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Job ID #32104: Superintendent Forestry Union: Non-Union Job Description ID #: 5354 Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 15th, 2026. Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

SUMMARY OF DUTIES Reporting to the Manager of Forestry and Horticulture, the Superintendent of Forestry, is a key member of the Forestry and Horticulture senior leadership team. The role provides leadership to supervisory and operational staff and is responsible for overseeing short- and long-term planning, resource allocation, service delivery performance management. The Superintendent also supports the development of operational strategies and business plans to ensure sustainable management of the City's urban forest.

GENERAL DUTIES Leadership and Workforce Management Provide strategic leadership and direction to supervisors responsible for urban forestry operations, including tree planting, tree maintenance, risk assessment, tree removal, stump removal, tree watering, mulching, and emergency response. Lead workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, labour relations, succession planning, and employee development initiatives to support operational excellence and organizational objectives. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, customer service, and continuous improvement throughout Forestry and Horticulture. Provide expert advice, coaching, and technical guidance to supervisory staff on urban forestry operations, industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements. Act on behalf of the Manager as delegated and participate as a member of departmental and divisional leadership teams.

Service Delivery and Operational Management Direct the planning, delivery, monitoring, and continuous improvement of urban forestry operations to achieve approved service levels, regulatory compliance, customer service standards, and strategic objectives. Oversee the development and implementation of annual work plans, operational priorities, performance targets, and resource allocation strategies to ensure effective and efficient service delivery. Provide leadership and direction to supervisors responsible for emergency preparedness and response activities related to the urban forest, including storm events and other incidents affecting public safety and municipal assets. Establish and track key performance indicators, service delivery metrics, and operational analytics to assess performance, identify improvement opportunities, and implement corrective actions that enhance operational effectiveness and ensure service delivery standards are achieved. Oversee contractor performance, procurement activities, service agreements, and contract administration to ensure compliance with specifications, budget requirements, and performance expectations. Direct investigations related to operational issues, customer escalations, liability claims, and risk management matters and ensure appropriate resolution.

Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Relations Contribute to the development and implementation of urban forestry strategies, operational plans, business plans, policies, and service delivery models that support sustainable urban forest management. Build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, elected officials, community organizations, industry associations, environmental groups, utility providers, and other stakeholders. Assist senior leadership in the preparation and presentation of reports, recommendations, briefing materials, and operational updates for senior leadership, committees, Council, and external stakeholders as required. Collaborate with internal divisions and departments to support integrated service delivery, corporate initiatives, and cross-functional projects.

Financial and Asset Management Manage operating and capital budgets for urban forestry programs and initiatives, ensuring effective financial stewardship, fleet, equipment, and material resources. Develop budget forecasts and resource plans and monitor expenditures to ensure programs are delivered within approved funding and performance expectations. Support asset management planning and effective use of enterprise technologies, GIS, and operational data systems to improve decision-making and program performance.

Health, Safety and Legislative Compliance Ensure compliance with all applicable legislation, regulations, standards, collective agreements, municipal by-laws, and corporate policies related to urban forestry operations. Promote and maintain a strong health and safety culture by ensuring appropriate training, hazard mitigation, incident prevention, and continuous improvement of safety practices. Ensure operational programs and activities are conducted in accordance with accepted arboricultural standards, risk management principles, and industry best practices.

Continuous Improvement Identify, recommend, and implement operational improvements, business process enhancements, and fleet and technology solutions to improve service delivery, efficiency, workforce effectiveness, and customer experience. Lead the evaluation of operational performance and service outcomes, utilizing data and stakeholder feedback to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Perform other duties as assigned which are related to the responsibilities of this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Degree or diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Forestry, Environmental Management, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or related combination of equivalent education and experience.
2. Must hold a recognized professional certification or designation relevant to the position, such as ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Municipal Specialist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Registered Professional Forester (RPF), or an equivalent credential.
3. Considerable experience in a supervisory position in a unionized public-sector environment or any satisfactory combination of experience and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of the position.
4. Demonstrated experience and knowledge in urban forestry operations with proven knowledge of best practices and experience with urban forest management and risk management, project management theories, practices and trends to manage operational tasks, including reviewing, approving and implementing work plans and budgets.
5. Specific knowledge of tree dynamics, morphology, physiology and dendrology of those tree species common to the Hamilton area.
6. Thorough knowledge of all applicable legislation, bylaws and regulations related to a municipal environment involving the management of an urban forest.
7. Demonstrated ability to prioritize organizational needs then formulate, communicate, organize, implement, manage, monitor, measure, adjust and achieve work plans, consistent with the organization’s objectives.
8. Strong leadership, investigative, facilitation, communication, presentation, interpersonal and organizational skills.
9. Demonstrated success in developing others on an ongoing basis (e.g. through performance management, training, coaching, and succession planning).
10. Demonstrated success in the prevention and control of workplace hazards and the creation of a safe workplace.
11. Specific knowledge of the Health and Safety Act, Labour Relations Act and Human Rights legislation as it relates to the position.
12. Must possess strong written and oral communication skills to support excellent customer service and communications with the public, elected officials, management, co-workers, NGOs, partner service providers, and contractors.
13. Must have excellent technical skills and competency with Microsoft and ESRI software applications, and Enterprise Asset Management systems.
14. Must possess a valid Class "G" Drivers Licence.

SALARY: Grade 7

HOURS: 35 per week

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

Disclaimer: Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms: The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.