Urban Forestry Technologist

The Role

Assists in the delivery and management of the Region’s forestry and horticulture programs. Administers program assets/inventory and data collection activities. Provides technical support in the effective and efficient use of staff, equipment, and materials. Participates in the development of standards, operating instructions, and maintenance work schedules and programs. Assists to administer contracts for tree and horticulture maintenance activities.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Participates in the development of maintenance work schedules and programs for forestry and horticulture activities on regional properties alongside roadways and roundabouts. 
• Performs field and method studies and research to determine the most efficient and effective methods for performing maintenance activities. Researches and recommends new technologies and techniques, equipment, and materials. Monitors and evaluates programs to identify opportunities to reduce costs and negative environmental impacts.
• Develops and administers plans for data collection, including tree inventory, insect and disease monitoring, and urban forest health assessment. Conducts inspections of all regional trees, including as part of annual inventory. Updates criteria and requirements of features/attributes for comprehensive asset management and planning requirements. 
• Administers forestry and horticulture assets/inventory in work management and asset database. Maintains asset information, including warranties. Provides training and support to operations staff.
• Participates in the development of standards, policies, and strategies, including vegetation management and invasive species to support tree and environmental health and management. Liaises with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with corporate policies and strategies (e.g., planning), and to provide expertise and guidance. 
• Coordinates contracted services (e.g., stump removal, tree trimming, turf management, planting). Oversees and monitors work of contractors to ensure work quality meets specifications, and approves maintenance work and payments. Has a p-card to purchase supplies.
• Assists with summer student program by providing/coordinating onboarding, training, and related requirements. Drafts work schedule, for management approval. Acts as a resource for students and provides guidance and support.
• Investigates and responds to inquiries and complaints from the public. Visits sites to conduct assessments; creates work orders as needed, and closes service requests upon resolution.  
• Maintains data for determining maintenance workloads and budget needs. Analyses performance data reported as it relates to work units, cost per unit, and productivity. Investigates appreciable deviations from normal values. Creates reports and recommendations for management.

Additional Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides technical support for hardware and software (e.g., vehicle location system, voice radio, laptops). Works with vendor and/or corporate ITS to troubleshoot issues, and coordinate installation, upgrades, repair, and replacement activities. Provides minor technical support to staff. Recommends upgrades/purchases to management. 
• Creates and maintains program resources, operating procedures, and training for maintenance operations (e.g., forms, charts, maintenance route maps, inventory descriptive maps for grass cutting and landscaping). Develops presentations for staff training sessions and advisory meetings. 
• Works with other Section staff to develop, coordinate, and promote programs, including employee awareness campaigns, special training, and public outreach. 
• Collaborates with design and construction staff and contractors on landscape designs and maintenance policies by providing expertise, review, and feedback. Reviews designs against regional policy and industry best practice as an expert in this field, with authority to make changes for supervisor’s signoff.
• Has contact with community groups to provide information and coordinate agreements for using land along/adjacent to Regional roadways (e.g., pollinator garden). 
• Liaises with municipalities and industry peers to exchange information and conduct research. 
• Works independently within general guidelines to plan and organize work to meet priorities and deadlines established by management. Consults with management on complex problems outside policy, procedure, and precedent, and at defined project phases.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are acquired through a 3-year diploma in a related field (e.g., urban forestry, arboriculture, forest management) plus 3 years of related experience. An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be considered at management’s discretion.
• Knowledge of urban forestry and arboriculture management principles and practices, risk assessment protocols, and environmental/green initiatives.
• Must be registered as a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Must have Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA TRAQ) with the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Knowledge of tree and turf maintenance, including pruning practices and equipment.
• Knowledge of and ability to follow corporate policies and procedures, provincial standards, administrative policies and procedures, and regulations and legislation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act and manuals, health and safety). 
• Analytical, research, organizational, and problem solving skills to collect and analyze performance data; research new technologies, equipment, materials, procedures; and coordinate projects. Ability to work independently.
• Human relations and communication skills to resolve issues with and respond tactfully to inquiries from the public; provide technical guidance to contractors; provide training to staff and students; conduct presentations; advise management on performance data; and participate as an effective team member. 
• Ability to read and interpret legislation, technical journals, manuals, work orders, design drawings, by-laws, correspondence, reports, and supplier information. Ability to prepare memos, reports, documentation, correspondence, and technical specifications to both technical and non-technical audiences. 
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as Microsoft Office, GIS, an asset management system, and automated vehicle location programs.
• Must have a valid class G driver’s licence (or G2 with 3 years of driving experience) and acceptable driving record to operate regional vehicles.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.