Forestry Coordinator (Temporary Full Time for Approximately 18 Months)

Job S****tatus: Temporary Full-Time

Pay & Grade: $65,784 to $82,229 Annually Grade/Band**:** 7

Hours of Work**:**35 Hours per week

Initial location: Kitchener Operations Facility

**Posting period:**September 4 to September 17, 2025 (at 6:00pm)

Overview

This position will provide direct leadership and oversight associated with the delivery of Kitchener’s Growing Community Canopy project. The Forestry Coordinator will coordinate all aspects of the project lifecycle from project planning and administration through to execution and completion. This will include the tracking and monitoring of project budgets, report writing, development of planting plans, coordination of internal crews and City contractors as well as the development and implementation of community outreach and engagement initiatives directly and through various community project partners.

You might be interested in this role if:

• You have a passion for protecting, conserving, and growing Kitchener’s tree canopy while connecting people with trees in an urban environment
• You are optimistic, have a positive attitude, and are supportive of others
• You are authentic, genuine and transparent in your interactions
• You have strong communication skills, both written and verbal

You are:

• A collaborative team player able to work across divisions and departments.
• You are a detail-oriented person and able to identify important details that others may overlook
• You have strong organizational skills to keep track of multiple tasks and projects simultaneously
• You are resourceful and able to find creative solutions to problems and challenges

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination

• Manage project, and provide direct oversight of day-to-day activities, requirements and goals towards the overall project scope.
• Develop detailed project plans for project components including timelines, budgets and resource allocations.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to plan and coordinate all field activities including pre-planting inventories, planting layouts, and tree planting operations.
• Schedule and organize project meetings, fieldwork and other related activities to ensure project deliverables are executed within project deadlines and against budget restrictions.
• Utilize and maintain internal data systems to ensure all project activities are properly uploaded and tracked within internal GIS and Work Order systems.
• Prepare interim and final project reports in accordance with project agreements.
• Develop, prepare, and submit correspondence, reports, briefing notes, memoranda, and presentations.
• Ensure all legislative and safety standards are followed as they relate to planting projects and community events.

Budget & Resource Management

• Track project expenses and ensure adherence to project guidelines
• Prepare financial reporting, invoices and regular updates identifying potential cost overruns or discrepancies
• Coordinate the planning and scheduling of contractors, vendors, and other personnel, as well as procure equipment and supplies as needed and in support of project deliverables
• Work directly with nurseries and suppliers to procure and secure planting stock

Communication, Community Outreach & Project Engagement

• Establish working relationships across the organization to connect GCCC project to other city initiatives to identify new tree planting locations, reduce conflicts and enhance community awareness and support
• Coordinate joint communications with federal partners (e.g., FCM), draft stakeholder letters and memos, and lead the design of marketing materials
• Collaborate with internal communications and marketing teams to promote and market the GCCC program, the City’s tree equity tools and the City’s Forestry & Natural Areas initiatives
• Develop and implement plans to reach specific community groups, including vulnerable populations to raise awareness about the organization's work addressing tree equity and the benefits of trees
• Develop and implement content for outreach materials (eg. print, social media, websites, etc.) to support program marketing, encourage community engagement and raise community awareness
• Receive and respond to resident inquiries through email, phone and site visits
• Develop new partnerships with local agencies and organizations and work with existing partners to increase participation in planting events and broaden awareness of City’s Forestry, Natural Areas, Tree planting and Tree Equity programs
• Create and deliver programs and initiatives (eg. Community center presentations, outreach displays, community walks etc.) to increase general awareness about trees and their benefits to the community
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 2-year degree or diploma in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Studies, or an associated field.
• Minimum 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrate direct experience in forestry or tree planting projects within a municipal or similar setting.
• Demonstrated excellence in verbal and written communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of personal computer systems and competence in working with job-related software applications related to word processing, spreadsheets and databases.
• Experience working with diverse communities and populations through outreach, education, communication or other disciplines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to deal with a wide variety of people.
• Ability to participate as an effective team member.
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays when required.
• Must have an MTO Class "G" driver's license in good standing and access to a personal vehicle for city business.
• Reliable with a good attitude and employment record.

**Department/Division:**Infrastructure Services, Parks and Cemeteries

**Group:**CUPE 791

Competition Number: 2025-325

Job Code: 1552

Number of positions: 1

Why work at the City of Kitchener