history of good record-keeping skills
Be creative, flexible and capable of solving problems on a regular basis relating to equipment, staffing, special events etc.
Computer skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
An ability and willingness to obtain certification in first aid/CPR, security, JH&SC certification, chainsaw certification, tractor experience and other credentials as required. Possession of any of these qualifications is a definite asset
Must be willing to work outdoors in all types of weather, engage in sustained periods of walking and be able to lift up to 60 pounds
An ability to lead casual staff or seasonal workers
Working knowledge of HCA safe working practices
Be creative, flexible and capable of solving problems on a regular basis relating to equipment, staffing, special events etc.
Computer skills including a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook). Knowledge of booking systems would be an asset
Working Conditions
Dundas Valley Conservation Area works yard, 800 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster. Additionally, the work location may change to any of HCA’s conservation or managed areas through the year depending on business needs to assist on either a short- or longer-term basis or at special events. Work hours are 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week, Sunday through Saturday. Regular evening shifts as well as scheduled work on some weekends and holidays will be a recurring and expected aspect of the position.
Salary
The position offers a salary range of $59,656 to $69,158, commensurate with experience and education. Progression will be based on merit and is reviewed annually. Additionally, yearly cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) may be considered.
Benefits
This position provides benefits designed to support your well-being. Benefits include health, dental coverage, disability and life insurances and a health spending account after three months of employment along with five sick days and three personal needs days. After a year, you will be eligible for our matched defined contribution pension plan.
Application Process
Interested applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4:00 pm, on Sunday, November 24, 2024 to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.