Urban Forestry Natural Asset Coordinator

Located within the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples, the Town of The Blue Mountains is a four-season community with stunning natural features, including the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley and the Georgian Bay shoreline. Internationally recognized as a four-season tourism destination, The Blue Mountains offers a high-quality lifestyle that caters to families looking to build a solid foundation, adventurers looking to go off the beaten path and relaxation seekers taking in and experiencing the very best the area has to offer.

The Town of The Blue Mountains is a proud municipal employer located in Grey County. The Town provides services for more than 9,300 full-time residents and has a diverse staff of more than 170 full and part-time employees. The Town is also home to an extensive part-time and seasonal population, welcoming more than 2.5 million visitors annually.We're looking for people who share our commitment to building a sustainable community and our values of Accountability & Transparency, Leadership, Stewardship, Respect,and Collaboration.

Come gain a unique experience in the 2nd fastest growing municipality in Canada

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Manager of Parks and Trails, the Urban Forestry and Natural Assets Coordinator provides technical expertise and coordinates the management of the Town's trees, woodlands, natural assets, and horticulture through inspections, stewardship planning, development review, project implementation, and operational support.

The position is responsible for supporting the health, sustainability, and enhancement of municipal trees, forests, natural areas, parks, trails, boulevards, streetscapes, and other Town-owned lands through arboricultural assessment, woodland stewardship, natural asset management, and horticultural best practices.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of urban forestry strategic plans, master plans, and long-term policies.
• Collaborate with operating department supervisors to align work assignments with strategic objectives until the adoption of the strategy by Council.
• Conduct research and policy analysis related to tree canopy management, biodiversity, and climate adaptation.
• Collaborate with internal departments, regional partners, and external stakeholders to align urban forestry strategies with broader municipal goals.
• Draft and update urban tree bylaws, protection policies, and planting standards in line with best practices and legislative requirements.
• Coordinate public and stakeholder consultations to gather input on forestry initiatives and policy development.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of urban forestry programs and recommend policy improvements.

Urban Forestry and Canopy Management

• Plan, organize, coordinate, oversee and conduct activities relating to urban forestry and arboriculture. Research best practices, climate change implications, and recommend the implementation of changes and improvements to existing programs to the Manager.
• Provide administrative and technical support to operating departments by coordinating work assignments and ensuring alignment with forestry management plans.
• Develop/maintain forestry/arboriculture technical tree guidelines, programs, and procedures, including a maintenance schedule. Develop workflows for internal processes and customer service.
• Manage the inventory of the urban forest, documenting tree species and their growth characteristics in the GIS system. Participate with the Manager of Parks and Trails to oversee the hazardous tree remediation program, tree planting and replacement programs, and invasive species control programs. Identify issues and assess the severity of repair/removal required, and make recommendations related to tree preservation and removals.
• Responsible for comprehensive planning and implementation of various plant health care strategies to improve tree health and vigour, such as but not limited to, species selection and diversity, fertilization, pruning, cabling, root excavation, mulching, etc.
• Monitor and enhance the Town’s tree canopy. Continuously update the public tree inventory and monitor the variety of species within the canopy to promote native species diversity. Work with GIS staff to maintain data.
• Inspect, identify, and respond to hazardous situations that may impact public safety or damage to property, related to municipal trees. Provide technical advice/guidance and expertise on the Town’s forestry/arboriculture program to other Town staff, contractors, and homeowners/customers. Collaborate with utility companies to ensure minimal disruption to the tree canopy.
• Implement and initiate community education