Forestry Technologist

Responsibilities:

• Manages tree planting and other contractors by developing detailed work plans, overseeing daily productivity and performance, and troubleshooting day-to-day operational issues related to technology, workflow efficiency, and field execution to ensure contracted work is completed safely, effectively, and in accordance with program objectives and standards.
• Provides technical expertise (for e.g., to Development Services regarding tree preservation and planning plans, Engineering Dept related to road reconstruction etc.), 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, public information sessions and other informational materials and ensures web site information remains current.
• Retrieves, monitors, and analyzes data related to urban forestry assets; shares and provides data to Supervisor, Manager and Director to support daily work planning, long term planning, business case development and special project implementation.
• Develops reports, create maps and generates organized information that is utilized in decision-making related to optimization of staff, equipment, and materials and in relation to workforce planning, performance measures, maintenance practices and annual operations program.
• Creates, manages, and populates work orders using internal work order system and works in the corporate GIS system to support day-day work planning and service delivery for the forestry maintenance team.
• Supports the City’s tree protection and preservation program as it relates to road reconstruction and other interdepartmental projects (e.g. Engineering led road projects) by working closely with internal stakeholders and external consultants to receive, review and comment on plans,  and to monitor and assess program delivery including providing feedback and evaluation to enhance process improvement and achieve overall program goals.
• Receives and responds to customer inquiries and requests for information related to service delivery, contracted services, and annual work programs including tree planting, stump removals, invasive species, tree pests and other forestry matters.
• Provides training, mentoring and project related supervision to temp and contract staff.
• Administers contracted Forestry projects including, but not limited to: on-site inspection; monitoring for policy/procedure and Ontario Health & Safety Act and Regulations; coordinating 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.

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3-year degree or diploma in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Studies, or an associated field.
• Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist in good standing and possess an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification or be willing to obtain within a set period of time.

Minimum Experience & Requirements

• 2-4 years of related experience.
• Must have strong analytical, research, organizational, and problem-solving skills including a project level understanding of and proficiency in using of GIS software and technologies.
• Must have demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be reliable with a good attitude and employment record.
• Must have an MTO Class “G” driver’s license in good standing and access to a personal vehicle for city business.

Department
Infrastructure Services
Division
Parks and Cemeteries
Union Affiliation
CUPE 791
Number of Positions
1 (Temporary 14 months)
Hours of Work
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location
Initial Location
Kitchener Operations Facility
City Kitchener

Compensation
Salary Range
$71,959 – $89,950

Grade/Band
8 (under review)