Job Description

Urban Forestry Inspector

Location: City of Richmond Hill
Salary: $50.90 - $59.12 Hourly

Job Title:  Urban Forestry Inspector

Urban Forestry Inspector

3120

Community Services

Public Works Operations

Urban Forestry Natural Environment Horticulture 

Contract SEA Grade 07 

$50.90 - $59.12 Hourly

Temporary Full Time - Contract

1 year

Salaried Employee Association, 40 hour/wk

New Hire

Internal and External

09/11/2025

09/25/2025

Position Summary

The Urban Forestry Inspector supports the health, safety, and growth of the City’s urban forest. The role involves responding to tree-related concerns, conducting inspections to assess tree health and risks, and supporting block pruning, planting, and maintenance programs. The Inspector oversees contractors, manages arboricultural service contracts, and ensures quality standards are met. Key duties include updating tree inventories, responding to resident inquiries, supporting public education, and participating in the Urban Forest Working Group. The position also provides coverage for supervisory staff, including on-call duties to maintain service continuity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect City-owned trees proactively and by request for health, safety, hazards, pests, and storm damage.
• Conduct inspections under the Annual Block Pruning Program and prioritize pruning needs.
• Assess ecological health and hazards in natural and sensitive areas.
• Evaluate tree risks using TRAC methodology.
• Record findings in GIS, Maximo, and other systems; generate work orders and update the tree inventory.
• Inventory new trees from development, park renewal, and revitalization projects.
• Maintain and analyze public tree databases to support asset management, budgeting, and planning.
• Compile and report work order data for program performance and communications.
• Monitor trees for invasive pests/diseases; manage pest control contracts and integrated pest management.
• Recommend strategies for long-term forest health.
• Coordinate and oversee contracted services (planting, pruning, removals); inspect work and ensure compliance.
• Manage special projects with partners such as academia, conservation authorities, and non-profits.

Duties and Responsibilities Cont'd (if applicable)

• Act as the primary contact for forestry inquiries, complaints, and public education.
• Support development and capital projects through site inspections, plan reviews, and assumption inspections.
• Conduct pre- and post-construction inspections to identify and address deficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with bylaws; collaborate on investigations of unauthorized removals or damage.
• Assist with tenders, specifications, and scopes of work.
• Monitor budgets, prepare reports, and track contractor performance and KPIs.
• Support staff reports, presentations, Council briefings, and the Urban Forest Working Group.
• Liaise with departments, residents, contractors, and consultants.
• Provide supervisory support, including on-call rotation.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor and/or Diploma in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry or related discipline.
• ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, Commerical Land Exterminator License with Industrial, Forestry and Landscape Designation, Infrastructure Health and Saftey Assocation Line Clearing Safety Awarenress Certification
• Certified Butternut Health Assessor, considered an asset
• 5-7 years operational tree care experience

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of tree biology, health assessment, pruning standards, and urban forest management.
• Proficient in ISA Tree Risk Assessment methods, hazard identification, and integrated pest management for invasive species.
• Experience overseeing and evaluating contracted arboricultural services, ensuring quality and compliance.
• Familiar with municipal bylaws, enforcement procedures, and relevant legislation (OHSA, Pesticide Act, Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act, Migratory Birds Act).
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, landscape plans, and technical documents.
• Skilled in data analysis, program planning, KPI tracking, budgeting, and reporting.
• Experience preparing scopes of work, tenders, procurement documents, and managing invoicing.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to handle inquiries tactfully and professionally.
• Demonstrated leadership in fostering innovation, mentoring, and teamwork.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, SAP, and CRM software.
• Valid Ontario Class G Driver’s License with clear abstract and proof of insurance.

Leadership Competencies

• Builds people and culture
• Cultivates open communication
• Demonstrates personal leadership
• Navigates and leads through complexity and change
• Shapes the future

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

The City of Richmond Hill is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

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