Job ID #31600: Urban Forest Health Technician

Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason

• Job ID #31600: Urban Forest Health Technician


• Union: CUPE Local 5167


• Job Description ID #: 6816


• Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 28, 2026


• Duration: Permanent Full-Time


• Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy 


• Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.

URBAN FOREST HEALTH TECHNICIAN – CUPE 5167 (INSIDE WORKGROUP)

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

Reporting to the Senior Project Manager, the Urban Forest Health Technician reviews, assesses, reports, monitors and implements all tree permitting requests, and projects that involve work that may injure or require the removal of a tree, or planting of trees, including ensuring that the project meets Forestry’s standards to support new tree planting.

The Urban Forest Health Technician is accountable for ensuring that City staff, residents, developers, outside contractors and consultants execute work involving trees in accordance with City bylaws, standards, specifications and policies. This includes, but is not limited to, review of development and site plan documents and applications, tree permit requests, landscape plans and tree management plans.

The Urban Forest Health Technician assists the Senior Project Manager with strategic planning related to urban forest protection and enhancement, including reviewing, and recommending improvements to bylaws, standards, specifications and policies, and recommending strategies to engagement with stakeholders and advocate for tree protection and canopy enhancement.

GENERAL DUTIES

Ensure City staff, developers, contractors, consultants, and members of the public execute work that may impact trees in accordance with City Bylaws, standards, specifications, and policies to ensure tree protection and opportunities for new tree planting.

Reviews technical and construction plans and specifications with respect to tree preservation, urban forest conservation and opportunities for new tree planting, while ensuring compliance with City Bylaws, standards, specifications, policies, and regulatory requirements.

Provides written feedback and design solutions to City staff, developers, and consultants to ensure that development plans prioritize tree retention and consider all opportunities for new tree planting.

Liaises with City staff and outside agencies and provides comprehensive written responses based on their review of development and construction applications.

Develops and/or assist with written reports and presentations concerning policies, standards, specifications, Bylaws, and best practices related tree preservation and new tree planting.

Assesses tree health and tree risk against proposed construction and development impacts and can propose mitigation solutions to retain trees.

Assesses construction plans and development plans for opportunities to plant new trees and can communicate requirements effectively to applicants to achieve conservation and enhancement goals.

Maintains and updates database / asset management system with permit application process, including, but not limited to, plan review comments, permit issuance, fees, tree replacement required. Updates asset management system related to current tree assets, including, size, health, and species, and highlights new planting opportunities to ensure coordination with operations staff.

Conducts site visits to verify site information against permit applications, and during construction to ensure that tree protection and mitigation measures are implemented, and new planting areas are prepared in accordance with standards and specifications.  

Maintains regular communication with Manager, Senior Project Manager, forestry operations staff, other divisions within Public Works and the City where applicable.

Liaises with the residents, developers, and contractors to ensure an allied approach to tree protection, removal and replacement is established.

Educates residents, developers, and contractors about tree Bylaws, standards, specifications, and policies in a proactive and respectful manner than encourages compliance and an allied approach to urban forest protection and enhancement.

Issues tree permits and identifies appropriate permit conditions.

Completes Tree Risk Assessments and appraises trees using recognized industry standards.

Identifies opportunities to improve urban forest protection and enhancement processes and programs and participate in continuous improvement projects, as required.

Provides educated responses to inquiries from residents, private industry, other municipalities, and interdepartmental staff.

Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.

Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to occupational health and safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Demonstrated experience in the practice and implementation of projects and programs related to urban forestry normally acquired through successful completion of a University degree or College diploma in arboriculture, urban forestry, forest conservation, or related discipline with proven experience in project management, planning, site plan review, and evaluation of urban open space and / or construction drawings with a focus on urban forest protection and enhancement.


2. ISA (International Society of Arboriculture)


3. ISA TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification).


4. Preference will be given to candidates who are Tree Appraisal Qualified (Arbor Canada or similar).


5. Demonstrated experience in tree preservation theories and techniques including, but not limited to, urban tree hoarding, root pruning, soil preservation, and exploratory root excavation.


6. Demonstrated experience in completing tree appraisals and tree risk assessments in an urban environment related to development projects.


7. Demonstrated ability to read site plans, landscape plans, servicing plans and grading


8. Must possess well-developed interpersonal skills, demonstrated through effective communication in both verbal and written delivery of informatio


9. Sound understanding of City of Hamilton policies and procedures, standards, policies, by-laws, federal and provincial legislation pertaining to urban forestry as well as the Ontario Health & Safety Act.


10. Demonstrated knowledge of urban forest management, including tree morphology and physiology.


11. Sound understanding of project management theories and practices with a demonstrated experience in managing multi-phased projects with multiple stakeholders


12. Sound understanding of construction techniques, sequencing, and methodology, including, but not limited to, staging of equipment and materials and different excavation techniques.


13. Possess a demonstrated record of technical competence, customer focus, innovation, creativity, team advocacy, empowerment and commitment to results.


14. Experience in a computerized environment, with a sound understanding and knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, Bluebeam and ArcGIS software applications.


15. Must possess good organization and time management


16. Ability to perform field work under difficult and adverse weather


17. Ability to deal effectively with elected officials, representatives or other levels of government, management, peers, and support departments.


18. Proven ability to approach discussion with people facing difficult situations, including members of the public, professionally and with empathy, both in person, over e-mail and on the phone


19. Possess a high level of personal integrity


20. Must possess a valid class “G” Ontario Driver’s License and clean

THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS “G” DRIVER’S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.

SALARY: Salary Grade K

HOURS: 40 per week

THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE

Disclaimer:

Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.

Terms:

The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship.  If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.