Imagine leading a team dedicated to one of the most breathtaking urban canopies in Canada. Edmonton’s urban forest is a living masterpiece, boasting a massive inventory of over 375,000 open space and boulevard trees that define our city's landscape and provide vital environmental benefits like carbon capture. These green assets are a cherished legacy central to the well-being of our community. We are seeking a Leader to help us preserve, maintain, and grow this magnificent Municipal Forest for generations to come

In this leadership role, you will be responsible for overseeing a team with a specialized focus on tree conservation. You will lead, coach, and manage the performance of both permanent and seasonal urban foresters and technicians, ensuring that our municipal forest remains a healthy and vibrant asset for all community members. Your work will involve a blend of direct field supervision, technical problem-solving, and delivering annual operational plans to ensure high-quality service delivery. You will also act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, providing technical expertise and addressing inquiries regarding preservation of our urban forest with a focus on the open space and boulevard trees

What will you do?

• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring for staff, including permanent and seasonal team members
• Lead recruitment processes for vacant positions and seasonal staff and ensure appropriate training and competency programs are in place
• Working with the tree care manager, prepare and deliver the annual operational plan for the program
• Implement and enforce systems for tracking productivity and accomplishments, including the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
• Interpret and implement tree-related policies and guidelines while providing technical guidance within your specific portfolio
• Oversee safety programs, conduct incident investigations, and ensure all work meets or exceeds OH&S standards
• Respond to inquiries from internal and external external stakeholders regarding tree preservation, the public tree bylaw and the Corporate Tree Management policy
• Collaborate with internal departments and external stakeholders on project management, tree care requirements and service delivery
• Assist in preparation of technical and report writing and presentations to stakeholders, management and council
• Oversee the Public Tree Bylaw permitting process and ensure that Tree Preservation Plans and Tree Protection Plans are reviewed, work closely with stakeholders to ensure that permits are in place prior to projects commencing
• Ensure that contractors perform work on trees as directed by the City representative, ensure that tree work is inspected, invoices are processed and projects are invoiced and closed in appropriate timelines
• Oversee live tree removal requests and ensure that procedures and policy are applied

• Completion of a two-year Technical Diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related field
• A minimum of eight (8) years of related experience in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry, including a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role, preferably within a municipal or unionized environment

Assets:

• ISA Certified Arborist Certification
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
• Tree Appraisal Qualified
• Completion of leadership training recognized by the City of Edmonton
• Contract Supervision/ Management experience

Skills required for success:

• Proven customer service skills to effectively interact with stakeholders, community members and members of the public
• Interpret and implement the Corporate Tree Management Policy in conjunction with the Supervisor of Urban Forestry
• Perform regular coaching and support for the purpose of working towards maximum productivity, providing timely feedback, assisting with complex issues, resolving problems, and maintaining staff morale
• Schedule and organize resourcing to ensure adequate and appropriate coverage
• Knowledge of City policies, procedures, and collective agreements (CSU 52)
• Demonstrated experience with optimization and process improvement
• Prepare annual operational plans and manage the day-to-day oversight of team and contractors
• Strong familiarity with ANSI Standards and Arboriculture Best Management Practices
• Strong written and verbal skills to translate complex technical information into clear operational direction
• Proficiency with computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and SAP
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Applicants may be tested

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent) or higher. Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and, where appropriate, will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy
• Successful candidates will be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment is a requirement
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications

Work Environment:

• Note: This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time in accordance with the CSU 52 collective agreement
• This role operates in both an office setting and field environment, involving various weather conditions and terrains
• Exposure to environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, noise, and mechanical/electrical hazards may occur
• This role requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks requiring physical stamina and resilience
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about our benefits: https://bit.ly/COEbenefits

Up to 1 full-time permanent position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $47.172 - $59.281 (hourly); $98,495.14 - $123,778.73 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation