Forestry Technologist
(Technologists & Technicians)
Full Time
City of London
London, Ontario, Canada
Summary of Duties
Reporting to the Manager, Urban Forestry, the incumbent contributes to the City’s overall environmental planning strategy to enhance forest health and leaf cover. Works with other City divisions to ensure that Urban Forestry interests are planned, protected and implemented.
Work Performed Reviews Consent and Minor Variance applications for developments to ensure accuracy and makes recommendations with respect to tree protection, health and removals.
Reviews and monitors construction operations associated with development, building or other permits, utility operations, etc. and recommends requirements for protecting existing trees, replanting and restoring planting environments to ensure compliance with permits.
Responsible for identifying native and invasive insects and diseases and abiotic factors affecting the health, structure and public safety of the urban forest, developing appropriate management recommendations and implementing, coordinating and assisting in control programs. Reviews and investigates residents’ concerns regarding City-owned trees and makes recommendations for treatment including approval or disapproval of requests for removal of city-owned trees.
Establishes and maintains surveys to monitor pest populations and tree diseases; monitors control operations to evaluate overall effectiveness; collects insect and disease samples from field sites and conducts analysis and identification of the samples.
Researches, compiles, reviews and develops correspondence, technical and statistical reports, studies and presentations for the co-ordination of work flow and provides responses to special requests as required.
Prepares reports, plans, cost estimates, and tender documents for in-house projects. Recommends acceptance of various technical studies, computer analyses, designs, drawings, applications and proposals for approval by the Manager.
Administers contracted Forestry projects including, but not limited to: on-site inspection; monitoring for policy/procedure and Safety Act and Regulations; co-ordinating of work; taking appropriate action to correct contraventions; making recommendation for payment in accordance with corporate guidelines and to provide effective project implementation and cost control.
Ensures that the tree inventory and computerized forest management program is updated in a timely manner for activities related to forest health and other City operations, permitted and non-permitted operations and natural occurrences.
Investigates, develops, adapts or modifies technical methods or procedures and makes recommendations to the Manager to deal with deviations from accepted standards, precedents, or situations for forestry matters.
Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring related departmental strategies, policies, procedures, programs and By-laws.
Enforces appropriate By-laws including, but not limited to: investigating complaints and infractions; site inspection; issuing tickets; reviewing permit applications and making recommendations for approval by the Manager; provides expert evidence as required; gathers data and photographic evidence for claims related to tree damage.
Represents the Forestry Section at various committees, such as UCC, as required and chairs or attends staff meetings to provide information and advice, seek input from and present reports on projects and other matters with respect to forestry programs, policies, procedures and to coordinate projects.
Provides technical expertise, public consultation, training, guidance and education to Managers, staff, Council, stakeholders and the public on urban forest health issues and practices on public and private lands, including, but not limited to, the preparation of public notices, alerts and other informational materials and ensuring web site information is current .
Creates maps and diagrams using the Geographic Information Systems and various computerized applications.
Participates in co-ordinating special projects and events as required.
Qualifications
Diploma from a two year Community College diploma in Forestry or Arboriculture
Experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 3 three years related experience in urban forestry.
Specialized Training and Licenses
A valid Ontario unrestricted “G” class driver’s licence with no more than 6 demerit points accumulated and have own transportation Valid International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist certificate would be an asset Thorough knowledge of insects, diseases and abiotic factors relating to tree health in an urban environment and modern principles, practices, tools and techniques related to arboriculture Must have excellent computer skills in a windows environment utilizing MS office and GIS software.
Compensation Range
$41,994 - $59,047 (The salary is under review)
Other Information
Hours of Work: Tuesday to Saturday 8:30am - 4:30pm. These hours are under review. The schedule will be shifted to Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm w hen a statutory holiday falls on a Saturday. These hours of work are subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement and may include evening hours and Saturdays.
Important Instructions
NOTE: Applicants may be required to complete a job related test. PLEASE UPLOAD YOUR TRANSCRIPTS WITH YOUR APPLICATION (Under the Documents Section). Please note successful candidates will be asked to provide a Police Information Check (PIC), dated within the last six months. This documentation would not be required until further in the recruitment process (following the interview stage if selected).
Compensation
$41,994 - $59,047 a year