Supervisor, Forestry and Natural Heritage

The Role

Provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day supervision for the Region of Waterloo’s Forestry and Natural Heritage Program. Leads the management of the municipality’s 17 Regional Forests, supervises natural heritage staff, oversees implementation of the Woodland Conservation By-law, and provides expert leadership on natural heritage matters across the organization. 

This includes building and leading a high-performing team, setting priorities, guiding decision-making, and ensuring effective service delivery; consulting, collaborating, and building consensus with cross-departmental staff and leadership, area municipal and agency partners, community stakeholders, and the public; and supporting corporate objectives related to environmental stewardship, biodiversity, climate resilience, regulatory compliance, and community service. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the development and implementation of long-term strategies, management plans, annual work programs, and service improvements related to forest stewardship and woodland conservation. Oversees forest management activities including restoration, invasive species management, habitat protection, ecological monitoring, and contractor-delivered field work. 
• Develops annual work programs and operational priorities for natural heritage and forestry staff, including assigning work, setting expectations, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development. 
• Provides leadership for the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of the Woodland Conservation By-law program. Oversees staff and processes related to permit review, technical evaluation, inspections, compliance monitoring, landowner communication, and recommendations concerning woodland conservation matters. 
• Leads and supports respectful engagement with First Nations and Indigenous community members on Regional Forest management, woodland conservation, and natural heritage matters, recognizing Indigenous rights, interests, knowledge, and perspectives. 
• Acts as a lead contact for complex public inquiries, escalated issues, and stakeholder concerns related to forests, woodlands, and natural heritage management. 
• Represents the Region in discussions with area municipalities, conservation authorities, provincial agencies, consultants, landowners, and community stakeholders. 
•  Facilitates the integration of natural heritage objectives into broader initiatives involving sustainability, growth, climate adaptation, and land stewardship.
• Develops and manages program budgets, workplans, contracts, and consultant assignments. 
• Oversees procurement and contract management for consultants, restoration services, forestry work, ecological studies, and related initiatives. 
• Monitors program performance, risks, and resource needs, and reports on outcomes and priorities, 
• Ensures accurate records, documentation, and defensible decision-making. 
• Promotes continuous improvement in service delivery, team effectiveness, and program administration.   
• Performs related duties as required.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally (but not exclusively) acquired through a university degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, or a related discipline. 
• Must be a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in good standing, or eligible for immediate registration as an RPF in Ontario. 
• Progressive experience in forestry, woodland conservation, natural heritage management, or related environmental program delivery, normally (but not exclusively) acquired in a municipal or broader public sector context.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in a municipal, public sector, or similarly complex organizational environment. 
• Knowledge of forestry, woodland management, ecology, natural heritage systems, and biodiversity conservation. 
• Understanding of the Ontario legislative and policy framework related to municipal woodland conservation and natural heritage management.
• Ability to lead both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations, while balancing competing priorities and sensitive issues. 
• Political acuity and judgment in dealing with public concerns, interdepartmental matters, and potentially contentious files. 
• Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership and Council. 
• Experience interpreting technical studies, environmental data, mapping, and policy documents in support of operational and strategic decisions. 
• Proficiency with standard business software and familiarity with GIS and related environmental management tools. 
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.