Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor
Hazard Reduction
Assessing forest stands and individual suspect trees for hazard mitigation treatment including falling or establishing no work zones on any site where forestry workers will be present including, in many cases, those disturbed by logging, wildfire, pests or disease
Experience/Training Req.
Experience Level
Seasonality
Moderate
Physical Demands
Being a Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor (WDTA) involves critical safety work to protect the public, wildfire crews and forest and field workers from the hazards of forest stands and individual trees destabilized or damaged by disturbance. To be effective you will have woods experience and an intimate familiarity with trees and their species characteristics. WDTA's are rewarded by applying their background to the forensic complexity of analyzing the effects of pests, fire or harvest on trees and stands. With the field evidence WDTAs then apply the science and rigour of their training to identify which trees are likely suspect and need to be investigated and treated. Besides the satisfaction of solving on the ground problems, the work is physical with the benefits of being in natural settings. Assessors often work independently relying on their judgement and growing expertise assessing danger trees in the varied forests of BC. In emergency response settings like wildfire they are important part of the incident command system where they often work on teams sharing and gaining experience, knowledge and earned confidence.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
The work involves a concentration of mental acuity and physical exertion, so you check in with yourself at the beginning of the day. Assessing a site for hazards contains risk. Your work's results will control risks to others. You need to be mindful and intentional to do your job well. On site you check your equipment which likely will include a radio, notebook, clinometer, compass, PPE, additional clothing, water, axe, flagging etc. You begin by orienting yourself to the map of the work area and any prescriptions or instructions involved to guide your day. Your day may involve hiking and covering a lot of ground in all kinds of weather. You investigate suspect trees often designating them individually, documenting your evidence and actions. Throughout the day, or at its conclusion you write your report and communicate your findings as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This outdoor work is subject to all weather, rough terrain and possible encounters with insects and wildlife. Work on wildfire settings means operating in a dynamic setting with particular risks requiring following fireline safety practices including knowing escape routes and safety zones, attending briefings and coordinating with other suppression activities.
CYCLICAL NATURE OF ROLE
Danger tree assessing tends to be seasonal with work concentrated around the wildfire season and the forestry management and resource development field seasons across the province.
REQUIRED EDUCATION & TRAINING
There are three modules for danger tree assessor training including:
Each course has requirements: view enrollment qualifications
REQUIRED SOFT SKILLS
Appreciate the validity of Lao Tzu's statement, "To know one's ignorance is the best part of knowledge."
Be able to apply the rigour of the wildlife danger tree assessment system to the constantly variable presentations of the facts on the ground.
Ability to learn from others.
Ability to learn from experience and error.
REQUIRED HARD SKILLS
Three or more years of practical field experience in the area of forestry, resource management, parks management, wildland fire protection, arboriculture, geophysical exploration or a related field; and,
Grade 10 equivalency in reading, writing and arithmetic skills (including the ability to calculate percentages); and,
Ability to identify tree species native to BC; and,
Proven forestry measurement skills to determine tree diameter, height, lean, stem cross-section, and skill in distance measuring.
Additionally, candidates taking the Wildland Fire Safety module must also have the following course prerequisites at the time of registration:
Persons must have valid S100 certificate and demonstrate recent fire-line experience (at least 10 days over the previous three years); OR
Persons have a minimum five days of documented Dangerous Tree assessment experience (harvesting/silviculture, parks) in the previous calendar year.
ON THE JOB LEARNING
Map reading
Species Identification
Forestry Measurement and Management
Silviculture systems
Resource Sector Workplace Safety
Working with various resource sectors
Emergency and natural disaster response practices
Parks Management
FUTURE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Wildlife Danger Tree Assessor training is a professional development opportunity in areas of forestry, resource management, parks management, wildland fire protection, arboriculture, geophysical exploration and the energy sector.