Urban Forestry Foreperson

Classification:

Job Title:

URBAN FORESTRY FOREPERSON

Annual Base Hours:

2080

Employee Group:

CUPE LOCAL 46

Salary:

CUPE - RANGE 22 - START - $38.32 - HOURLY

CUPE - RANGE 22 - JOB - $41.49 - HOURLY

Division:

PUBLIC SERVICES

Department:

PARKS & RECREATION

NOTES:

This position has been identified as Safety Sensitive and requires the completion of a satisfactory pre-employment drug screen.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is a unionized supervisory position responsible for overseeing all aspects of our urban forestry operations including managing resources and staff, ensuring compliance with industry standards and local regulations, and promoting a culture of safety and excellence for work involving the maintenance and operations of the City's urban forestry programs.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports directly to the Superintendent of Parks.
• Collaboration with other foreperson peer group, technicians, other departments, stakeholders, customers, and industry professionals.
• Directly and indirectly supervises temporary and permanent operations staff.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS/ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Plans, coordinates, and supervises field staff ensuring quality control in all aspects of the Urban Forestry service unit.
• Develops and implements operating plans for the preservation, maintenance, and expansion of the urban forest as defined in the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
• Manages a team of arborists, technicians, and seasonal staff; provide guidance, training, and support to ensure competent and efficient operations and adherence to safety protocols.
• Plans/coordinates tree planting, pruning, removal, and maintenance operations in accordance with industry best practices and internal policies and guidelines.
• Conducts and manages resources for the regular assessments of tree health, identify diseases, pests, and environmental stresses, and develop mitigation strategies to maintain tree vitality.
• Oversees adherence to protocols by all urban forestry personnel for the ongoing maintenance and updating of the Urban Forestry Tree Inventory.
• Maintains accurate and current work records utilizing the City's Enterprise Systems as part of the regular work routine.
• Offers outstanding customer service by employing clear communication and timely assistance, adhering to the department's service level standards.
• Collaborates with city representatives, community groups, and stakeholders to raise awareness about urban forestry initiatives, solicit input, and encourage public participation in tree-related programs.
• Adherence to safety standards and protocols in tree care operations, ensuring the safety of staff, contractors, and the public during tree maintenance and removal activities.
• Ensures compliance with current safety protocols and equipment requirements while emphasizing the necessity for trained and competent staff.
• Assists in preparing and managing of the operating budget related to the functional responsibilities of Urban Forestry.
• Ensures timely availability of supplies, materials, and equipment within budgetary allocations.
• Assists in the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, overseeing, providing guidance, and assessing subordinate staff performance.
• Ensures, that appropriate systems of communication are followed guaranteeing accurate, clear, concise, and timely sharing of information.
• Recommends to the immediate supervisor, or designate, any changes in operational practices that may improve the services provided by the department/division.
• Projects a positive image of self and the organization with all people contacted.
• Performs all other related duties as may be requested by an immediate supervisor or designate.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of urban forestry principles, including tree species selection, planting, maintenance, and removal, pest management, pruning techniques, and urban forest conservation.
• Understanding of city bylaws, provincial regulations, and environmental policies related to tree protection, preservation, and management in a semi-arid, 4B Hardiness Zone.
• Proficient in leading, overseeing and directing a team comprising of arborists, forestry technicians, and additional personnel.
• Skilled in task delegation, offering clear guidance, and cultivating a productive and positive work atmosphere, demonstrating self-sufficiency in foreperson duties.
• Experienced in planning and executing urban forestry projects, such as tree planting initiatives, tree inventory management, risk assessments and community engagement programs.
• Knowledge in budget development, financial management, and resource allocation for urban forestry programs, including grant applications and cost-effective strategies.
• Strong communication skills to interact with various stakeholders including residents, community groups, government agencies, and contractors to address concerns, provide education, and garner support for urban forestry initiatives.
• Commitment to ensuring strict compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, regulations, and codes, while also upholding the City of Medicine Hat Environment, Health, and Safety frameworks, policies and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate with peers, work with other city departments, such as but not limited to, Municipal Works Environmental Utilities, Utilities Distribution, Environment Lands and Gas Production and Planning and Development, to integrate urban forestry goals with broader municipal objectives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of arboriculture practices, tree health assessment, disease diagnosis, and treatment methods, as well as familiarity with pruning standards and tree risk assessment.
• Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for managing tree inventories, mapping, and analysing urban forest data to make informed decisions.
• Commitment to promoting and implementing environmentally sustainable practices in urban forestry, such as green infrastructure, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of city emergency response procedures including Severe Weather and Flood Incidents.
• Working knowledge of all aspects of parks operations and maintenance principles, practices, and procedures.
• Working knowledge of personal computer applications, including basic proficiency in Windows Office 365, Microsoft Teams, and other city Enterprise Systems.
• Punctual, reliable, and dependable.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a diploma from a recognized post-secondary institution in Urban Forestry or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, or a related field, including two (2) years supervisory experience. Preference given to those with experience working in a municipal or government setting.
• Must possess certifications as a Certified Arborist (ISA), Municipal Specialist (ISA), Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or other recognized certifications related to urban forestry and arboriculture. Training in project management, leadership, and budgeting is beneficial.
• Successful completion of a recognized program or courses in leadership, supervision and/or management.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 Driver's License, with an acceptable driving record.
• An equivalent combination of management approved training and experience may be considered.