Naturalization Team Lead (Landscape Technician III)

Do you want to be a part of the team that is leading work essential to tackling the City Plan’s goal of 2 million new trees? We are seeking a passionate and skilled individual to join our team as a Landscape Technician III, and lead our Naturalization Team. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for leading naturalization projects and overseeing the Root for Trees program across the City of Edmonton, in alignment with the City Plan, Breathe Strategy and the Urban Forest Asset Management Plan and the new Naturalization, Restoration and Reclamation Plan. You will have the opportunity to work on a variety of naturalization projects, including planting trees, converting maintained areas to a more natural state, and creating a more sustainable and resilient city. If you have a passion for environmental stewardship, a strong understanding of naturalization and restoration techniques, and the ability to lead a team towards a common goal, we encourage you to apply and help us make Edmonton a more beautiful, livable, and sustainable city for all.

Reporting to the Supervisor, Operations Program Delivery and Partnerships (OPDP), the Naturalization Team Lead will be responsible for leading and supervising professional technical staff to champion naturalization programs city-wide for public property, as well as evaluate future opportunities for private property. We are looking for a collaborative leader with experience inspiring and leading teams for results. Working in an integrated business model you will use your technical skills, unique perspective and collaborative mindset to find creative solutions to complex problems. You will succeed in this role if you are passionate about your craft, and can contribute to the unit’s completion of work tasks in a respectful, inclusive and service-minded way.

Some of your key responsibilities shall include:

• Provide strategic, tactical planning and technical support for programs and operational services related to naturalization including open space and city-wide beautification (i.e. Root for Trees, Operational plug planting, flower planter programs, and invasive plant management programs). This includes creation, review and continuous improvement of naturalization work plans, processes and standard operating procedures
• Manage and coordinate, while collaborating with other City departments and external stakeholders, the circulation process for proposed naturalization sites. Involves reviewing design plans and providing comments on circulations to ensure the best practices for naturalization projects across the City
• Collaborate with other operational teams to update the naturalization GIS inventory for creation of landscape and/or planting plans including maintained turf conversions as well as naturalization projects that involve the planting of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Responsible for getting ArcGIS and the City Open Database updated with relevant information and ensuring that all data is accurate and up-to-date
• Contract management, including assisting with bid evaluations, making approval recommendations, and reviewing invoices for payment in a timely manner. Responsible for ensuring that all contract work is in compliance with current tenders and the specific scope of work for each site. Work with procurement teams to ensure required contracts are created and renewed on time for project delivery
• Coordinate and direct contractor work as required, ensuring that City standards of quality and quantity are met. This includes ensuring that all work is completed in a safe and efficient manner. following safety protocols including OH&S and ENVISO
• Oversee technical staff responsible to inspect and ensure that all contract work is in compliance with current tenders and the specific scope of work for each site. This includes ensuring that all work is completed on time, on budget, and in a safe manner
• Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with external organizations, including non-profit organizations and post-secondary institutions. This includes exploring funding opportunities, programming, research, and stewardship opportunities
• Through the Root for Trees program, reports, presentations, and responses to inquiries, educate and communicate the benefits of trees and naturalization to internal and external stakeholders. This includes informing citizens, city management, councillors, and other departments about the importance of naturalization for protection and preservation, creating a healthy urban forest, and sustainable ecosystem management
• Foster partnerships and collaborate with stakeholders and other City departments to implement naturalization initiatives. This includes working with community groups, businesses, and other city departments to ensure that naturalization projects align with the city’s overall goals and objectives
• Participate in community engagement events and consultations to promote naturalization initiatives and engage with the public. Presenting seminars and/or presentations on naturalization
• Respond to inquiries from citizens, City Management, Councillors, Executive Assistants, other departments, and other municipalities
• Participate in community engagement events and consultations to gather feedback and input from citizens on naturalization projects. This includes providing subject matter expertise and presenting on naturalization and Root for Trees programs to internal and external stakeholders
• Recruiting, training, supervising, coaching, and mentoring staff members to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out naturalization projects effectively

Qualifications:

• Two (2) year diploma in Landscape Management, Horticulture, or Forestry Technology, Natural Sciences, Conservation biology, or Related field – a Degree in these fields would be considered an asset
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in landscape construction, horticulture, forestry or related field
• Knowledge of land management techniques including provincial and federal policies and regulations
• Knowledge of the City’s environmental strategies, plans, policies, regulations and bylaws, procedures, and programs
• Practical knowledge of plant material, plant communities, and ecological landscape design principles
• Plant ID knowledge and planting experience including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and weeds is an asset
• Knowledge of environmental, urban forestry, landscape and construction terminology and naturalization is an asset
• Experience supervising staff and contractors, well developed leadership, team building skills
• Demonstrated ability to understand and execute oral and written instruction and to interpret plans and specifications related to the work assigned
• Demonstrated ability to assess training needs and provide training to subordinates. This could include volunteers or City of Edmonton staff
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and in writing
• Proven ability to problem solve using creative ways
• Ability to work out-of-doors for extended periods and under unfavourable weather conditions as required by the work assigned
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems software (e.g. ArcGIS or Slim Geomedia)
• Experienced in word processing and data software including Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, etc)
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver’s permit is a requirement of this position. Must arrange own transportation to be reimbursed in accordance with City of Edmonton policy. Must obtain business auto insurance for personal vehicle use on City business
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is a requirement for this position
• Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City’s Cultural Commitments, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City’s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City’s leadership competencies, please visit edmonton.ca/our-culture

Applicants may be tested

The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: https://bit.ly/3hd2d95

The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact Employment@edmonton.ca.

COVID-19 Notice: The City of Edmonton has implemented a COVID 19-Vaccination Policy. Employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and provide proof of vaccination. Employees who cannot be fully vaccinated on the basis of a protected legal ground (e.g. medical, religious) may request an exemption. Please note that this policy applies to all employees, including new hires, and volunteers. If your application is successful, you will be asked to provide proof of vaccination or request an exemption.

For more information, please refer to our COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (bit.ly/3lKwb6j) and COVID-19 Vaccination Procedure (bit.ly/39BICMt).

Up to 1 permanent, full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week, Evening and weekend shifts may be required.

The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

Salary: $41.901 – $52.659 (Hourly); $87,489.290 – $109,951.990(Annually)

Talent Acquisition Consultant: KE/RA

How to Apply
Apply online at https://edmonton.taleo.net/careersection/2/jobdetail.ftl?job=45996&tz=GMT-07%3A00&tzname=America%2FDenver