Forestry Technician

City of Thunder Bay

125 Syndicate Avenue South, Suite 42Thunder Bay, OntarioP7E6H8

Under the general supervision of the Urban Forester, participates and assists with the overall administration and delivery of the City’s urban forest programs.

Full Time

Forestry technologists and technicians

1

0

0

n/a

2/6/2023

n/a

1. Assists with administration of the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan using urban forestry/arboriculture best practices to develop arboriculture maintenance work programs, and delivers program elements directly through routine inspections, tree assessments, and education/training.

2. Plans, prepares, and administers the annual tree planting program including selection of tree species, planting locations, coordination with Engineering construction projects, coordination of tree plant Contractors, and performing field inspections for maintaining quality control and adherence to specifications and standards.

3. Reviews and interprets City Engineering capital project designs and construction drawings in relation to trees. Provides technical advice and recommendations to protect and preserve existing tree assets and to provide suitable tree planting locations.

4. Responds to public inquiries and requests regarding City trees. Advises and provides education, in the interest of staff/public safety and tree health, on tree planting, maintenance, removals, entomology, pathology, and pest control in accordance with arboriculture standards and City policies, procedures, and By-law’s.

5. Administers Forestry customer service requests received through dispatch. Evaluates call details and communicates directly with the customer as required in order to determine the appropriate action. Identifies where site investigations are required and completes associated tree assessments. Creates work orders related to tree assessments, capital construction projects, utility permits, driveway permits, and other Forestry programs and directs them to the Supervisor – Forestry and Horticulture for assignment.

6. Completes utility and driveway permit application reviews in relation to City trees. Reviews design and construction sketches, conducts site inspections, communicates with applicants, and specifies installation requirements to protect City tree assets.

7. Assists with advising on planning and development of City parks, public spaces, and other City Planning & Building projects where City trees are involved.

8. Administers the provisions of the City Tree By-law to address incidents of non-compliance including researching and documenting incidents, identifying compliance matters to City By-law and Legal divisions in a timely manner, and attending court as a witness when required.

9. Prepares, monitors, collects, and updates the City’s digital tree inventory data.

10. Assists in the preparation and development of contract documents and tender specifications.

11. Liaises with the public and community groups regarding the planting and maintenance of trees. Works with the public in both a pro-active and problem solving capacity. Designs and develops householder education programs about departmental activities relating to trees.

12. Assists with the preparation of corporate reports, studies, and analysis projects.

13. Assists with the preparation and development of policies, procedures, and annual work plans for the Section.

14. Performs the duties of the Supervisor – Forestry & Horticulture, as required.

15. Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Education/Experience:

? Degree in Forestry or a related program together with at least four (4) years of experience in urban forestry or related areas; a specialization in Urban Forestry and/or Arboriculture is preferred, or

? Diploma in Forestry, Arboriculture, Urban Forestry or a related program with six (6) years of experience in urban forestry or related areas;

? Current certification as an Arborist from either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities (MTCU);

? Knowledge of arboricultural practices, including safety equipment, tree trimming and planting methods, tree identification, insect and disease management is required

Skills/Abilities:

? Ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing

? Ability to demonstrate organizational and analytical ability

? Must demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to speak well publicly and present information on environmental matters

? Must be at intermediate skill level in keyboard, word processing, and spreadsheet software

? Ability to work with GIS and GPS technologies to update tree inventory

? Must possess and maintain a valid Class “G” Ontario Driver’s Licence, or equivalent

? Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation

Assets:

? Specialization in Urban Forestry and/or Arboriculture.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

? Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation

? May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)

? Will be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation

? Must be willing to work overtime and be available for emergency call outs as required

? Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

Competition Number: INF-01-23

Department: Infrastructure & Operations

Posting Category: Open

Division: Engineering & Operations

Job Type: Full-Time

Affiliation: CUPE Local 87

Site: Parks North

Location: CA-ON-Thunder Bay

Min: CAD $2,044.38/Bi-Wk.

Max: CAD $2,504.59/Bi-Wk.

Pay Band: 10 (to be rated)

Number of Positions: 1

Posted Date: January 13, 2023

Post End Date: February 6, 2023

Application forms must reference the competition number and be submitted to Human Resources by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.