Forestry Technician

:
**General Information**:
**ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE**: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

- Photos
- Any certificates that have photo identification
- Driver’s licences
- Police records checks

**ACCOMMODATION**: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

**PRIVACY**:Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources & Corporate Safety Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866

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

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

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Assists with advising on planning and development of City parks, public spaces, and other City Planning & Building projects where City trees are involved.
- 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.
- Prepares, monitors, collects, and updates the City’s digital tree inventory data.
- Assists in the preparation and development of contract documents and tender specifications.
- 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.
- Assists with the preparation of corporate reports, studies, and analysis projects.
- Assists with the preparation and development of policies, procedures, and annual work plans for the Section.
- Performs the duties of the Supervisor - Forestry & Horticulture, as required.
- Performs other duties as may be assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:
**Education/Experience**:

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

**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