Seasonal - Urban Forest Technician

Town of Oakville; Oakville; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A municipal corporation in Oakville is hiring an Urban Forest Technician for tree maintenance tasks including inspections, pruning, and contractor audits. Applicants should have a Diploma in Arboriculture, 2-3 years of urban forestry experience, and a valid Ontario Driver’s License. This is a temporary full-time position lasting approximately 4 months, with responsibilities in varying weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of practical experience in urban forestry.
• Must possess mechanical aptitude and understanding of the Highway Traffic Act.
• Ability to work with limited supervision and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Recommend new methods for treating tree diseases and insect problems.
• Diagnose insect and disease complaints on town street trees.
• Audit contractors working on tree maintenance.

Skills

Effective communication

Customer service skills

Time management

Mechanical aptitude

Education

Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture or Forestry

Tools

CityWorks (tree management software)

Job description

Job Details:
Temporary Full Time (CUPE 136T)

Posting Status:
Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

Duration:
One contract position available, lasting approximately 4 months

Closing Date:
Applications for this position must bereceived at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on August 25, 2025.

Internal secondment applications are welcome. Please note, however, that members of management will not be considered for secondments into bargaining unit positions.

Reporting to the Forestry Supervisors,the Urban Forest Technician is responsible for tree maintenance tasks including tree inspection, creating work orders, tree pruning, young tree establishment program, watering and fertilizing trees on Town properties and Regional roads. Responsibilities include:, tree inspections, creating work orders(using CityWorks), auditing contractors and diagnosing trees in urban streets.The functions performed in this position are in accordance with established procedures and practices.

Job Responsibilities:

• Recommend changes to established methods for new ways of treating previously unknown tree disease and insect problems and propose new solutions to supervisors
• Diagnose insect and disease complaints on town street trees and make recommendations on appropriate treatment
• Perform inspections on trees and write work orders based on assessments
• Assist with the removal of dead trees; perform minor pruning with hand saw or pruning pole for residents
• Audit contractors working on tree maintenance and preventative maintenance programs
• Submit and maintain records regarding all activities including work orders, schedules, and student timesheets
• Use Town of Oakville tree management software (CityWorks), to data search and create word documents
• Schedule tree relocation or replacement and ensure safety of summer students
• Supervise part-time staff and instruct all support staff in the safe and efficient use, care and maintenance of all tools and equipment and arboricultural practices; audit work of contract services
• Apply and ensure crew members apply safety precautions and procedures in the performance of duties and in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Ministry of Transportation’s Book 7
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture or Forestry from a recognized institution and a certificate in the Trade of Arborist (Provincial designation and or be an ISA certified arborist) or an equivalent in education and experience.
• Applicants must have a minimum of 2-3 years of practical experience in urban forestry.
• Must possess mechanical aptitude an understanding of the Highway Traffic Act and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Demonstrated effective communication, both oral and written, customer service skills
• Proficient time management skills and flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties. Ability to work with limited supervision and to work as part of a team.
• Must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s Licence Class G minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour.Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant, who is a new hire, will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) and pass a Town administered road test as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing to work a 40-hour workweek in varying weather conditions and be available to work a rotating shift, including weekend shifts as required.
• Must be physically fit. Demonstrations of the foregoing qualifications may be required through written, oral and practical examinations.

DATED: August 11, 2025

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for each of the testing and interview components of the recruitment process is 70%.

Wethank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.