Ecological Restoration Planting Foreman

Aski Reclamation LP (Aski) is an indigenous-owned environmental consulting company which integrates First Nations’ knowledge with western science, to deliver solutions to the clients and pave the way for industry best practices in Restoration, Reclamation, and Environmental Services. Our team is stacked with knowledgeable ecologists and plant lovers, who passionately care about the environment and work hard at healing the land.

Aski works within multiple industry sectors to restore mine sites, oil and gas sites, hydroelectric sites, and forestry roads that enhance wildlife habitat. Our planting operations can include the installation of up to twelve native plant species that require specific microsite selection, which will require planting supervision, and quality checking. Planting sites vary in shape, size, and purpose: ranging from 1 ha oil and gas well sites to 20 ha mine reclamation sites; from linear restoration of forest roads to promote caribou habitat, to restoration of wetlands and other features of cultural importance. Sites are accessed by truck, ATV/UTV, boat or helicopter.

The Ecological Restoration Planting Foreman has a leadership position, with the role of encouraging and providing guidance to the Ecological Restoration Planting Technicians and to supporting in project execution. As a Foreman, you will need to ensure planting quality and efficient planting operations, while compassionately engaging with planters. Most of the role will be supporting successful restoration operations, but there may be opportunities to work and train on other Aski projects with different scope of work. This may include working in aquatic biology, seed collection, invasive species inventory and management, wildlife and vegetation surveys, and bioengineering. Your role will be mostly outdoor focused, while liaising between the Project Management (PM) team, the nursery, the client site supervisor, and the project team on the ground. An average working day is 12 hours. Aski follows the BC Employment Standards Act regarding overtime payment.

Where you’ll work:

Aski’s ecological restoration planting projects are in the areas surrounding Hudson’s Hope, Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge, BC.

Primary Duties:

• Working with Aski project managers to understand project objectives, and site-specific native planting designs
• Relaying on planting design specifications and providing training to planters to ensure planters follow project specifications
• Native seedling species identification
• Setting up caches, running and delivering seedlings, and making sure planters keep planting
• Training junior planters
• Quality assurance checks and documentation
• Stock management, assessments, maintenance (e.g., watering etc.), and documentation.
• Assisting and participating in project safety orientations and safety training
• Leading tailgate meetings and filling out daily safety forms, such as truck inspection forms and FLHAs
• Communicating with Aski’s PM team daily to ensure the PM team is aware of all activities occurring at work sites
• Ensuring assigned equipment and tools are prepared, maintained, and ready for the next workday

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of five planting seasons with at least two seasons as a foreman
• A strong foundation in planting operations with the ability to transition to our diverse native plant restoration planting projects
• Willingness to learn new restoration methods, techniques, and plant species ecology
• Experience in logistics planning
• Ability and desire to lead teams of up to 12 planters
• A supportive attitude that encourages the team and keeps our projects running smoothly
• Physical stamina - must be physically fit and capable of lifting, walking, bending, and carrying activities related to planting
• Willingness to work in various terrain, remote locations, and weather conditions
• Standard first aid training (OFA1) and a safe-focused mentality
• Valid 5th class driver’s license, with a clean driver’s abstract, is required
• Experience operating ATVs and/or UTVs safely
• Successful completion of a pre-employment drug and alcohol test, and RCMP criminal record check required

Traditional ecological knowledge as practiced by First Nations is considered an asset. In the event of equal qualifications, applicants of First Nations ancestry may be given preference during the selection process.

If you are interested in joining our passionate restoration team, please send your resume to jobs@askilp.ca.