Area Forester - Urban Forestry (Urban Forestry)

Contract

  York Region

  Newmarket, Ontario, Canada

STATUS:  Temporary Full-Time
LENGTH OF ASSIGNMENT:  12 months

Reporting to the Program Manager, Urban Forestry Renewal is responsible for assisting with the development and implementation of programs, plans and contracts for the management of the Region’s urban forest including green infrastructure assets along the Region’s arterial road system; identify, schedule and administer planting and maintenance activities for Regional street trees, including site inspections and responding to customer inquiries; review of proposed infrastructure projects and land development to assess impacts to trees and vegetation in Regional road right-of-way’s; review of proposed tree and vegetation plantings within Regional right-of-way’s to ensure conformance to Regional standards; undertake assessments and identify strategies to manage urban forest health issues.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Reviews capital roads and works projects and land development proposals to ensure consistency and effectiveness in the design of landscaping, vegetation, and all natural environmental components.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of the annual regional street tree planting program and street tree maintenance programs, including developing planting and maintenance schedules, preparation and administration of planting and maintenance contracts and inspections/audits of planting and maintenance activities.
  • Conducts assessments and inspections, insect and disease population monitoring, urban forest health assessments and tree inventories.
  • Establishes and maintains forestry files and documentation.
  • Updates and maintains green infrastructure asset inventories, including street trees, landscape vegetation and supporting infrastructure using geographic information system based inventory applications.
  • Updates and maintains green infrastructure maintenance records using a computerized maintenance management system.
  • Conducts inspections and administers contracts to ensure adherence to contract terms and conditions.
  • Conducts inspections; reviews and negotiates with stakeholders on vegetation protection issues as part of an undertaking with Regional road right of way.
  • Provides technical leadership to internal staff and external contractors.
  • Liaises and fosters positive relationships with internal and external contacts, contractors, other professionals, municipal partners and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Successful completion of a three year Community College Diploma in Resource Management Technology, Natural Environment Technology or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Eligibility to obtain Registered Professional Forester status within two (2) years of hire, as well as arboriculture certification under the International Society of Arboriculture.
  • Solid forestry related experience in management of urban forests including tree planting and maintenance, and tree protection.
  • Demonstrated skills to read and interpret road and development construction drawings and specifications in relation to impacts on vegetation.
  • Knowledge of urban forest principles and concepts related to transportation planning, design, construction and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of applicable Acts, legislation and by-laws including The Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations.
  • Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license free of serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act.

Compensation

$44.63 - $48.51 an hour