Are you an experienced, ISA certified Arborist with supervisory experience who is passionate about urban tree health, safety, and team leadership? The City of Edmonton is looking for a Tree Care Leader to oversee the care and maintenance of our open space and boulevard tree assets! This is a pivotal role where your expertise will directly contribute to the sustainability and resilience of approximately 400,000 inventoried trees. If you're ready to lead operational excellence, champion safety, and manage complex maintenance programs, come grow your career with us!

The Tree Care Leader serves as the in-scope supervisor for a large operational and technical team dedicated to the care and maintenance of the City’s open space and boulevard trees. You will be instrumental in developing, executing, and monitoring the annual work plan for tree care and maintenance activities. This role requires you to oversee both in-house crews (Crew Leaders, Arborists, Equipment Operators, Labourers and Landscape technicians) and external contractors. Your core mission will be to ensure all work—including pruning, removal, stump grinding, and storm response—is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards, protecting a critical City asset.

What will you do?

• Work with and supervise a dedicated team of urban forestry professionals to promote the health and sustainability of the Urban Forest with a focus on the care and maintenance of the Open Space and Boulevard tree inventory
• Work closely with other Urban Forestry Leaders and the Supervisor of Urban Forestry to provide an integrated leadership approach to Urban Forest Management and to ensure Best Management Practices are followed by the team
• Work with the Supervisor of Urban Forestry to develop an annual operational work plan for the team. Ensure that it is implemented and monthly goals and targets are met
• Set expectations and deliver specific tree care and maintenance program goals and targets to teams including pruning service levels. Review accomplishments of the team monthly and adjust work plans as needed where appropriate
• Supervise and mentor teams that deliver programs including tree pruning, pruning inspections, tree removals, stump grinding, log pick up and disposal, storm response, the Decorative Tree Lighting Program and the Wood Reclamation Program
• Provide input into the development of Urban Forestry policies, Urban Forestry Management Plans, procedures and programs related to tree maintenance
• Provide guidance and support to other Urban Forestry and Parks Teams including those responsible for tree planting and pest management activities
• Work closely with crew leaders to review and update operation work schedules to ensure maximum utilization of assigned staff, equipment and facilities and track unit costs
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as needed to coordinate tree work and ensure that work is tracked to appropriate work orders, approve invoices and ensure billing is completed in a timely manner
• Oversee quality control programs for all pruning and tree care related work including the in-house tree pruning and contract pruning
• Ensure that the tree work by both in house crews and contractors is inspected in a timely manner, tracked and ensure that all deficiencies are addressed
• Respond to tree maintenance and pruning related escalations from the public and administration
• Maintain records and documentations related to the work, including schedules, work orders and safety inspections and training certifications
• Use appropriate methods and interpersonal styles to develop, motivate, and guide the pruning team to attain successful outcomes and business objectives
• Provide guidance to the pruning team and training as needed and ensure that best practices and ANSI standards are followed
• Ensure that the team is properly trained and certified to use tools and equipment as needed
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant safety regulations and best practice. Develop and enforce safety policies and standard operating procedures for tree care related work. Inspire dedication to build and maintain a safe work environment
• Conduct monthly safety meetings and conduct regular safety inspections. Investigate and document any safety incidents that occur during work and take corrective action to help prevent future incidents as needed
• Maintain accurate records of equipment inventory including utilization rates of fleet including analyzing the data to identify opportunities for improving efficiencies, reducing costs and increasing productivity
• Proactively manage resource needs, including planning for equipment and materials, and act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for procurement
• Serve as an escalation point, responding to inquiries and requests from community partners that come in through 311, ensuring timely and effective communication
• Collaborate with the Planting Leader to ensure tree removals and stump grinding are completed efficiently ahead of the Tree Replacement program
• Utilize Davey Tree Keeper (DTK) software for work planning and assignment with the Inventory and Assessment Leader
• Other related duties as required

Qualifications:

• Completion of a Two year Technical Diploma in Urban Forestry, Landscaping or a related field or an undergraduate degree in Urban Forestry or a related field
• A minimum of 8 years experience in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry with a minimum of 2 years supervising staff
• ISA Certification
• TRAQ Certified or experience with tree risk assessment and documentation

Assets:

• TRAQ (tree risk assessment qualified)
• Experience using GIS or related software programs
• Experience as a production arborist
• Familiarity with ANSI Standards and Arboriculture Best Management Practices
• Demonstrated experience with optimization and process improvement
• Completion of Leadership Training recognized by the City of Edmonton
• Experience supervising in a municipal setting and supervising unionized staff
• Strong customer service skills and leadership skills

Skills required for success:

• Strong knowledge of pruning and tree removal techniques, and proper pruning practices to prioritize tree health and public safety
• Solid background in OH&S regulations related to working at heights, specialized equipment, and climbing
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively interact with team members, management, contractors, and community members
• Ability to exercise sound technical field judgment in real-time, assessing trees for required maintenance and determining appropriate actions
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and support a diverse team to achieve maximum productivity and maintain staff morale
• Knowledge of relevant City policies, procedures, bylaws (like the Public Tree Bylaw), legislation, and collective agreements (CUPE 30 and CSU 52)
• Demonstrated computer skills and experience with Google Suite including Gmail, google sheets and google docs
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
• Applicants may be tested

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent)
• Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Successful candidates are able to be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, is a requirement of this position
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen and coveralls
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off)

Work Environment :

• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement, and the incumbent will be notified in advance

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 1 permanent full-time position Hours of Work: 40 hours per week.

Salary Range: $45.798 - $57.554 (Hourly); $95,626.22 - $120,172.75 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/VH

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.