Arboriculture Technician Full-time Job

Main Purpose & Function 
The Arboriculture Technician is responsible for preserving and protecting the urban forest by performing specialized technical support work for the Urban Forestry department. The Arboriculture Technician represents the Urban Forestry profession and the interests of Vancouver’s urban forest to other City Departments, levels of government, the development community, and the general public. The Arboriculture Technician will put forth contemporary arboricultural strategies and best practices in keeping with up-to-date science and research.

 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities 
The Arboriculture Technician plans and implements strategies to ensure quality tree planting programs. Related tasks include the administration of large planting programs in conjunction with street and development projects, and public tree stewardship events. This work will align with Vancouver’s canopy cover goal of 30% by 2050 and focus on under-represented neighbourhoods. The Arboriculture Technician is familiar with related City of Vancouver and Vancouver Park Board policies such as VanPlay to accomplish goals and strengthen the urban forest in a changing climate.  They also plan and implement tree management strategies and practices that improve the existing urban forest or its maintenance operations. The Arboriculture Technician is often the person to steward the introduction of new technologies and practices. The Arboriculture Technician will also make recommendations for improvements to methods and procedures in all aspects of Arboriculture operations and will provide technical advice to the senior staff of the Urban Forestry Department and Park Board. The Arboriculture Technician must have strong technical skills and independent judgment as they are expected to make reasonable recommendations supported by evidence on the outcome of urban forestry. This role will work collaboratively with outside departments to develop solution-oriented strategies that enhance the City of Vancouver’s urban forest.

 

Qualifications 
Education and Experience:

• University graduation in a discipline applicable to urban forestry with preference for ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ endorsement and some experience in the municipal arboriculture field, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Considerable experience with the methods, materials, practices, tools and equipment as used currently in arboriculture.

 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of Vancouver Urban Forest Strategy and the Van-Tree computer program;
• Considerable knowledge of street tree planting procedures, species profiles and their performance in the local environment, and of the tree farm cultural practice and operations;
• Knowledge of tree species details in relation to tree planting and formulating long term tree planting schedules
• Knowledge of tree diseases, pests, and treatment methods;
• Ability to establish effective liaison and working relationships with co-workers, civic representatives, and the public;
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies;
• Ability to conduct moderately complex technical research; identify problems; and identify and implement solutions;
• Ability to estimate time and material requirements and costs related to program proposals;
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, instructions, and reports orally and in writing;
• Ability to communicate with the public in a professional manner
• Strong working knowledge of urban forestry best practices;
• Proficiency in tree and forest inventory, mapping and data management;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or AutoCAD and/or Adobe Suite and/or GIS; and
• ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA with TRAQ), preferred

 
Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid BC Driver’s License and a Satisfactory National Safety Code driving record.
• The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.
• Local area travel and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Board of Parks and Recreation.

 

Candidates must attach the following records and satisfy the City’s driving requirements to be considered for this role:

• Copy of your three-year ICBC Commercial Driver’s Abstract (N Print) directly from ICBC dated within 30 days of this posting
• Copy of your three-year ICBC Driver’s Claims History directly from ICBC within 30 days of this posting
• If you have less than three years driving experience in BC, a request must be made for out of province/country abstract and claims history

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the worlds most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.