Tree Protection Technician

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Parks Supervisor (Urban Forestry), this position performs a variety of technical, administrative and customer service duties related to the preservation and maintenance of trees on city property.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Advances and promotes tree preservation and protection by establishing and maintaining effective communication and coordination with other departments, consultants, contractors, developers, planners, and the public.


• Conducts inspections of sites for compliance with the City’s Tree Protection Bylaw and Trees on City Property Policy, and may solicit property owners, in writing, to complete work.


• Prepares and sends letters to property owners, developers and members of public regarding violations of the Tree Protection Bylaw and Trees On City Property policy.


• Reviews demolition, development, driveway crossing, building move, encroachment, and landscape drawings and provides recommendations to ensure compliance with the Tree Protection Bylaw and policies.


• Leads the review of existing policies and guidelines and assists in developing new programs dedicated to the adoption of tree preservation principles and best practices.


• Supervises staff involved with administering and enforcing tree protection on city property. 


• Ensures inspection reports, daily reports, time sheets, incident reports, etc. are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Investigates, and responds to, tree-related concerns by meeting with members of the public to provide information about the Urban Forestry program and services and, when necessary, proposes mutually agreeable solutions.


• Evaluates trees for structural defects and other hazardous conditions, provides assessments of tree risk and failure potential, and makes recommendations for the appropriate maintenance response.


• Maintains records related to the Urban Forestry program, the computerized tree inventory system, work order system, and tree inventories.


• Participates in public education and awareness programs related to tree protection.


• Provides safety and technical training to staff in the Urban Forestry area.


• Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures.


• Facilitates and participates in public education and awareness programs related to tree care.


• Facilitates and participates in work-related safety training programs and staff training and development programs.


• Supports and promotes a safe and positive workplace culture through a variety of initiatives and activities.


• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
   

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• Grade 12 education.


• Graduation from a two-year, post-secondary horticulture program, including a core course in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry.  


• Possession of current Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture.


• Possession of and ability to maintain current Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) from the International Society of Arboriculture.


• Four years’ related tree maintenance and tree evaluation experience, including one year supervising staff.


• Successful completion of, or ability to successfully complete, recognized supervisory courses.


• Possession of a valid Class 5 Saskatchewan Driver’s Licence.


• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating safe driving record.


• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid first aid certificate,

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Considerable knowledge of arboriculture principles, practices, and techniques.


• Knowledge of The Occupational Health and Safety Act.


• Demonstrated ability to supervise, train, direct and instruct staff.


• Ability to interpret design plans, working drawings, and maps.


• Knowledge of trees, their growth characteristics and maintenance requirements.


• Knowledge of equipment used in urban forestry.


• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, contractors, and the public.  


• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.


• Ability to solve problems and manage conflicts in a positive and timely manner.


• Skill in the use of Microsoft applications, City email, Fusion, mapping, inventory applications and website updates.  


• Physical ability to perform the assigned duties, including outdoors in adverse weather conditions.