Tree Care Leader Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 53841)

Description

Are you an experienced, ISA certified Arborist with supervisory experience who is passionate about urban tree health, safety, and team leadership? The City of Edmonton is looking for a Tree Care Leader to oversee the care and maintenance of our open space and boulevard tree assets! This is a pivotal role where your expertise will directly contribute to the sustainability and resilience of approximately 400,000 inventoried trees. If you're ready to lead operational excellence, champion safety, and manage complex maintenance programs, come grow your career with us!

The Tree Care Leader serves as the in-scope supervisor for a large operational and technical team dedicated to the care and maintenance of the City's open space and boulevard trees. You will be instrumental in developing, executing, and monitoring the annual work plan for tree care and maintenance activities. This role requires you to oversee both in-house crews (Crew Leaders, Arborists, Equipment Operators, Labourers and Landscape technicians) and external contractors. Your core mission will be to ensure all work—including pruning, removal, stump grinding, and storm response—is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards, protecting a critical City asset. 

What will you do?

• Work with and supervise a dedicated team of urban forestry professionals to promote the health and sustainability of the Urban Forest with a focus on the care and maintenance of the Open Space and Boulevard tree inventory
• Work closely with other Urban Forestry Leaders and the Supervisor of Urban Forestry to provide an integrated leadership approach to Urban Forest Management and to ensure Best Management Practices are followed by the team
• Work with the Supervisor of Urban Forestry to develop an annual operational work plan for the team. Ensure that it is implemented and monthly goals and targets are met
• Set expectations and deliver specific tree care and maintenance  program goals and targets to teams including pruning service levels. Review accomplishments of the team monthly and adjust work plans as needed where appropriate
• Supervise and mentor teams that deliver programs including tree pruning, pruning inspections, tree removals, stump grinding, log pick up and disposal, storm response,  the Decorative Tree Lighting Program and the Wood Reclamation Program
• Provide input into the development of Urban Forestry policies, Urban Forestry Management Plans, procedures and programs related to tree maintenance
• Provide guidance and support to other Urban Forestry and Parks Teams including those responsible for tree planting and pest management activities
• Work closely with crew leaders to review and update operation work schedules to ensure maximum utilization of assigned staff, equipment and facilities and track unit costs
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders as needed to coordinate tree work and  ensure that work is tracked to appropriate work orders, approve invoices and ensure billing is completed in a timely manner
• Oversee quality control programs for all pruning and tree care related work including the in-house tree pruning and contract pruning 
• Ensure that the tree work by both in house crews and contractors is inspected in a timely manner, tracked and ensure that all deficiencies are addressed   
• Respond to tree maintenance and pruning related escalations from the public and administration
• Maintain records and documentations related to the work, including schedules, work orders and safety inspections and training certifications
• Use appropriate methods and interpersonal styles to develop, motivate, and guide the pruning team to attain successful outcomes and business objectives 
• Provide guidance to the pruning team and training as needed and ensure that best practices and ANSI standards are followed
• Ensure that the team is properly trained and certified to use tools and equipment as needed
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant safety regulations and best practice. Develop and enforce safety policies and standard operating procedures for tree care related work. Inspire dedication to build and maintain a safe work environment
• Conduct monthly safety meetings and conduct regular safety inspections. Investigate and document any safety incidents that occur during work and take corrective action to help prevent future incidents as needed
• Maintain accurate records of equipment inventory including utilization rates of fleet including analyzing the data to identify opportunities for improving efficiencies, reducing costs and increasing productivity
• Proactively manage resource needs, including planning for equipment and materials, and act as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for procurement
• Serve as an escalation point, responding to inquiries and requests from community partners that come in through 311, ensuring timely and effective communication
• Collaborate with the Planting Leader to ensure tree removals and stump grinding are completed efficiently ahead of the Tree Replacement program
• Utilize Davey Tree Keeper (DTK) software for work planning and assignment with the Inventory and Assessment Leader

• Other related duties as required