Tree Protection Inspector

Taleo; Oakville; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Oakville is seeking a permanent Full Time Forest Protection Officer to enforce by-laws related to Private and Public Tree Protection. This role reports to the Supervisor of Forest Protection and involves inspections, investigations and court appearances as an expert witness.

Required qualifications include a Forestry or Arboriculture degree, ISA Arborist certification and MLEOA certification, with a valid Ontario G driver's licence and strong Excel/CityWorks skills.

Qualifications

• 3-year diploma or degree in Forestry or Arboriculture with 3–5 years of urban forestry experience.
• Equivalent education/experience considered.
• Certified ISA Arborist required.
• MLEOA certification required; obtain if not present.
• Experience reviewing tree protection measures in site plans.
• Ability to read/interpret policy, by-laws, surveys and specs.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage priorities.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with Excel and CityWorks; ability to learn AMANDA and GIS.

Responsibilities

• Inspects properties to ensure conformance with Town by-laws and policies.
• Provides information about tree protection by-laws and procedures.
• Interacts with responsible parties to secure by-law compliance.
• Initiates prosecution under the Provincial Offences Act if needed.
• Records investigation facts in detail.
• Liaises with applicants and departments during capital projects.
• Maintains written records of conditions, observations and inspections.
• Attends Provincial Offences Court as expert witness.
• Maintains tree database and permit records.
• Researches standards for tree protection zones and mitigation.
• Reviews Tree Management Plans, Tree Protection Plans and arborist reports for compliance.
• Conducts tree hazard evaluation and appraisal.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Excel

Policy interpretation

Conflict resolution

Self-starter

Education

Forestry or Arboriculture degree/diploma

ISA Certified Arborist

MLEOA certification

Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence (G)

Tools

CityWorks

AMANDA

GIS

Job description

Job Details

Permanent Full Time (CUPE 1329)

Posting Status

Restricted to currentTown of Oakville employees

Closing Date

Applications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on October 5, 2026.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

Reporting to the Supervisor of Forest Protection, principal duties of the position include:

Job Responsibilities

• Inspects properties to ensure conformance with the Town’s Private Tree Protection, Public Tree Protection, Site Alteration, Site Plan and other related by-laws, policies and procedures of the Town.
• Provides the public, and other interested individuals, all necessary information and assistance relating to the Town’s Private Tree Protection, Public Tree Protection and other Forestry related by-laws, policies and procedures of the Town
• Where by-law contraventions are identified, interacts directly with person(s) most likely to be responsible to secure compliance with the by-law.
• Where by-law contraventions are not resolved in a satisfactory manner, despite best efforts, initiates a prosecution under the procedures set out in the Provincial Offences Act.
• Manually and electronically records the facts of all investigations in sufficient detail to support by-law enforcement and prosecution.
• Liaises with site alteration applicants and other Departments and local Utilities to ensure compliance with the Town’s Private Tree Protection, Public Tree Protection and other Forestry related by-laws, policies and procedures of the Town during capital projects, site alteration projects and any other construction projects.
• Maintains accurate written records of conditions, observations, inspections, etc. as required.
• Attends Provincial Offences Court as the expert witness to testify and provide evidence under oath based on investigation of by-law contravention.
• Maintains tree database including all documentation and tree permit application forms and tree permits under Public and Private Tree By-laws.
• Researches and proposes technical standards for tree protection zones and mitigation measures to minimize construction-related impacts on trees.
• Conducts technical review of Tree Management Plans, Tree Protection Plans, arborist reports, hazard assessments and associated mitigation requirements to ensure compliance with Town policies and standards.
• Conducts tree hazard evaluation and tree appraisal in accordance with industry practices.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A 3-year Diploma or Degree in Forestry or Arboriculture from a recognized institution with 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in urban forestry.
• Knowledgeable with current accepted industry practices. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• The successful candidate must be a Certified Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture.
• The successful candidate must hold a valid MLEOA certification. Please note consideration may be given to applicants who do not possess this certification if a fully qualified candidate is not available in the applicant pool. A successful applicant without the pre-requisite certification would be expected to obtain them as a condition of employment.
• Experience in reviewing tree protection measures and arborists reports in site alteration and site plan applications.
• Ability to read and interpret policy, procedures, by-laws, land surveys and specifications.
• Must be resourceful, a self-starter and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Experience and demonstrated skills in dealing with difficult situations, conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and strict deadlines.
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills including ability to deal effectively and tactfully with the public.
• Strong knowledge of Excel as well as custom forestry software such as CityWorks with the ability to learn AMANDA and GIS.
• Must be willing and able to work in varying climate conditions.
• A valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s Licence Class G is required with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. Successful applicants will be required to provide the Corporation with a copy of their driver’s licence and a current driver’s abstract (no older than 30 days from their offer date) and will be required to pass a Town administered road test as a condition of employment.
• The successful candidate will be required to supply their own personal vehicle for performing job duties/corporate business
• Please note that this position requires a satisfactory criminal record check (CRC) dated within the last 30 days as a condition of employment.

DATED: September 25, 2026

The Town’s recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short-listing of qualified candidates.

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 the interview is 70%.

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