ASSISTANT PLANNER URBAN FORESTRY

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•CA$42 - CA$46•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves processing tree permit applications, liaising with various stakeholders including city staff, arborists, contractors, and the public, and ensuring compliance with tree protection legislation and policies. The position supports the Urban Forestry customer service counter, reviews development applications, conducts site visits for inspections and investigations, and provides technical support for forestry projects and programs. The role also involves preparing correspondence and reports, responding to information requests, and assisting with statistical reporting.

Requirements

Considerable experience in the field of Urban Forestry (e.g. tree identification, tree health/condition assessment, etc).
Experience reading and interpreting technical drawings and plans.
Experience prescribing methods and techniques to protect trees from construction impacts.
Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Province of Ontario, Class "G" Driver's License, and must qualify for the City's equipment operating permit and requirements.
Post-Secondary education in Forestry or a related discipline.
Detailed knowledge of the City of Toronto Tree By-laws and their interpretation and application.
Ability utilizing a computer and a variety of software packages including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
Ability to read and interpret construction plans and arborist reports in order to determine their compliance to Tree By-laws and Urban Forestry tree planting and protection requirement policies.
Ability to conduct detailed tree assessments, including structural valuation; health and viability; hazard condition; appropriateness of context, location and species; and related factors.
Good judgement, problem solving and decision making skills with regard to the determination of City tree by-law and tree policy application administration.
Ability to plan, organize and manage multiple projects/assignments with competing deadlines.
Ability to write clear, grammatically correct reports and accurate responses to permit applicants.
Ability to use a computer and hand held device with good keyboarding skills and proficiency in the use of standard spreadsheets, word processing, computer graphic and database software.
Good communication skills with the ability to interact with clients, staff and the general public in an efficient and diplomatic manner including the ability to handle challenging clients and service situations, including conflict resolution.
Knowledge of applicable workplace legislation and policies as pertains to workers including the Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations, the City of Toronto Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy, the City of Toronto Conflict of Interest Policy, and the Toronto Public Service Mission, Values and Ethics.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and experience with Maximo/EWMS is an asset.

Responsibilities

Receives and creates tree permit application files; develops and maintains effective client relations, liaises with city staff, arborists, construction contractors, and the general public, representing the city interest and providing service in processing applications, inspections or investigations.
Provides support at the Urban Forestry customer service counter; receiving applications and fee payments, processing receipts, reviewing drawings, consulting on applications, conveying information related to by-laws, application process, protection specifications, etc.
Reviews and evaluates applications for Development Review, construction proposals and other development projects, checks for conformity with applicable tree protection legislation and policies and makes recommendations to Urban Forestry Planner.
Meets with Landscape Architects, developers, various City departments, elected officials and the public to assess possible impacts of proposals, i.e. landscape plans, tree removals, and resolves problems related to proposals.
Conducts various site meetings to review potential by-law infractions.
Conducts site examinations to ensure landscape construction complies with approved plans such as approved permit application, development applications and tree protection requirements.
Investigates, analyzes and reports on urban forestry matters relative to the City's Urban Forestry by-laws Provides technical and professional support for forestry projects and programs, as related to by-law enforcement, forest management and development of forestry policies, practices, standards and specifications.
Identifies files where there is a potential problem; takes initial steps to solve problems and arranges meetings for conflict resolution.
Prepares correspondence and reports with recommendations on urban forestry issues.
Responds to information requests and attends public meetings to provide and obtain information.
Assists with the preparation of statistical reports.