Job Opportunity | Harvester | Forestry Manager

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Harvester

Position Title:  Harvester (two positions available)
Department: Forestry
Salary: $ 20.00 per hour
Term: Full-time, seasonal, 36 hours week
Location:  Gardner’s Mill, Yarmouth NS
Position Reports to: Forestry Manager

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Acadia First Nation (AFN) is governed as a custom band under the provisions of the Indian Act with established bylaws, policies and procedures. The First Nation's electoral system constitutes an election once every five (5) years with positions for one Chief and eight (8) councillors. Chief and Council elect, are the governing body responsible for making decisions for the overall health and well-being of communities, Elders, youth and families.

Acadia First Nation is unique in its geographical composition, spread throughout the Southwestern regions of Nova Scotia spanning five counties from Yarmouth to Halifax, encompassing six (6) reserves - Yarmouth, Ponhook, Medway, Wildcat, Gold River, and Hammonds Plains, in both rural and urban settings. To support administration and business operations, Acadia First Nation, with supporting staff, provides programs and services within two (2) Health Centres, a Youth Centre, two (2) Community Centres, six (6) administration offices, and six (6) business establishments, including human resources, health, social, economic development, employment, education, housing and maintenance, forestry and fishing.

AFN Forestry is located within Gardner’s Mills, Yarmouth NS, that is situated within 2700 acres of land that consists of a pristine landscape of forests and lakes. The lands are currently managed within the Acadia First Nation Forestry Management Plan that includes silviculture, maintenance and operation of the AFN Saw Mill.
AFN is currently recruiting for two Harvesters that are responsible for harvesting timber in accordance with the AFN Forestry Management Plan. The work is physically demanding, requiring heavy lifting, chainsaw operation and working as part of a team in secluded areas. Occupational Health and Safety are very important in these workplaces to minimise the risk of serious injury.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Harvest required logs in accordance with the AFN Forestry Management Plan
  • Ensure safe operation and maintain upkeep of chainsaw and equipment (sharpening)
  • Remove and/or trim branches and tree tops
  • Develop and execute a plan for tree felling and bucking (sawing into logs)
  • Prepare the site around the intended area for tree felling
  • Assist with maintaining access roads to work sites, when required
  • Supporting the preparation and delivery of firewood
  • Perform routine tasks within the AFN Sawmill yard, as required
  • Troubleshoot equipment and machinery issues, as needed
  • Maintain a high level of safety awareness and adhere to Occupational Health & Safety policies and procedures including, but is not limited to:
    • Safety protocols for felling logs (weather, tree size, location)
    • Safe operation and maintenance of equipment and machinery
    • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-capped boots, hard-hats and high visibility clothing; Clothing must also fit well, as loose clothing may get caught in machinery
  • Adhere to the AFN Forestry Management Plan
  • A commitment to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
  • Adhere to all Acadia First Nation (AFN) Policies, and Procedures, as required
  • Other duties, training and activities related to the Harvester position, as required

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Minimum of five-years of relevant experience
  • Knowledge working in a Mi’kmaw community is considered an asset
  • Knowledge of forestry industry (identification of tree species/silviculture)
  • Chainsaw Safety Training and Certification
  • Occupational Health & Safety Training
  • First Aid & CPR Certification
  • WHMIS Certification
  • Valid driver license and/or reliable transportation
  • Criminal record check required upon hiring

ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Ability to perform repetitive tasks with a high level of concentration
  • Effective time management and organization abilities
  • Excellent decision making and problem-solving skills with limited resources
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Adept in using a chainsaw and large piecies of equipment and machinery
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Good hand-eye coordination
  • Strong physical condition with the ability to lift heavy materials and equipment
  • Enjoys an outdoor working environment

Deadline to Apply:  May 10, 2023

Acadia First Nation is equal opportunity employer; however, qualified Aboriginal applicants will be given priority in accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights Commission.

Submit Cover Letter and Resume to **Please quote HARVESTER# on your cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

AFN reserves the right to refuse any and all applications for employment and does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.