The City of Edmonton is looking for dedicated individuals to join our Parks and Roads team as Urban Forest Technicians. In this role, you will be a key contributor to our Urban Forestry Operational Workplan, ensuring the health and vibrancy of our local environment. As an entry-level professional, you will bridge the gap between field data and community action, supporting our foresters in preserving one of the city's most valuable natural assets. You will be the face of urban forestry for many residents, providing exceptional service and expert guidance on tree-related matters. Join us in building a greener, more resilient city for all who live and work here.

As an Urban Forest Technician, your primary focus will be supporting Urban Foresters through precise field data collection and site inspections. You will spend a significant portion of your time conducting post-pruning tree inspections and ensuring the quality of contracted and in-house tree services. A vital part of your day involves responding to inquiries from community members and providing timely updates on pending work. Additionally, you will be responsible for tracking all tree-related activities within our GIS systems to maintain accurate records. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, organizational skill, and a passion for public engagement.

What will you do?

• Conduct site visits to collect data on tree species, size, condition, and property boundaries
• Monitor and inspect in-house and contract services such as pruning and removals to ensure they meet City standards
• Respond to 311 notifications and provide high-quality customer service to community partners
• Coordinate tree work for internal and external projects, including root cutting
• Assist in tree risk assessments
• Assist with CPTED (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design) inquiries
• Assist with ground disturbance requests and work with utility safety partners to coordinate work
• Assist with requests for pruning within MAD (Minimum Approach Distance) of overhead utilities
• Work closely with Landscape Technician II
• Identify and escalate threats to the Urban Forest (i.e pest and disease)
• Update GIS data and maintain tracking documents for all field activities
• Ensure all work adheres to safety standards, including Alberta Occupational Health and Safety and ANSI regulations
• Other related duties as required

Qualifications:

• Completion of a two-year Technical Diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related field OR
• Journeyman Landscape Gardener
• A minimum of 2 years of experience in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry

Assets:

• ISA Certified Arborist Certification
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
• Project management

Skills required for success:

• Ability to collect precise site information, including species identification, size, condition, and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) evaluations
• Skilled in directing and monitoring contractor and in-house work (pruning, removal) to ensure adherence to technical specifications and safety standards like ANSI Z133.1 and A300
• Ability to develop scopes of work, provide cost estimates, and coordinate specialized services like air excavation, hydro-vacing or stump grinding
• Knowledge of ground disturbance processes and the ability to ensure all necessary permits are in place before work begins
• Provide performance feedback for contractor and in-house evaluations to ensure high-quality service delivery
• Experience in tree pruning and removal
• Knowledge of arboriculture techniques and practices
• Proven customer service skills to effectively interact with community partners and members of the public
• Proficiency with computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Docs, and GIS
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent). Candidates will be required to arrange their own transportation and will be reimbursed in accordance with City policy. This may require business-use auto insurance
• Successful candidates will be fit for a respirator; compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment is a requirement
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Ground distance permit
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• The weekly hours of work are currently under review and may change in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement
• This role operates in both an office setting and field environment
• The role involves working outdoors in various weather conditions and terrains
• Exposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, noise, vibrations, chemicals, and animals may occur
• Requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks such as standing, walking, kneeling, bending, and lifting items up to 10 pounds

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 full-time permanent position Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $34.315 - $43.102 (hourly); $71,649.72 - $89,996.98 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/SO

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