Urban Forester – Landscape Technician II

vEdmonton’s urban forest represents a significant municipal asset. More than 380,000 publicly owned trees enhance our boulevards and our open space trees. This valuable component of Edmonton’s Urban Infrastructure improves our air quality, reduces energy consumption, conserves water resources and beautifies the City. With careful stewardship, these benefits can continue for generations.

As an Urban Forester on the Project Forestry team, you will work closely with the Urban Forestry team to protect and preserve this valuable resource. You will also provide expert, leading-edge input on tree management strategies, administer the Corporate Tree Management Policy (C456C) and work closely with stakeholders to ensure tree protection mechanisms are in place as it relates to Public Tree Bylaw 18225 and the Public Tree Permits. Urban Foresters provide subject matter expertise on projects from the concept design phase through to construction completion.

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

• Educate and communicate the benefits of trees, a healthy Urban Forest and preservation to internal and external construction projects
• Administer the Corporate Tree Management Policy (C456C)
• Administer the Public Tree Permit as it relates to the Public Tree Bylaw 18825
• Review design circulation and provide comments for best management practices while working around trees
• Provide tree assessments for both health and valuation for boulevard and open space trees as requested
• Coordinate and perform and track tree risk assessments and manage tree hazards through best management practices
• Conduct site inspections during all phases of construction
• Coordinate contractors to complete tree maintenance for various projects
• Inspect and ensure contract work is in compliance with current tenders and the specific scope of work for each site
• Ensure work is completed on time, on budget and in a safe manner
• Ensure all contractors invoices are paid and supporting documents are completed in a timely manner
• Ensure all plans identify City trees and provide recommendation to solve construction conflicts
• Assist with updating of policies, procedures and practices with the goal of fostering a safe working environment
• Use best management practices to encourage and implement new methodologies of caring for municipal trees
• Work closely with other team members to provide an integrated approach to Forestry, this includes mentoring seasonal staff
• Ensure compliance with safety programs
• Respond to 311 inquiries relating to City trees
• Other related work as required

Qualifications

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2 year diploma or equivalent in Landscape Design, Urban Forestry, Natural Sciences or a related field from a recognized institute of technology, or Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Apprenticeship
• Minimum 5 years experience in Landscape Construction or other related fields, minimum 2 of which were in Urban Forestry
• Journeyperson Landscape Gardener certification an asset
• ISA Certified Arborist, Project Management Certification, and TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) an asset
• Contract or Staff supervision experience
• Experience working in a high paced environment
• Ability to adapt to changes and high-pressure situations
• Possess Strong interpersonal skills such as negotiating, problem-solving and conflict management
• Working knowledge of arboriculture techniques and practices
• 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 licence (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 2 permanent full-time positions

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