Forestry Inspector

Position Overview

Promotes a thriving and growing urban forest by applying technical knowledge and experience on City-wide forestry matters. Reviews all forestry related technical plans, drawings and reports during subdivision, development, Committee of Adjustment and bylaw applications. Provides written technical comments and recommendations on all forestry circulations. Assists with the administration of City-wide tree preservation bylaws and protocols. Provides recommendations for subdivision guaranteed maintenance and assumption.

Responsibilities

Forestry Review:

• Participates in the complete review process of Committee of Adjustments Minor Variance applications; provides written technical comments, both internally and externally, relating to tree removal/preservation/compensation and associated bylaws and protocols.
• Participates and collaborates on forestry matters in the urban design and development planning process.
• Reviews technical drawings, landscape plans and reports for various types of development and block plan applications.
• Provides subject matter expert (SME) written technical comments relating to tree removal, preservation, compensation and associated bylaws and protocols.
• Performs quality assurance inspections for all newly planted trees during subdivision development process and makes recommendations for guaranteed maintenance and assumption.
• Schedules, facilitates, attends and documents site meetings with developers, landscape architects, contractors and agents for the purpose of representing the City’s urban forest interests.

Tree Preservation:

• Meets with City staff, residents, contractors, development agents and consultants and represents Parks, Forestry & Horticulture Operations for forestry matters; provides effective written and verbal communication on technical aspects of tree preservation bylaws and protocols.
• Provides written reports, statements and related documentation for forestry related bylaw investigations.
• Performs documents and defends Tree Risk Assessments as required.
• Collaborates with internal staff, contractors, agents, and consultants on tree preservation and compensation considerations of City-wide internal projects.

Customer Service:

• Performs site inspections for citizen requests for service.
• Maintains service request inspection backlog including monitoring and delivering on approved service level time lines.
• Performs site inspections and authorizes the release of Letters of Credit related to various permit types and Tree Protection Agreements in accordance with the City’s Tree Protection Protocol.
• Supports, monitors and provides quality assurance inspections for various forestry contracted services; troubleshoots and provides on-site directions/resolutions to forestry contractors.

Assists Forestry Coordinators & Management:

• Assists in providing recommendations for section change management initiatives and urban forest management planning.
• Performs liaison functions between Forestry Manager, internal and external stakeholders, crews and the public.
• Provides recommendations for urban forest pest/disease issues on street trees, parks, open spaces, and woodlots and assists in coordinating integrated pest management initiatives.
• Provides regular systematic updates to the City-wide tree inventory; assists in the coordination of inventory data management and records.

Qualifications and Experience

• Two (2) year Community College Diploma in Arboriculture, Forestry or suitable equivalent.
• Minimum five (5) years’ experience as an Arborist, including two (2) years of tree climbing experience and one (1) year experience coordinating the work of others.
• International Society of Arboriculture and/or MTCU Arborist Certification
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA)
• Land Exterminator License Type 60 is considered an asset.
• Successful completion of a chainsaw safety, chipper, stumper, climbing, aerial device rescue, backhoe/loader and crane operations certificate program, as well as a Traffic Control program.
• Working knowledge of tree physiology and biology, tree health, common insects and disease, hazard, applicable federal and provincial legislation and City by-laws.
• Ability to lead a crew, train staff, and communicate in a positive manner with tact and diplomacy, both oral and written with staff and the public including customer service conflict resolution.
• Knowledge of applicable Health and Safety regulations.
• Demonstrated strong tree identification skills and ability to identify defects and make recommendations for follow-up maintenance requirements.
• Strong experience in equipment maintenance, MS Office, GPS and GIS applications.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City’s core and leadership competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.
• A valid Ontario ‘G’ driver’s license, in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.
• Ability to work outside of regular working hours, in adverse weather conditions as required for storm and winter call-in, in accordance with the Collective Agreement.

Closing Date: May 10, 2024.