Manager, Forestry Operations

  • CompanyCity of London
  • Required ExperienceFive to seven years of progressive experience in urban forestry management
  • Job TypeFull Time
  • Education / CredentialsCompletion of a Degree or Diploma in a forestry, arboriculture, or related program and International Society of Arborists (ISA)
  • ResumeRequired
  • Cover LetterRequired
  • Application Deadline03/07/2024

Job Description

Title: Manager, Forestry Operations

Job Close Date: Mar 07, 2024

File Number: 894
Service Area: Environment and Infrastructure
Division: Parks and Forestry
Employee Group: Mgmt Non Union
​Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Number of Openings: 1

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Parks and Forestry, the Manager, Forestry Operations oversees the care and management of the City’s urban forest, focused on the implementation of the Urban Forestry Strategy (Plant More, Protect More, Maintain Better) the Climate Emergency Action Plan, and the Corporate Asset Management Plan. This position is responsible for forestry operations for the Corporation; develops, monitors and implements related programs and budgets; advances Good Arboriculture Practices; and develops and implements related procedures.

Work Performed:

  • Provide leadership in the coordination and delivery of forestry services, programs, policies and reviews related to tree planting, tree protection, and tree lifecycle management that contribute to the implementation of strategic initiatives for Parks and Forestry to meet the Council’s Strategic Plan.
  • Responsible for managing employees including hiring, administration, and performance aspects of reporting employees. Respond to sensitive and confidential human resource issues as required.
  • Provide leadership in the execution and delivery of services and programs in the following areas of accountability:
    • Manage planting, maintenance and necessary removals of the City’s natural infrastructure, including street trees, trees in parks and City-owned lands and City managed woodlands using forestry and arboriculture best practices.
    • Oversee the City’s street and park tree inventory/inspection process including data quality control, analysis, performance monitoring and database administration.
    • Prepare annual work plans; manage and direct employees and/or contractors to meet implementation schedule for operations plans and capital projects.
    • Apply technical knowledge regarding species selection, maintenance methods, insect and disease control, hazard tree identification and treatment as required in executing responsibilities.
    • Support the implementation and monitoring of City by-laws including the Boulevard Tree By-law, the Tree Protection By-law, applicable sections of the Property Standards By-law and applicable sections of the Parks and Recreation Area By-law; develops and implement forestry and boulevard standards and policies.
    • Ensure tree matters arising from development applications and infrastructure projects are aligned with City plans and strategies and Good Arboriculture Practices.
    • Implement effective progressive practices with respect to current and changing legislation and issues such as health and safety, arboriculture, pesticide use, invasive species, and other risks to tree health.
    • Liaise with City divisions regarding planting and maintenance of trees, and tree-health issues of common concern.
    • Liaise with all Divisions and Service Areas, developers, contractors, private consultants, the Utilities Coordinating Committee and others to promote enterprise-wide collaboration and to ensure adequate service delivery related to forestry.
    • Develop strategies and operating procedures to anticipate and respond to emergency situations, including weather events.
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  • Demonstrate commitment to supporting anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights through interactions with community partners, employees and individuals and implementation of policies, programs and protocols that reflect this commitment.
  • Demonstrate commitment and adherence to Health and Safety legislation and programs; and actively promote a culture of safety with direct reports at all project sites.
  • Encourage and support employee participation and commitment to divisional and organizational objectives. Actively mentor, provide development opportunities and build team performance with direct reports.
  • Provide updates, information, and recommendations to the Director, Parks and Forestry on priorities with responsibility to operationalize identified goals and strategies.
  • Assess risk associated with Forestry Operations and related programs; research and recommend policies, programs or procedures to mitigate risk; implement as appropriate.
  • Promote and foster working relationships with employees and bargaining units to provide a fair and consistent application of provisions within the collective agreement.
  • Liaise with unions on issues that affect bargaining unit employees and represent the unit at mediation and arbitration proceedings as required.
  • Identify, recommend, adapt and implement innovative and effective and efficient work practices and procedures to improve service delivery and the business responsibilities of the team.
  • Adhere to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy; includes the responsibility of delegation of procurement initiation approval authority and delegation of approval authority for professional consulting services as per policy amounts.
  • Administer tendering processes and external contracts for operational and capital projects; liaise with contractors regarding project implementation relative to contracts, agreements and standards.
  • Plan, review and track finances of Forestry Operations; prepare and develop capital and operating budgets and detailed reports in compliance with Corporation budget processes.
  • Prepare reports to Council and Committee; act as a resource to Committees, as required.
  • Represent the City of London and Service Area in legal proceedings as required.
  • Prepare responses to inquiries from elected officials, media and the public as requested by the Director or Deputy City Manager of the Service Area.
  • Develop effective communication processes with the public and government agencies. Lead the public engagement process for projects as required by Corporation guidelines, processes and by-laws.
  • Represent the Division on the various boards and committees of external organizations, associations and government partners to promote the City of London as a leader, share best practices, build relationships, and recommend solutions as required.
  • Perform related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • Completion of a Degree or Diploma in a forestry, arboriculture, or related program and International Society of Arborists (ISA) Certified Arborist, or Ontario Qualified Arborist, or Registered Professional Forester.
  • Five to seven years of progressive experience in urban forestry management, ideally within a local government setting with operational responsibilities, including the supervision of unionized employees.
  • ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist is an asset.
  • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is an asset.
  • ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist is an asset.
  • Basic Emergency Management training is an asset.
  • Valid G drivers’ licence is required.
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Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience in forestry operations, road operations and construction and associated legislation with an understanding of the section’s programs and services and how the work of the section aligns with the objectives of the Division.
  • Demonstrated competency in the use of methodologies to assess trees at risk and manage potential risk of harm to people and property.
  • Demonstrated analytical, business planning and project management skills with a proven track record for effectively implementing and monitoring programs and services.
  • Demonstrated positive and proactive leadership capabilities, adept at leading a group of employees, contracted services and consultants; demonstrated commitment to developing high performance teams. Proven commitment to the safety of employees with knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
  • Ability to provide a high level of attention to detail, make sense of data and solve problems.
  • Highly developed interpersonal and customer services skills, including conflict resolution and problem solving; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations within the community; experience working collaboratively with organizations, clients, and other stake holders. Political acumen to identify and manage issues.
  • Ability to understand the importance of service delivery and continuous improvement; implement initiatives that support the section’s customers in a timely and effective way.
  • Computer literacy in Microsoft Office, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems and related software and database applications.
  • Ability to travel to various locations within the City of London.

Compensation & Other Information:

$97,932 – $128,215

This posting is for one (1) permanent, full-time position.

Current hours of Work: Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Work Arrangement: In office

These hours of work and work arrangement are subject to change in accordance to business requirements.

Police Record Check:

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.

As an inclusive employer, we are committed to providing a fully accessible recruitment process. Please contact us at any time during the recruitment process and let us know what accessible supports you may need.

Manager, Forestry Operations (london.ca)