Job Description

As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 92,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Environmental Technician – Arboriculture who will oversee the planning and coordinating of arboricultural work related to the New Westminster Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw, new tree planting projects and implementation of other related City policies, plans, bylaws and initiatives! Using the City’s tree planting standards and specifications, you will support City urban forestry engagement initiatives to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the value and benefits of the urban forest in the City and provide input on the creation of development-related policies, procedures, and regulations from an arboriculture perspective.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing and processing permit applications, reviews technical drawings, conducts site visits, addresses public inquiries; communicates with applicants, City staff and Council; addressing tree bylaw violations; and maintaining a variety of records and files related to the work.
• Overseeing consultant work related to planting plans included in development application reviews; reviewing technical drawings and documents for tree protection compliance with the Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw; conducting site visits; and communicating with consultants, contractors and City staff.
• Oversight and inspections of new tree planting projects to ensure compliance with the City’s tree planting standards and specifications.
• Providing technical input on development applications, subdivision applications, building permits, and other development matters.
• Supporting the City’s urban forestry engagement initiatives and promoting a wider understanding and appreciation of the value and benefits of the urban forest in the City.
• Assessing sites for tree planting suitability and updating information in the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS).
• Providing tree planting suggestions that support City-wide tree planting initiatives and input on the City’s creation of development-related policies, procedures, and regulations from an arboriculture perspective.
• Performing any other related work as required.

If you have the following qualifications, we would like to hear from you:

• Graduation from a diploma program in arboriculture, preferably university graduation in Urban Forestry or an arboriculture or horticulture-related program, plus considerable related experience preferably in a municipal setting; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture.
• International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.
• Considerable knowledge of the City’s tree planting standards and specifications, the City’s Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw, and other policies, procedures, regulations, strategies, plans, bylaws and laws governing the work performed.
• Considerable knowledge of arboricultural and urban forestry principles, practices and techniques including tree risk assessment, and of tree species, diseases, pests and treatment methods specific to the City’s tree population.
• Sound knowledge of the practices involved in municipal development and subdivision approval processes.
• Ability to collect data using GIS tools (e.g. Field Map and Survey 123) and conduct geospatial analysis using the CityViews software application.
• Ability to read and interpret scaled technical drawings such as landscape, architectural, and related civil, electrical and structural engineering plans.
• Ability to prioritize and investigate complaints, to identify the nature of arboriculture related problems and enforce bylaws and regulations with tact, impartiality, firmness and use of sound judgement.
• Ability to investigate Tree Bylaw infractions, gather and document evidence, maintain related records, interview witnesses, prepare and present evidence in adjudication processes and/or court, and work closely with enforcement staff and/or the City Solicitor to identify, assess, and implement appropriate courses of enforcement action which may include the issuance of tickets.
• Ability to explain and interpret bylaws and regulations, to maintain effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external contacts, provide technical information and assistance, deal tactfully and courteously with others on contentious issues, and to employ contemporary service excellence principles at work.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing and to prepare reports related to a variety of arboriculture issues, practices and procedures.
• Ability to perform assigned duties independently or under minimal supervision.
• Driver's License for the Province of British Columbia.
• Ability to pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check.