THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an opening for a Labourer/Maintenance Support to join our Saanich Forestry Centre in Saanichton, BC.
- Length of contract: 12 months with possible extension
- Shifts: 7:30am - 4:30pm (Monday-Friday)
- Starting wage range: $20.40-22.40 based on skill level, qualifications and expereince, with potiential for performance-based wage increases
What You’ll Do: The successful candidate will operate in this key role during critical operations in the Nursery as a forklift operator. In addition, the successful candidate will work with our Maintenance department, to support the Nursery and Orchard throughout the production cycles with corrective and preventative maintenance activities.
Work Environment: This position is to be performed in person at the Saanich Forestry Centre.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Using motorized equipment such as forklifts, manlifts/girettes, gators, tractors to support the nursery and seed orchard operations;
- Maintenance of irrigation systems (nursery booms, seed orchard irrigation systems);
- General site maintenance as required;
- Trimming/cutting/brushing trees including burning by using a variety of tools including backhoes, chainsaws, brush saws and pruning saws;
- Basic knowledge of electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems and ability to troubleshoot;
- Ability to identify safety and productivity improvements.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent safety record and strong work ethic;
- Demonstrated commitment to safety;
- Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and with minimal supervision;
- Forklift operators ticket; minimum 1 year experience
- Experience working on farming or nursery equipment would be an asset
- Must be mechanically minded and be able to use a wide variety of tools from hammers and wrenches to welding torches and more;
- Must be physically fit and capable of lifting heavy objects, physically manipulating objects with tools and body strength;
- Must have troubleshooting skills and be able to follow a problem to the source and solve the issue;
- Excellent people skills and the ability to support the supervisors as a team lead for the seasonal employees.
The following would be considered assets:
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License;
- Grade 12 or equivalent;
- Other Mobile equipment certification/experience such as manlift;
- First aid training/WHMIS preferred; and
- Previous greenhouse/orchard experience.
ABOUT SAANICH FORESTRY CENTRE
The Saanich Forestry Centre operation, established in 1964, is the start of everything Western does. The facility on East Saanich Road features seed orchards and a forest-seedling nursery; it produces on average 15 million seeds and 4 million seedlings annually. The seeds are used to grow Douglas fir, western red cedar, western hemlock, yellow cypress and Sitka spruce. The seedlings are used in Western’s operations around the coast.