City Arborist

Main Purpose and Function

The Supervisor of Urban Forestry - City Arborist is responsible for citywide management of Urban Forestry. The incumbent will plan, organize, direct and control the operation by developing and implementing long and short-term maintenance plans, performance standards, rules, guidelines and regulations in accordance with emerging key policy directions in urban forestry management, related to climate change, sustainability and equity initiatives for the City and Park Board.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Provides overall leadership and co-ordination of the development and implementation of improved policies, standards, measures, services and new programs on a citywide basis for the Parks and City of Vancouver. Develops and implements short term and long term operational strategies, plans and targets ensuring alignment to the Strategic Plan. Oversees teams for Urban Forestry Tree Pruning, Tree Planting, Stump Removal and Strategic Planning. Establishes and maintains effective communication with other divisions and departments in the Park Board, the City, other agencies and the public. Ensures equipment and work practices conform to relevant legislation and regulations, including OH&S requirements. Develops, recommends and administers an annual budget for the unit. Monitors and reports on key performance indicators Manages operating budget for the Urban Forestry Operation of $5.5 million dollars. Monitors Urban Forestry operating and capital budgets and provides input and recommendations into the budget process. Supports Risk Management in reviewing claims against City via claim management. Assesses service delivery models and develops business case proposals for new or revised service delivery models. Develops strategies and identifies opportunities to optimize service delivery. Promotes community development partnerships, ensuring active participation and effective public consultation for all Urban Forestry related projects. Collaborates with senior management and other partners on the implementation monitoring of the objectives as outlined in the Strategic Plan. Identifies risks and develops mitigation strategies to minimize any environmental impacts. Provides subject matter expertise to senior management on all horticultural matters. Identifies and facilitates partnership development opportunities with internal Divisions, other municipalities and external partners. Supports service level/partnership agreements and oversees the management of agreements. Manages, motivates, trains and develops the unit’s staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organization, performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others. Identifies and co-ordinates Urban forestry professional development and succession planning initiatives. Leads Occupational Health and Safety initiatives, ensuring compliance and consistency to promote a strong culture of Health and Safety with in Urban Forestry Consults other Committees as required, such as the Greenest City Action Plan, Central Safety Committee, Sunset Safety Committee, and the Labour Management Monthly Meetings.  Responds to media and public enquiries and complaints in a timely manner. Oversees research and preparation of reports, presentations and communications on behalf of the Division Create policies, plans, memos and reports and present them to the management team for evaluation and approval. Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline pertinent to the job function combined with relevant management training experience, and a minimum 5 years current related management experience gained through progressively more responsible positions, preferably in a Union environment in functions of administration, operations planning, design and implementation, operations management and community development, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Extensive experience in the supervision of staff.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Advanced knowledge in managing budgets  Knowledge of B.C. Statutes, including Occupational Health and Safety Act. Sound knowledge and experience in all HR functions including recruitment, training, and performance management. Excellent writing skills, including the ability to prepare detailed reports and make presentations. Advanced skills that include highly developed human relations, communication, negotiation, analytical and conflict resolution skills. Ability to establish and achieve short and long-term goals, including the ability to work within ambitious timelines and budgets. Ability to motivate and develop a high performing work team. Proven record of accomplishment of solid internal and external relationships and strong leadership capacity. Ability to operate as a fully accountable program leader and as a member of a management team, and self-directed work teams.

Business Unit/Department:  Board of Parks & Recreation (1400) 

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