Title:  Urban Forestry Planner-C1443

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Manager, Urban Forestry, the incumbent contributes to the City’s overall environmental planning strategy through the development of plans and city-wide policies to enhance forest health and leaf cover. Ensures the sustainability of the urban forest through forestry management planning which promotes the preservation, restoration and enhancement of the multi-billion dollar forest asset and maintaining the “Forest City” identity.

Work Performed:

• Participates in the development of Official Plan policies and supporting strategies, by-laws and standards.
• Responsible for the development of the strategic Urban Forest Management Plan and 5-year program plans and assists in the development of associated budgets (UFMP) and implementation of the UFMP.
• With minimal supervision, conducts and manages major studies, research and projects related to immediate and long-term urban forestry planning, policy development, operational practices and program management. Responsible for development of RFQ’s and RFP’s related to urban forestry projects. Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Provides input into the procurement and management of urban lands, as it relates to the Woodland Acquisition Program. Assists in the appraisal, evaluation and certification of urban forests.
• Responsible for the development of forestry plans and assists in the development of Master Plans for selected City-owned woodlands. Provides support for and implements restoration projects that support protection and improvement of forest resources and the Natural Heritage Strategy.
• Develops, recommends and coordinates implementation of urban forestry policies, standards, by-laws, guidelines and best management practices in order to protect and enhance forest health and leaf cover and manage risk of hazardous trees.
• Provides specialized advice on the interpretation and application of forestry-related policies, standards, practices and procedures of the Division.
• Reviews, processes and evaluates applications such as, but not limited to, Official Plan amendment, zoning and subdivision to ensure compliance with city-wide forest policies; negotiates with and coordinates input from developers or consultants, other Departments, Boards and Commissions, provincial and federal agencies, and the general public on the details of planning and development proposals or amendments.
• Works jointly with other City Departments in planning and operational initiatives (such as place making and capital projects) to protect, enhance forest health and leaf cover and manage risk of hazardous trees.
• Develops standards and guidelines for and provides urban forestry related input for Environmental Assessments (EAs).
• Plans and directs implementation of forestry-related by-laws for city and private property ensuring that standard processes, clauses and conditions of approval are used consistently in permitting and managing administration associated with the by-laws. Authorizes permits under the forestry-related by-laws.

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• Develops forest health policies, programs and management plans with Provincial and Federal agencies and ministries to ensure a coordinated approach to forestry issues and supports the delivery of control programs in cooperation with other Divisions and agencies.
• Ensures that the forest classification, inventory, mapping and computerized management information systems are current, accurate and updated or revised as required to meet the business needs.
• Provides advice and information to the public about forest management and health on public and private lands and otherwise supports public education and private stewardship initiatives and serves on technical groups such as the ESA Management Committee and ReForest London Technical Review Team.
• Represents the Department at meetings, briefings and committees and task forces of Council as a principal point of contact for enquiries on city-wide forest policies and plans.
• Provides professional evidence before the Ontario Municipal Board, other Boards and Commissions and the Courts on forestry matters.
• Assists in the development of work plans and directs and advises Forestry Technologists and students on matters related to assignments, assigned project priorities and managing projects to completion.
• Performs public consultation by organizing and facilitating meetings and workshops with community groups, institutions and residents to address urban forestry related issues; directs, monitors and coordinates consultants and staff involved in public consultation related to urban forestry and related environmental programs.

Qualifications:

• Four year Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry
• A four year degree in environmental studies, science, planning or related field may be considered if combined with full membership, or eligibility for full membership, in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association

Experience:

• Over four years, with a minimum two years of increasingly responsible forestry experience municipal context.
• Experience in the urban forestry or environmental planning profession, including project coordination and policy development.
• Experience in dealing with urban forestry planning and management, associated operations and relevant federal, provincial and municipal legislation.
• Knowledge of urban forestry and environmental principles and planning processes, transportation planning, construction and bioengineering techniques.
• Proven ability to plan, organize, delegate and manage projects and initiatives.
• Strong human relations, communication, negotiation, conflict resolution, and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, written and presentation skills.
• Must demonstrate good judgement and ability to rationally determine appropriate actions for conflict resolution.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively in a team environment.
• Proven ability to work with difficult situations and people and work under pressure.

Specialized Training & Licenses:

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

• Full membership, or eligibility for full membership, in the Ontario Professional Foresters Association (OPFA) as a Registered Professional Forester (R.P.F.).
• A valid Ontario unrestricted G class driver’s licence and have own transportation.

Compensation & Other Information:

$62,220 - $90, 408 (Level 14)

This posting is for one (1) permanent full-time position being filled on a permanent full-time basis.

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. Subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

These hours of work are subject to change in accordance with the Collective Agreement and may include evening hours and Saturdays.

NOTE: Applicants may be required to complete a job related test.

Police Record Check:

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check.