As an Urban Forester, you will play a key role in protecting and growing the City’s tree canopy, ensuring Edmonton’s urban forest remains vibrant, resilient, and safe for all. You will act as a primary technical consultant on tree preservation, manage contractor operations, and lead critical assessments across public spaces. Balancing field inspections with project management, you will collaborate with diverse teams to integrate tree protection into municipal and development initiatives. You will also serve as an ambassador for our urban forest, helping community members and industry partners understand the vital role trees play in our infrastructure. If you are passionate about environmental stewardship, arboriculture, and public service, this role offers an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our city's landscape.

What will you do?

Serve as a technical expert and consultant on tree preservation, protection, and valuation for municipal construction projects, development designs, and land use planning
Apply and enforce Corporate Tree Management Policy C456C, Public Tree Bylaw 18825, and related legislation regarding public trees
Administer and supervise operational contracts for tree planting, transplanting, pruning, removal, and watering
Perform tree risk assessments, health evaluations, and hazard management in right-of-ways, boulevards, and parklands
Investigate tree damage incidents, complete valuation reports, and provide expert evidence for legal or risk management claims
Conduct site inspections for landscape standards compliance, accepting or rejecting plant materials on City-driven and development projects
Deliver educational outreach and respond to inquiries from internal teams, industry partners, and engagement participants regarding urban forestry practices

Degree in Forestry or a related field plus five (5) years of related experience; OR a two (2) year Diploma in a related field plus five (5) years of related experience; OR Journeyman Landscape Gardener certification with equivalent experience
Minimum of two (2) years of dedicated experience specifically within Urban Forestry
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification

Assets:

Project Management training or certification
Specialized skill training in tree pruning, removals, air excavation, or tree support systems
Experience working with geographic information systems (GIS) and municipal asset management software (such as SAP)

Skills required for success:

Strong technical knowledge of arboriculture practices, tree physiology, dendrology, entomology, pathology, and soil science
Proven ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, site plans, and landscape drawings
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for preparing technical reports, delivering presentations, and resolving complex inquiries
Solid contract management and supervisory skills to oversee contractors, evaluate performance, and manage project budgets
Ability to build collaborative working relationships with internal departments, external contractors, and industry organizations
Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver’s License (or provincial equivalent) with a clean driving record
Ability to obtain and maintain necessary professional designations relevant to the position

Work Environment:

Combination of office-based administrative work and field inspections in various outdoor weather conditions year-round
Fieldwork involves exposure to active construction sites, variable terrain, extreme temperatures, and potential hazards requiring proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

1 temporary position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $41.177 - $51.444 (Hourly) $ 85,977.580- $107,415.070 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: AG/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation

Forest Technician

Urban Forester - Landscape Technician II