Field Diaries with our DHC Biologists:
When early morning fieldwork pays off...
The other week, our DHC biologists had a rare treat during a bird survey — spotting a great-horned owl with her three chicks! 🦉
The little ones were already hopping around the canopy, testing their wings, but still cozy with their downy feathers — pure cuteness overload.
Moments like these are exactly why we love what we do —and why protecting green spaces is so important. What an incredible sighting!
Have you seen any cool birds lately?
#fieldwork #environmentalconsulting #conservation #biodiversity #ecology #owls
We’re hiring!
We’re looking for a passionate Urban Forester to support and lead: tree inventories, risk assessments, and tree protection strategies. Field work includes tree and vegetation surveys, data collection, and site assessments. You’ll work on a variety of projects, integrating planning, design, and implementation of solutions that balance development and ecological integrity.
What we’re looking for:
🌲 RPF or Forester in Training (with ABCFP)
🌲 3+ years in forestry, arboriculture, or ecosystem management
🌲 Strong knowledge of BC urban forest + wildfire interface
🌲 Comfortable working outdoors year-round
🌲 Skilled in writing, Excel/GIS & stakeholder communication
🌲 Experience with wildfire risk, fuel typing, or FireSmart planning
If you’re passionate about urban forestry and ready to make an impact — we’d love to hear from you!
Full job posting & application details: Link in bio
We have an exciting announcement!
The District of Saanich has been awarded the 2025 Awards for Planning Excellence from the Canadian Institute of Planners and the Planning Institute of BC!
The award was for the District’s Biodiversity Conservation Strategy and Urban Forest Strategy, produced in partnership with Diamond Head Consulting, Resilient Saanich Technical Committee, and PWL Partnership.
This is a significant achievement that speaks to the District’s commitment to protecting the environment, preserving, protecting, and enhancing biodiversity, strengthening urban forestry practices, and maintaining the District’s tree canopy.
Congratulations, Saanich and the DHC Biology and Planning Team!
#PlanningExcellence #Saanich #UrbanForestry #Biodiversity #CIPAwards #PIBCAwards
We’re hiring!
Diamond Head Consulting is looking for a talented GIS Technician to join our growing team.
Are you passionate about mapping, data, and making a real-world impact? In this role, you'll help power our innovative GIS services—supporting both office and field teams across a wide range of exciting projects in Environmental Planning, Biology, Wildfire Management, and Arboriculture.
This is your chance to work alongside a collaborative team of professionals and contribute to meaningful, sustainability-driven work.
Check out the full job posting and apply via the link in our bio. We can’t wait to meet you!
Bird nesting season has begun!
Spring and summer mean busy times for our resident birds and the migratory species returning from the south. With bugs and berries in abundance, they’re building nests all around.
Did you know that nesting birds are protected in BC?
The federal Migratory Birds Convention Act (1994) and attendant Migratory Birds Regulation (2022) protect migratory birds, their eggs, and nests. While the provincial Wildlife Act (1996) expands these protections.
Planning any tree removal or yard work this summer?
Before conducting activities that may disturb nesting birds, it’s important to have a biologist determine if there are any protected bird nests that could be affected.
Have you spotted any interesting birds recently? Share in the comments!
We’re hiring!
Diamond Head Consulting is seeking an Arborist/Urban Forester to join our team.
In this role, you'll help develop and improve our Arboriculture Department while supporting field and office staff on biology and environmental planning projects. You’ll work on a variety of projects such as Urban Forest Strategies, Community Wildfire Protection Plans, and development-related arboriculture projects.
Candidates must have the following qualifications:
ISA Certification (or working towards it)
ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (or working towards it)
If you're passionate about urban forestry and eager to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you.
For the full Job posting and application details see the link in our bio.
Happy Holidays from the Diamond Head Team!
Our office will be closed for the holiday season from December 24, 2024, to January 1, 2025. We will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2025.
Enjoy the holidays and see you in the New Year!
DHC is taking our surveying to the skies!
By combining drones with cutting-edge GIS automation, we’re creating incredibly detailed ortho mosaics and 3D surface models that give us a bird’s-eye view—and more— of the land.
We can then use advanced deep-learning models to identify individual tree canopies, assess tree health, and detect tree species.
In the past, we've completed 35 drone missions across the Lower Mainland and Whistler, logging an impressive 800 minutes in the air!
#DroneTech #GIS #NatureTech
Let’s Explore the Power of LiDAR at DHC!
Did you know that LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is revolutionizing the way we observe the world around us? This remote sensing technology uses laser light to measure distances and capture highly detailed 3D maps.
At DHC, we’re using LiDAR to bring big projects to life, like our eagle nest relocation project! By measuring tree heights and analyzing potential eagle flight paths, LiDAR helped us ensure the selected tree was suitable for the nest relocation.
We also use LiDAR to map streams and pinpoint top-of-bank areas. This plays a key role in protecting freshwater and riparian ecosystems.
LiDAR is just one of the many great tools we use at DHC.
Stay tuned – next week, we’ll reveal another of our favorite technologies in action!
#LiDAR #MappingNature #NatureTech
Upcoming Presentation Alert! 🌳
Diamond Head’s Tyler Searls will be presenting alongside the University of Toronto’s Dr. Benjamin Kuttner, and the @cityburlington ’s Steve Robinson, at the 2024 Ontario Urban Forest Council Annual Conference! @oufc_canada
Join them as they explore the concept of sustainable woodland management and its potential integration with asset management approaches leveraged by municipalities.
When: November 21, 2024
(Presentation from 2:20 PM to 2:50 PM EST)
Where: Online
For Conference Registration see link in bio.
Don’t miss this chance to hear insights on bridging the gap between woodland and asset management.
#SustainableForestry #UrbanForestry #MunicipalPlanning #EnvironmentalSustainability #OUFC2024
DHC had a blast at the 2024 Canadian Urban Forest Conference in Winnipeg! 🌳
DHC’s Amelia Needoba and Martha Barwinsky from the City of Winnipeg inspired attendees with their talk on Winnipeg's Urban Forest Strategy, where Winnipeg is taking bold actions for preserving its green legacy.
DHC’s Camille Lefrançois along with Peyton Meters and Matt Ward from @pipikwanpehtakwan presented on “Etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing),” discussing how each of us can work to decolonize our engagement practices, acquire a better understanding of Indigenous worldviews, and braid them onto our work.
DHC’s Tyler Searls and Dr. Ben Kuttner led a breakout session on Managing Urban Woodlands, sparking engaging discussions on best practices and legislative alignment. This is an evolving area of practice and DHC is excited to be a part of it!
Thanks to @treecanada and all participants for an enriching experience!
