Urban Forester

The Opportunity

As the Urban Forester, you will be responsible for the overall management strategy of the City’s public urban forest including arboriculture policies and programs, invasive species strategies, and horticulture programs.

The role reports to the Manager - Parks & Open Spaces and has the following accountabilities:

·    Participates as a member of the Parks & Open Spaces management team in operational reviews, human resource management, staff recruitment, budget preparation, program delivery, technical matters, and liability/issues management.

·      Coordinates and works closely with the Supervisor – Forestry and Horticulture to ensure forestry planning is integrated and aligned with operational capacity and capital/operating budgets.

·      Plans, develops, coordinates, and oversees the delivery of the forestry maintenance work program for the Forestry and Horticulture work unit including training materials, routine inspections, systematic pruning, tree planting, and strategic removals.

·    Develops Sectional policies and procedures related to arboriculture standards, invasive species strategies, and horticultural services including Centennial Botanical Conservatory administration and programming.

·    Prepares, develops, updates, and oversees administration of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan including strategic initiatives, projects, priorities, and delivery of annual written work plans directing the annual tree planting and maintenance programs.

·       Advises on site plan, rezoning, development, Planning & Building applications, and development plans for City parks and public spaces where City trees are involved.

·       Manages and oversees the Forestry customer service request, driveway permit application, and utility permit application processes administered by the Forestry Technician. Conducts professional tree assessments to inform decision making and support Forestry operations as required.

·     Responds to Council and the public regarding City trees. Provides professional advice and education, in the interest of staff/public safety and tree health, on tree planting, entomology, pathology, and pest control in accordance with arboriculture standards and City policies, procedures, and By-law’s.