PLANNER URBAN FORESTRY

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•CA$50 - CA$54•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves reviewing planning documents, development applications, and restoration plans to ensure alignment with City policy and program interests, particularly concerning tree preservation and urban forest conservation. The position requires evaluating trees and forests based on arboricultural factors, communicating requirements to applicants, and preparing terms of reference for contracts. A key aspect is the ability to interpret construction plans and assess their impact on regulated trees, recommending amendments to comply with the Toronto Green Standard and Tree By-law. The role also provides technical and professional support for forestry projects, by-law enforcement, forest management, and policy development. It involves maintaining client relations, representing the city at various forums, supporting natural heritage policies, and preparing reports for management and City Council. Additionally, the role includes developing and reviewing graphic and written materials for policy recommendations and coordinating service delivery city-wide. Collaboration on design proposals for planting and ecological restoration projects, including budget arrangements and approvals, is also a responsibility.

Requirements

Post-secondary degree in Forestry, Ecology or related discipline, combined with related work experience in environmental planning, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and experience.
Extensive experience in urban forestry.
Considerable experience with reading and evaluating development plans and determining the impact of proposed construction on existing trees and prescribing techniques that may be used in creating functioning systems.
Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Ontario Driver's License Class "G".
Must qualify for the City's Equipment Operator's License.
Knowledge of Municipal Code Chapter 813 (Trees) and 658 (Ravine and Natural Feature Protection), as well as the ability to administrate the provisions of these Bylaws.
Ability to identify native plants and plant communities in Southern Ontario.
Ability to read construction plans and geotechnical reports.
Ability to prepare and write comprehensive technical reports.
Ability to plan, organize and manage multiple projects/assignments with competing deadlines including establishing efficient and effective work processes.
Ability to use good judgement and problem-solving skills in formulating effective decisions with regard to By-law administration.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with Councilors, all levels of staff and the public in representing city policy and program interests, including effectively negotiating By-law related problem resolutions within the limitations of the By-law.
Ability to handle challenging clients and service situations, including conflict resolution.
Ability to use a computer and handheld device with good keyboarding skills and proficiency in the use of standard spreadsheets, word processing, computer graphic and database software.

Nice To Haves

Additional certifications or qualifications are an asset, such as RPF, ISA Certified Arborist.

Responsibilities

Reviews planning documents, development applications, restoration and land management plans, and comprehensive environmental reports to identify impacts on City policy and program interests, providing comments on tree preservation and urban forest conservation programs, policies, and regulatory requirements.
Evaluates and comments on municipal planning development applications and Environmental Assessment Act applications concerning City Forestry programs, policies, and regulation requirements.
Undertakes evaluation of trees or forests in relation to arboriculture factors, including health, value, structure, form maintenance requirements, and conflicts with buildings and utilities.
Communicates information to applicants or contractors to ensure understanding of directions, city requirements, permit conditions, or recommended forest management actions.
Prepares terms of reference for contract issuance, coordinates implementation, reviews task completion, and responds to deficiencies/omissions in contract completion.
Reads construction plans and related reports to evaluate the impact of proposed construction on regulated trees on private lands and public road allowances, recommending workable amendments for compliance with the Toronto Green Standard and applicable Tree By-law sections.
Provides technical and professional support for forestry projects and programs related to By-law enforcement, forest management, and the development of forestry policies, practices, standards, and specifications.
Develops and maintains effective client relations with City staff, Conservation Authority staff, developers, architects, arborists, geotechnical engineers, contractors, consultants, and the general public.
Represents city interests at meetings, committees, hearings, and tribunals.
Provides support to Planning to achieve the Natural Heritage policies of the official plan as they relate to natural heritage conservation.
Maintains service delivery records, correspondence, and files in accordance with operating procedures.
Represents forestry issues to community groups and interested parties, organizing and conducting planting programs and projects, and commenting on development impacts at Community Consultation Meetings involving city staff, developers, residents, and community groups.
Prepares reports to management and City Council concerning urban forestry policy, by-law matters, and other relevant legislation.
Reviews, develops, and prepares graphic and written material for recommending forestry policy and procedures, practices, standards, and coordinating city-wide service delivery.
Develops and collaborates on design proposals for planting and ecological restoration projects, arranging budgets and necessary approvals from government agencies, community groups, etc., and coordinating project implementation.