Job/Employment Postings

7526BR

Works Supervisor (Urban Forestry)

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the permanent, position of Work Supervisor for Urban Forestry in Infrastructure Maintenance & Operations with Public Works. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

The Work Supervisor for Urban Forestry will work as a member of the Urban Forestry Team, supporting the delivery of high-quality and cost-effective professional urban forestry services, for the Transportation and Public Works Business Unit. Primary responsibility will the supervision of in-house staff, engaging in the delivery of all aspects of tree maintenance and planting programs. Through effective leadership and managerial skills, the supervisor ensures staff work in an effective and efficient manner, within a healthy and safe workplace, and in compliance with the regulatory and industry requirements of the profession. Success in this position requires applying professional knowledge, training, and expertise in serving as a technical resource contact for the disciplines of arboriculture and urban forestry. The supervisor also provides recommendations and advice to external and external clients, participates in related planning and strategic initiatives, such as the Urban Forest Master Plan.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a technical resource contact for the disciplines of arboriculture and urban forestry for the Transportation & Public Works Business Unit.
Conduct professional assessments and inspections and provide recommendations and advise on public trees and prepares related reports and documents for same.
Work with the HRM Urban Forestry in issuing and monitoring Tree Permits and “Letters of Permission” related to By-Law T-600 Respecting Trees.
Coordinate and/or assist in the implementation of various HRM tree planting initiatives including the Street Tree Planting, Naturalization Projects, and HRM Arbor Day programs.
Participate in emergency response planning and ensure readiness of arboriculture crews (internal and external) related to severe weather event response.
Responsible for the scheduling, organization, implementation, and performance of work and ensure service level standards are met or exceeded.
Monitor work order requests and ensure customer satisfaction in the delivery of Urban Forestry Programs and other assigned Parks and Open Space functions.
Monitor and manage revenues and expenditures within the assigned budget for the Urban Forestry Programs.
Contribute to improved employee relations by ensuring fair and equitable treatment of employees, in compliance with the Collective Agreement and cooperation with the union through consultation and joint initiatives.
Participate in “On Call” Duty Supervisor rotation schedule.
Participation in the delivery of HRM Winter Works Programs and Services during the Winter Works Season is mandatory.
May perform other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience

Post-secondary degree, certificate, or diploma in the discipline of Arboriculture or Urban Forestry.
Minimum of five experience in working in the discipline of arboriculture or urban forestry, preferably within a municipal setting.
Achieve and maintain ISA Certification accreditation of Arborist / Municipal Specialist designation. Deliver training and conduct competency evaluations of staff within discipline of Arboriculture or Urban Forestry as required.
One-year supervisory experience within discipline of Arboriculture or Urban Forestry.
Achieve and Maintain designation of TCP and Signer under Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual
Experience with computerized records. Business and/or records management training.
Valid NS Driver’s License and use of a personal vehicle are necessary for required local travel
A suitable combination of education and experience would be considered.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities

Keeping current in technology and regulatory requirements of the profession.
Training and experience in human resource management, budget management, Collective Agreement, and major project management.
Must possess a valid N.S. Driver’s License with a responsible driving record.
Knowledge and understanding of the legislation, training and safety requirements governing staff responsible for working in proximity to energized electrical conductors.
Strong working knowledge of work processes and equipment operation for assigned works programs required.
Knowledge of HRM relevant software, i.e., CityWorks, SAP, BrassRing, etc.
Comprehensive knowledge of occupational safety and environmental regulations and practices.
Knowledge of applicable collective agreements within HRM.
Demonstrated labour relation skills in managing a unionized workforce.
Thorough knowledge of Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Canada an asset.
Strong working knowledge of N.S. Temporary Workplace Traffic Control manual and WHMIS required.

Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.

Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates, who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion. Interviews, testing, and in-person recruitment activities are being conducted in adherence with current COVID-19 Public Health protocols.
COMPETENCIES: Communication, Teamwork & Cooperation, Conflict Management, Analytical Thinking, Valuing Diversity, Customer Service, Networking/Relationship Building, Managing Change

WORK STATUS: Permanent, Full-time

HOURS OF WORK: Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. 40 hours per week

SALARY: Non-Union Level 5 ($60,800 – $83,530); salary to be commensurate with experience

WORK LOCATION: Mackintosh Street Public Works (Building 5)

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be received up to 11:59 pm on Sunday 14th, May 2023

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted.

During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.