Manager, Urban Forestry

Tobermory; Coquitlam; On-site; CAD 127,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible day program

Vacation package

Extended health benefits

Municipal Pension Plan

Inclusive work environment

Job summary

City of Coquitlam is seeking a Manager of Urban Forestry to lead planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of municipal urban forestry services. You will manage street and park trees, natural areas, and community engagement while aligning with Infrastructure and Planning teams.

You will supervise three direct reports, drive policy development, and translate strategic direction into operational plans. A strong public-service mindset and BC Driver’s Licence are required, with competitive

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in urban forestry or a related field.
• Experience in municipal or public sector environments is preferred; relevant private sector experience considered.
• Professional designation such as RPF or ISA Certified Arborist is an asset.
• Valid BC Driver’s Licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of urban forestry services across planting, natural areas, forest management, and community engagement.
• Oversee management of street and park trees: pruning, planting, watering, pest control, and asset management.
• Provide leadership in forest monitoring, risk assessment, habitat considerations, trails, and environmental planning integration.
• Develop and implement policies, programs, and operational practices for urban forest management.
• Support implementation of the Urban Forest Management Strategy with operational plans and measurable outcomes.
• Lead a team of three direct reports and a broader workforce; foster a positive team culture.
• Oversee volunteer programs and community engagement, including public education and outreach.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Public Works, Planning, and Development to integrate urban forestry into infrastructure planning.
• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets, with performance reporting.
• Provide expert guidance and reports to senior leadership; represent the City with external agencies and the public.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Communication skills

Budget management

Strategic planning

Public engagement

Cross-department collaboration

Decision making

Urban forestry knowledge

Driver's license

Education

Undergraduate degree or diploma in arboriculture/forestry

Job description

City of Coquitlam is located at Works Yard West. The company is currently looking for applications for the role of Manager, Urban Forestry. We are seeking a self-disciplined individual with exceptional interpersonal skills. The chosen applicant will be required to join and begin their duties as soon as possible. This role is offered on a regular full-time basis.

Employer Name: City of Coquitlam
Position: Manager, Urban Forestry
Salary: $126,625 to $142,435 per year
Employment type: Regular Full-Time
Location: Works Yard West

• The candidate will lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the City’s urban forestry services across three core areas: planting and caring for trees in parks and public spaces, natural areas and forest management, and programming and community engagement.
• The candidate will oversee the management of street and park trees, including pruning, planting, watering, pest control, and long-term asset management.
• The candidate will provide leadership in the stewardship of natural areas, including forest monitoring, tree risk assessment, habitat considerations, trail networks, and environmental planning integration.
• The candidate will develop and implement programs, policies, and operational practices that support effective urban forest management.
• The candidate will support the implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Management Strategy by translating strategic direction into operational plans, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
• The candidate will lead and develop a team of three direct reports and a broader workforce, fostering a positive and collaborative team culture.
• The candidate will oversee volunteer programs and community engagement initiatives, including public education, consultation, and outreach.
• The candidate will collaborate with Engineering and Public Works, and Planning and Development to integrate urban forestry into infrastructure and development planning.
• The candidate will prepare and manage operating and capital budgets, including reporting on performance indicators and resource management.
• The candidate will be responsible for providing expert guidance and preparing reports to support senior leadership in decision-making.
• The candidate will represent the City in discussions with external agencies, community groups, and stakeholders, and respond to public enquiries and concerns.

Job Requirements

• The candidate must have an undergraduate degree or diploma in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• The candidate must have a minimum of five years of progressive leadership experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticultural, or a related operational environment.
• The candidate with experience working in a municipal or public sector environment will be preferred; however, candidates from relevant private sector environments will also be considered.
• The candidate with a professional designation or certification such as Registered Professional Forester or ISA Certified Arborist will be considered an asset.
• The candidate must hold a valid British Columbia Driver’s Licence.
• The candidate must have strong leadership and people management skills, including experience leading supervisors and operational staff in a unionized environment.
• The candidate must demonstrate the ability to make sound decisions, including evaluating business cases and balancing technical, operational, and organizational considerations.
• The candidate must have a solid understanding of urban forestry practices, including tree maintenance, natural area management, trail maintenance, and regulatory frameworks.
• The candidate must have experience developing and implementing policies and operational programs.
• The candidate must be able to build, lead, and sustain a positive team culture during periods of growth and change.
• The candidate must have strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
• The candidate must have excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports and engaging with senior leadership, Council, and the public.
• The candidate must have strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to public service and community engagement.

Security and safety

• The candidate may be required to undergo a police information check with no adverse findings.
• The candidate will receive a competitive annual salary based on qualifications, skills, and experience.
• The candidate will work in a supportive and diverse team environment with access to learning and development opportunities.
• The candidate may participate in a flex day program.
• The candidate will be eligible for an attractive vacation package and extended health benefits.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan.
• The employer is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that supports a growing and diverse workforce.