Urban Forester

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas is hiring a full-time Urban Forester responsible for managing city-wide forestry operations, including maintenance, tree risk assessments, and enforcement of tree by-laws. The role involves developing forestry policies, coordinating contractor work, addressing complaints, and providing guidance to residents. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders and compliance with municipal regulations, based in Rochester, NY.
Location: City of Rochester

95 Elm St, St Thomas, ON N5R 1H7, Canada Req #1056

April 30, 2025

The Corporation of the City of St. Thomas - Parks and Recreation Department
has an opening for the following position:

URBAN FORESTER

Permanent, Full-Time

CUPE Local 35

Job Posting #

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the general supervision of the Manager of Parks and Forestry, the Urban Forester is responsible for the coordination and implementation of city-wide forestry maintenance functions and forestry related duties on City boulevards, City parks, ravines, wood lots and green spaces. Acts as Enforcement Officer for the Municipal and Private Tree By-Laws.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Administers and participates in the efficient care, maintenance and growth of the City’s urban forests by fielding, recording and scheduling service requests, conducting visual tree risk assessments on all city trees annually and in accordance with ISA regulations, small tree pruning, small removals, preparing the annual tree planting program, and applying for tree planting grants as required.
• 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.
• Assists with the preparation and evaluation of tenders including tree removal, trimming and annual tree planting. This includes planning and organizing contractor work, coordinating contract start-up upon bid award, inspecting contracted work, completing necessary reports/documentation of contracted services including health and safety compliance.
• Participates in the development of a “Tree Preservation” policy outlining the minimum protection standards required and the protection and preservation of municipal trees during construction activities and assists with maintaining the City’s current Forestry Policy.
• Ensures notices of complaints regarding any issue related to the two by-laws is addressed in a fair, unbiased, expedient manner in accordance with the approved Municipal and Private Tree By-Laws.
• Issues permits for tree removals based on compliance with stipulations of the By-Laws.
• Provides information and guidance to residents and business owners on protocols and guidelines, offering suggestions for improvement toward compliance.
• Ensures all submitted documentation is in conformance with the requirements as stipulated within the By-Laws.
• Applies penalty clauses when a permit holder is in contravention of any permit or has not applied and received a permit.
• Issues written orders to a property owner to comply with conditions of the permit and/or the By-Laws concerning private and municipal trees.
• Enforces actions through issuance of a fine as detailed in the By-Laws following consultation with Director, Manager, City Solicitor and Council approval, as required.
• Provides professional evidence before the Ontario Municipal Board, other Boards and Commissions and the Courts on forestry matters.
• Consults and provides diagnosis /recommendations on the health of trees as a result of insects, diseases and fungi.
• Liaises with Environmental Services, service clubs, school and volunteer groups, conservation authorities, etc. and provides advice with tree planting projects or tree related concerns.
• Maintains and keeps up to date the current filing system ensuring accurate records of all arboricultural related activities.
• Prepares, for review and approval by the Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities, various reports, including reports to City Council.
• Develops tree planting plans for road reconstruction projects and landscape plans as required.
• Responsible for reviewing tree planting plans for new subdivision developments insuring proper species selection.
• Monitors the City’s standards for tree planting in new developments and make recommendations on tree planting plans.
• Identifies and provides methods of control for pests and invasive species directly affecting the Urban Forestry canopy within the City of St. Thomas.
• Prepares, and submits for approval, applicable grant applications regarding parks and forestry enhancement.
• Directs seasonal staff…