Status

Permanent Full-Time

Temporary - Approximate length of assignment, in months

Type of Position

a Replacement

Start Date

Immediate

Salary

Annually

Salary Grade

$110,068.00 - $125,003.00

Department

York Region -> Public Works -> Waste Management & Forestry

Location

145 Harry Walker Parkway, - Newmarket, ON L3Y 7B3 CA (Primary)
Hybrid work opportunities may apply - CA

Job Description (E)

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.

• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.

• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.

• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Manager, Natural Heritage and Forestry, is responsible for leading the development and implementation of programs related to the protection, conservation and management of the Region’s urban and rural forest resources, including overseeing the planning, protection, planting and maintenance of Regional street trees VivaNext streetscapes and other softscapes; contributing to the management of the York Regional Forest, implementation of the Invasive Species program and Greening Strategy and administration of the Forest Conservation Bylaw.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Takes a lead role in the development and implementation of strategic programs related to the sustainable management of the Regional street trees, VivaNext streetscapes and other softscapes.

• Manages and coordinates consultants, tender processes and contracts and ensures conformance to design and contract guidelines.

• Works with management to review program delivery, identify gaps and improve delivery consistent with program growth and urbanization of the Region.

• Develops, coordinates, and implements program communications, technology transfer, public outreach and education initiatives.

• Reviews and analyses existing programs and processes for improvement; provides technical support for the evaluation, design and implementation of changes.

• Oversees the strategic management of urban forests including collaboration with agencies, Regional and local municipalities, counties, and cities.

• Manages and coordinates the development and implementation of annual landscape planting and the maintenance contracts.

• Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree in Forestry or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three (3) years of experience in urban or rural forestry with responsibilities for planning, contract administration, maintenance and planting operations, project management, enforcement and minimum of one (1) year of direct supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of budget preparation, financial management of operational programs/projects including monitoring and control.
• Knowledge of urban forestry best practices in relation to the planning, planting and maintenance of trees and other vegetation, including invasive species management.
• Knowledge to interpret engineering road related drawings, development proposals and plans in the context of vegetation protection and streetscaping.
• Demonstrated knowledge of relevant Standards, Acts and Regulations.
• Demonstrated ability in the Region's leadership and core competencies.
• Demonstrated report writing, analytical and project management skills to meet program objectives and work to tight deadlines.
• Staff supervisory skills including knowledge of collective agreement administration and interpretation, labour relations principles and practices and relevant employment legislation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external partners while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Strong communication, influencing and presentation skills with a strong customer focus.
• Strong leadership to proactively engage in accessibility, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, committing to and taking action to contribute to a more accessible, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace.
• Advanced skills MS Office Suite and use of virtual platforms.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license free of serious offences under the Highway Traffic Act.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours.

Council Approval Date

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Scheduled Shifts

35

Operational Hours

Close Date

October 6, 2025

of Hires Needed

1

Union

Non Union Staff

.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above.

All employment opportunities are recorded on a 24-Hour Career Line and may be accessed by calling 1-877-464-9675 ext. 75508. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, York Region uses email as the primary means of communication with candidates and does not use AI technology in any part of the recruitment process. Please ensure your email address is up to date, checked frequently (including your spam folder), and accepts messages from unknown users.

York Region is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. We respect, encourage and celebrate our diversity, aiming to build a qualified workforce that reflects the population we serve. Should you require an accommodation under the Human Rights Code during the recruitment and selection process, including accessible formats and communication supports, please email careers@york.ca or call 1-877-464-9675 extension 75506. Accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request during recruitment processes and throughout employment.