Job Description

DEPARTMENT: Climate Action, Planning & Development – Planning
STATUS: Auxiliary
NO. OF POSITIONS: One
UNION: CUPE, Local 387
HOURS OF WORK: Varies
SALARY: $37.54 – $44.22 per hour + 12% in lieu of benefits and vacation

We have an exciting opportunity for an Auxiliary Environmental Technician – Arboriculture which involves administrative and technical work in planning and coordinating arboricultural work related to the New Westminster Tree Protection and Regulation Bylaw (the Tree Bylaw) as it applies to private property. You will support the City’s urban forestry engagement initiatives to promote a wider understanding and appreciation of the value and benefits of the urban forest in the City as well as provide input on the City’s creation of development-related policies, procedures, and regulations from a tree perspective.

Reporting to the Urban Forest Technician, as a Tree Bylaw team specialist, you will work with the Parks & Recreation, Engineering Services, and other City departments in all matters relating to trees, the Bylaw, and bylaw enforcement. From time to time, you will also have the opportunity to participate with Parks & Recreation staff on community-based urban forestry engagement initiatives such as education programs, community tree planting projects, and workshops.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you!
• You have a diploma in arboriculture; a degree in Urban Forestry or an arboriculture-related program is preferred.
• You are certified as an Arborist with the International Society of Arborists, International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment; Industry Training Authority (ITA) Certification as a Field Arborist Technician is preferred.
• You have sound experience in inspection and enforcement work or you have an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a municipal setting is an asset.
• You have considerable knowledge of tree protection regulations, policies, procedures, regulations, and other related bylaws and laws.
• You are proficient in arboricultural and urban forestry principles, practices and techniques including tree risk assessment, and of tree species, diseases, pests and treatment methods.
• You have experience reading and interpreting scaled technical drawings such as landscape, architectural and related civil, electrical and structural engineering plans.
• You have the ability to prioritize and investigate complaints, to identify the nature of tree related problems, and enforce bylaws and regulations with tact, impartiality, firmness and use sound judgement.
• You are skilled in investigating Tree Bylaw infractions, gathering and documenting evidence, maintaining related records, interviewing witnesses, preparing and presenting evidence in adjudication processes and/or court, and working 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
• You have an 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.
• You have knowledge of the practices involved in municipal development, building and subdivision review processes.
• You have a knack for delivering presentations to development stakeholders and community members in regards to providing information and education on the Tree Bylaw and Permitting process and the Urban Forest Management strategy.
• You can effectively communicate viewpoints and recommendations orally and in writing and to prepare reports related to a variety of arboriculture/urban tree issues, concerns practices and procedures.
• You can work independently with minimal supervision.
• You are proficient in the use the Microsoft Office suite as well as GIS software and municipal permitting management software (i.e., Tempest).
• You have a valid Class 5 driver’s license and are willing and able to drive a City vehicle.
• You have the ability to pass and maintain a satisfactory Police Information Check.

Apply with your resume and cover letter in one document online at www.newwestcity.ca/employment by November 5, 2024.
To support a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community; women, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversity of our workforce, are encouraged to express their interest.
New Westminster is on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halq’eméylem-speaking peoples.
It is acknowledged by the City that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land.
We are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.
We thank all applicants for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
This position is only open to those legally entitled to work in Canada.

Required languages: English

Education level: *refer to job description

Required skills: *refer to job description

Additional skills / Assets: *refer to job description

Closest intersection: Royal Ave & 6th St