Supervisor, Forestry and Natural Heritage

Region of Waterloo; Kitchener; On-site; CAD 104,000 - 131,000; Full time

Job summary

Region of Waterloo is seeking a Supervisor for Forestry and Natural Heritage to provide strategic leadership, oversee the region’s 17 forest sites, and supervise staff. The role focuses on biodiversity, climate resilience, regulatory compliance and community service.

Key responsibilities include developing work programs, managing budgets, and coordinating with municipal partners and agencies to advance natural heritage objectives.

Qualifications

• University degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, or related discipline.
• Progressive forestry/ woodland conservation experience in municipal or public sector.
• Strong leadership and supervisory experience.
• Verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Leads strategic leadership and day-to-day supervision of the Forestry and Natural Heritage program.
• Oversees management of 17 Regional Forests and woodland conservation by-law implementation.
• Builds and leads a high-performing team and coordinates with cross-departmental staff and partners.
• Develops budgets, work plans, contracts, and consultant assignments.
• Represents Region in discussions with municipalities, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Ensures compliance, monitoring, and defensible decision-making.

Job description

Supervisor, Forestry and Natural Heritage

Job Number: 4699
Job Type:Full-Time
Vacancy Reason: Net New
Location: 150 Frederick St - Regional Admin Headquarters
Job Category: Environmental
Number of Positions:1
Department: Forestry and Natural Heritage
Division: Planning, Development and Legislative Services
Hours of Work: 35
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Union: Management/Management Support
Grade: Management/Management Support Grade 07
Salary Range: $104,413.40 - $130,530.40
Posting Date: August 7, 2026 at 12:00am

About Us!

The Region of Waterloo is a thriving, diverse community committed to fostering opportunities for current and future generations. Waterloo Region is part of the Dish with One Spoon wampum, a treaty guiding our commitment to:

• Taking only what we need
• Leaving some for others
• Keeping the dish clean

This agreement underpins our vision, mission, and core value, and reinforces our dedication to meaningful reconciliation and equity. Waterloo Region is home to over 674,000 residents and expected to grow to nearly one million by 2051. Guided by our 2023-2027 Strategic Plan , “Growing with Care,” we prioritize homes for all, climate aligned growth, equitable services and opportunities and a resilient and future ready organization. Our mission is to provide essential services that enhance the quality of life for all residents, while our core value emphasizes caring for people and the land we share. Join us and be part of a team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in our community.

The Role

Provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and day-to-day supervision for the Region of Waterloo’s Forestry and Natural Heritage Program. Leads the management of the municipality’s 17 Regional Forests, supervises natural heritage staff, oversees implementation of the Woodland Conservation By-law, and provides expert leadership on natural heritage matters across the organization.

This includes building and leading a high-performing team, setting priorities, guiding decision-making, and ensuring effective service delivery; consulting, collaborating, and building consensus with cross-departmental staff and leadership, area municipal and agency partners, community stakeholders, and the public; and supporting corporate objectives related to environmental stewardship, biodiversity, climate resilience, regulatory compliance, and community service.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Leads the development and implementation of long-term strategies, management plans, annual work programs, and service improvements related to forest stewardship and woodland conservation. Oversees forest management activities including restoration, invasive species management, habitat protection, ecological monitoring, and contractor-delivered field work.
• Develops annual work programs and operational priorities for natural heritage and forestry staff, including assigning work, setting expectations, monitoring performance, and supporting professional development.
• Provides leadership for the implementation, administration, and continuous improvement of the Woodland Conservation By-law program. Oversees staff and processes related to permit review, technical evaluation, inspections, compliance monitoring, landowner communication, and recommendations concerning woodland conservation matters.
• Leads and supports respectful engagement with First Nations and Indigenous community members on Regional Forest management, woodland conservation, and natural heritage matters, recognizing Indigenous rights, interests, knowledge, and perspectives.
• Acts as a lead contact for complex public inquiries, escalated issues, and stakeholder concerns related to forests, woodlands, and natural heritage management.
• Represents the Region in discussions with area municipalities, conservation authorities, provincial agencies, consultants, landowners, and community stakeholders.
• Facilitates the integration of natural heritage objectives into broader initiatives involving sustainability, growth, climate adaptation, and land stewardship.
• Develops and manages program budgets, workplans, contracts, and consultant assignments.
• Oversees procurement and contract management for consultants, restoration services, forestry work, ecological studies, and related initiatives.
• Monitors program performance, risks, and resource needs, and reports on outcomes and priorities,
• Ensures accurate records, documentation, and defensible decision-making.
• Promotes continuous improvement in service delivery, team effectiveness, and program administration.
• Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skills are normally (but not exclusively) acquired through a university degree in forestry, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, planning, or a related discipline.
• Must be a Registered Professional Forester (RPF) in good standing, or eligible for immediate registration as an RPF in Ontario.
• Progressive experience in forestry, woodland conservation, natural heritage management, or related environmental program delivery, normally (but not exclusively) acquired in a municipal or broader public sector context.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience in a municipal, public sector, or similarly complex organizational environment.
• Knowledge of forestry, woodland management, ecology, natural heritage systems, and biodiversity conservation.
• Understanding of the Ontario legislative and policy framework related to municipal woodland conservation and natural heritage management.
• Ability to lead both strategic initiatives and day-to-day operations, while balancing competing priorities and sensitive issues.
• Political acuity and judgment in dealing with public concerns, interdepartmental matters, and potentially contentious files.
• Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for senior leadership and Council.
• Experience interpreting technical studies, environmental data, mapping, and policy documents in support of operational and strategic decisions.
• Proficiency with standard business software and familiarity with GIS and related environmental management tools.
• Ability to travel within Waterloo Region.
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Region of Waterloo is committed to building a workforce through fair, equitable, and accessible hiring practices that allow us to hire qualified staff who reflect the diversity of the community we serve and to promote a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace.

For questions or to request accommodations during your recruitment, onboarding or employment, please [e-mail] , or by calling our Service First Contact Centre at phone number [phone].

Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process: Region of Waterloo may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance efficiency during the recruitment process. However, applications will also be reviewed by a member of our Talent Acquisition team to ensure a fair and thorough assessment. AI does not make final hiring decisions.

Please note: candidates will be provided an update on their application. Please check your spam or junk folder occasionally as some candidates have noticed our emails in those folders (Gmail and Hotmail in particular).