Urban Forestry Technologist

Job Number: 4434
Job Type: Full-Time
Vacancy Reason: Backfill
Location: 100 Maple Grove Rd - Regional Operations Centre
Number of Positions: 1
Division: Transportation Services
Hours of Work: 35, 7:00am-3:00pm
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday
Union: CUPE 1883
Grade: CUPE 1883 Grade 013
Salary Range: $42.12 - $47.72 per hour

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity.

Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our  Strategic Plan, "Growing with Care," we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share.

Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

Assists in the delivery and management of the Region’s forestry and horticulture programs. Administers program assets/inventory and data collection activities. Provides technical support in the effective and efficient use of staff, equipment, and materials. Participates in the development of standards, operating instructions, and maintenance work schedules and programs. Assists to administer contracts for tree and horticulture maintenance activities.

• Participates in the development of maintenance work schedules and programs for forestry and horticulture activities on regional properties alongside roadways and roundabouts.
• Performs field and method studies and research to determine the most efficient and effective methods for performing maintenance activities. Researches and recommends new technologies and techniques, equipment, and materials. Monitors and evaluates programs to identify opportunities to reduce costs and negative environmental impacts.
• Develops and administers plans for data collection, including tree inventory, insect and disease monitoring, and urban forest health assessment. Conducts inspections of all regional trees, including as part of annual inventory. Updates criteria and requirements of features/attributes for comprehensive asset management and planning requirements.
• Administers forestry and horticulture assets/inventory in work management and asset database. Maintains asset information, including warranties. Provides training and support to operations staff.
• Participates in the development of standards, policies, and strategies, including vegetation management and invasive species to support tree and environmental health and management. Liaises with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with corporate policies and strategies (e.g., planning), and to provide expertise and guidance.
• Coordinates contracted services (e.g., stump removal, tree trimming, turf management, planting). Oversees and monitors work of contractors to ensure work quality meets specifications, and approves maintenance work and payments. Has a p-card to purchase supplies.
• Assists with summer student program by providing/coordinating onboarding, training, and related requirements. Drafts work schedule, for management approval. Acts as a resource for students and provides guidance and support.
• Investigates and responds to inquiries and complaints from the public. Visits sites to conduct assessments; creates work orders as needed, and closes service requests upon resolution.
• Maintains data for determining maintenance workloads and budget needs. Analyses performance data reported as it relates to work units, cost per unit, and productivity. Investigates appreciable deviations from normal values. Creates reports and recommendations for management.

• Provides technical support…