Landscape Technician ll - Urban Forester - Inventory and Assessment presso City of Edmonton

We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Urban Forester to join our Parks and Urban Forestry team. This is a great opportunity to apply your expertise in arboriculture and urban forestry to help manage, preserve and grow Edmonton’s urban tree canopy. In this role, you will be responsible for completing the annual tree assessment of the Open Space and Boulevard Tree inventory with a team of landscape technicians, perform ongoing updating of the tree inventory data, and perform quality control checks to ensure accuracy of the data. If you have strong tree species identification skills, are able to assess the condition and health of trees,  pay close attention to details and love working outdoors, we encourage you to apply.

What will you do?

• Ensure tree assessments are carried out and completed as per the annual workplan for the City’s Open Space and Boulevard trees
• Train and mentor a team of landscape technician l’s in the field and in the office to ensure quality, efficiency and safety
• Ensure that the private elm and ash tree inventory is updated
• Ensure that the Open Space and Boulevard tree inventory of approximately 400,000 trees  is updated and accurate
• Collaborate and work closely  with other Urban Forestry teams  that use the data to inform their workplans
• Other duties as required

• A degree in Urban Forestry or a related field with five years of related experience with at least two of the five years of experience in urban forestry or arboriculture
• OR a two-year diploma in a related field with five years of related experience in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture
• ISA Certified Arborist designation is required
• Strong knowledge and experience with GIS technology and data collection tools
• Strong knowledge of tree species

Assets:

• Public communication and public relations experience
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Plant Appraisal Qualification (PAQ)
• Leadership Training or Certificates
• Supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Best Management Practices for Tree Inventories
• Ability to recognize pests and disease and damage on trees

Skills required for success:

• The ability to assess the health and condition of the City’s Open Space and Boulevard Trees and update the GIS tree inventory
• The ability to identify discrepancies in the tree inventory and update as needed
• Ability to collect, organize and  analyze the tree assessment data and generate reports for leadership
• Ability to collect, organize and  analyze the tree inventory data and generate reports for leadership
• Ability to train and mentor landscape technician l team members performing tree assessment collection and updating the inventory
• The ability to perform quality control checks of the tree assessment data and updates to the tree inventory
• The ability to ensure that the workplan is followed and that deadlines are met
• Ability to respond to 311 notifications and provide updates to citizens and external partners
• Provide Curb to Property measurements to teams as needed
• Update  tree maintenance activities and tree data as needed
• Provide support to the Urban Forestry’s Operational Teams with inventory requests as needed
• Ability to create Work Records and Work orders for Operational Teams as needed
• Track tree mortality and identify and causes of mortality where possible
• Ability to identify tree hazards and risks
• Strong problem-solving skills to navigate challenging situations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express decisions effectively and provide "expert" knowledge to various groups
• A good understanding of computer programs and GIS
• Working knowledge of arboriculture techniques and practices
• Ability to deal effectively and cooperatively with the public, community partners, and other City departments
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures and precipitation
• May be exposed to animals, mechanical/electrical hazards, and chemicals
• This position involves physical activities such as crouching, lifting up to 20 lbs, and pulling
• Required to use safety equipment, including footwear, head protection, and gloves
• Some work may be performed alone
• Successful candidates will be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, is a requirement of this position
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen, and coveralls
• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) or higher. Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and, where appropriate, will be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. This may require the candidate to obtain business-use auto insurance
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C, and AED certifications
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• This role operates in a fast-paced environment where you will need to multitask and manage multiple projects with high priorities. You will work both independently and as part of a team, with opportunities for consultation with a supervisor and other urban foresters. You will be exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and snow. You will be an ambassador for the City, interacting with a diverse range of people including homeowners, contractors, police, and councilors
• Due to the nature of this work, this position is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement

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 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week 

Location: Westwood Central Yard

Salary Range: $39.978 - $49.946 (Hourly); $83,474.060 - $104,287.250 (Annually)

Talent Acquisition Consultant: AM / VH

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