Natural Areas Urban Forester (Landscape Technician II)

Edmonton’s natural areas represent a significant municipal asset. With more than 3000 hectares of natural areas, this valuable asset of Edmonton’s Green Infrastructure improves our air quality, reduces energy consumption, conserves water resources, provides wildlife habitat and beautifies the City. With careful stewardship, these benefits can continue for generations.

As a Natural Areas Urban Forester, you will be responsible for maintaining and caring for the long-term health of our natural areas by balancing ecological integrity with recreation and public safety. You will work closely with the Natural Areas Coordinator to protect and preserve the natural environment.

With a focus on the City of Edmonton’s Cultural Commitments to Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, you will:

• Actively review natural areas (river valley and tableland locations) for tree and fire risk mitigation, and overall ecological health
• Educate and communicate the benefits of trees, natural areas and preservation to internal and external stakeholders
• Respond to 311 notifications, and internal and external inquiries relating to natural areas Administer the Corporate Tree Management Policy (C456C)
• Review design circulations and provide comments for best management practices and restoration requirements
• Review, issue and inspect Public Tree Permit applications as per the Public Tree Bylaw 18825, which includes the review of Tree Protection and Preservation Plans
• Conduct site inspections during all phases of construction
• Coordinate contractors to complete tree work for various projects and risk mitigation
• Inspect and ensure contract work is in compliance with current tenders and the specific scope of work for each site Ensure all contractors invoices are paid and supporting documents are completed in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with safety programs
• Other related work as required

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2 year diploma or a 4 year degree or equivalent in Urban Forestry, Natural Sciences, Landscape Design, or a related field from a recognized institute of technology
• Minimum 5 years experience in coordinating or supervising work focused on managing natural areas (such as tree stands, grasslands, or wetlands)
• Possession of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) would be an asset
• FireSmart understanding and training would be an asset Knowledge of forest ecology, tree risk identification and fire risk mitigation are critical aspects of the role
• Knowledge of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) guidelines, natural area management plans, hazard tree assessment guidelines and natural area related regulations, policies and bylaws
• Practical knowledge and understanding of plant material, plant communities, plant identification and landscape design principles
• Experience with Google Applications and GIS Software is an asset
• Well developed leadership, team building skills and proven ability to problem solve in creative ways
• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions
• Ability to interpret landscape plans and specifications related to the work assigned
• Ability to work out-of-doors for extended periods and in unfavourable weather conditions as required by the work assigned
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a requirement for this position
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent). Must arrange own transportation to be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require business auto insurance
• Applicants may be tested

The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: https://bit.ly/3hd2d95.

The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact [email protected].

COVID-19 Notice: The City of Edmonton has implemented a COVID 19-Vaccination Policy. Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Employees who cannot be fully vaccinated on the basis of a protected legal ground (e.g. medical, religious) may request an exemption. Please note that this policy applies to all employees, including new hires, and volunteers. If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption.

For more information, please refer to our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (bit.ly/3lKwb6j) and COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure (bit.ly/39BICMt).

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

Salary: $36.577 – $45.697 (Hourly); $76,372.78 – $95,415.34 (Annually)

Talent Acquisition Consultant: AW/BV