Manager Urban Forestry

City of Coquitlam • Coquitlam, BC, CA • C$ 126.63k / year • 4d ago

Manager Urban Forestry

Regular Full-Time

One of BC’s Top Employers, the City of Coquitlam offers meaningful career opportunities to make a difference within the local community. As the sixth largest city in BC, we are home to more than 150,000 residents. Our diverse municipality is a great place to work as it continues to grow through innovative urban design, inspiring arts, culture and recreation programs, and state-of-the-art transportation systems. Our brand is built on managing our resources in a responsible and sustainable manner, while supporting a vibrant, growing regional urban centre. We envision a bright future in Coquitlam that we hope includes you!

About You / What We Are Looking For
The City of Coquitlam is seeking a dynamic and experienced leader to take on the role of Manager, Urban Forestry within the Parks and Capital Projects department.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a highly visible leadership role at a pivotal time. With a new Urban Forest Management Strategy in its final stages of approval, you will play a central role in implementing a forward-thinking, progressive approach that challenges traditional municipal practices. Supported by an engaged and enthusiastic Council, this work represents a meaningful opportunity to shape the future of urban forestry in Coquitlam.

This is not a status quo role. You will be responsible for building, evolving, and leading a multi-disciplinary team while setting direction for the City’s urban forestry function. You bring a strong operational mindset, supported by technical expertise and sound judgment, and are comfortable making decisions in a complex, fast-moving environment.

You are energized by the opportunity to build culture, introduce new thinking, and lead a team through growth and change. You value collaboration, bring a practical and solutions-oriented approach, and are comfortable working across departments to integrate urban forestry into broader city-building initiatives.

You are passionate about urban forestry, engaging the community through creative education and volunteerism and the role trees and natural areas play in creating vibrant, livable communities.

In this role, you will:

Lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the City’s urban forestry services across three core areas: planting and caring for trees in parks and public spaces, natural areas and forest management, and programming and community engagement.
Oversee the management of street and park trees, including pruning, planting, watering, pest control and long-term asset management.
Provide leadership in the stewardship of natural areas, including forest monitoring, tree risk assessment, habitat considerations, the trail network and integration of environmental planning principles.
Develop and implement programs, policies, and operational practices that support effective urban forest management.
Support the implementation of the City’s Urban Forest Management Strategy, translating strategic direction into operational plans, priorities, and measurable outcomes.
Lead and develop a team consisting of three direct reports and a broader operational workforce, fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing team culture.
Oversee volunteer programs and community engagement initiatives, including public education, consultation, and outreach activities.
Collaborate closely with Engineering and Public Works, and Planning and Development to integrate urban forestry considerations into infrastructure, development, and landscape planning initiatives.
Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets, including annual reporting on key performance indicators, resource management plans, resource allocation, and cost control.
Provide expert advice and prepare reports for senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making.
Represent the City in discussions with external agencies, community groups, and stakeholders, and respond to public enquiries and concerns.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree or diploma in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticultural or a related operational environment.
Experience working within a municipal or public sector environment is preferred; candidates from relevant private sector environments will also be considered.
Professional designation or certification (e.g., Registered Professional Forester, ISA Certified Arborist) is considered an asset.
Valid BC Driver’s Licence.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and people management skills, including experience leading supervisors and operational staff in a unionized environment.
Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions, including evaluating business cases and balancing technical, operational, and organizational considerations.
Solid understanding of urban forestry practices, including tree maintenance, natural area management, trail maintenance and regulatory frameworks.
Experience developing and implementing policies and operational programs.
Ability to build, lead, and sustain a positive team culture during periods of growth and change.
Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively across departments and with external stakeholders.
Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports and engaging with senior leadership, Council, and the public.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Commitment to public service and community engagement.

Why Work With Us?
This is a rare opportunity to lead urban forestry in one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing and most dynamic cities.

In this role, you will:

Lead the implementation of a progressive Urban Forestry Strategy that challenges conventional approaches and sets a new direction for the City.
Work in a supportive environment with strong Council alignment and organizational commitment to urban forestry and community engagement.
Build and shape a team, with the opportunity to influence culture, structure, and long-term capability.
Play a key role in city-building by integrating urban forestry into planning, development, and infrastructure initiatives.
Contribute to a community that deeply values its trees, green spaces, trails and natural environment.
Make a visible and lasting impact on the health, resilience, and livability of the City.

What We Offer:
This excluded position has an annual salary range of $126,625- $142,435. The rate of pay is based on a variety of factors including qualifications, knowledge, experience and skills.

You will have the chance to join a rapidly growing and diverse team dedicated to supporting the local community, and be able to engage in variety of learning and development opportunities. Additionally, there is an opportunity to participate in a flex day program. This position is based in Coquitlam with some flexible, hybrid work options available. The City offers an attractive vacation and extended benefits package, including the ability to contribute to the Municipal Pension Plan.

Accessibility / Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Coquitlam is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer working towards enhancing equitable practices in our recruitment and retention processes. As an organization we are committed to creating an inclusive work environment to support our growing and diverse work force. To learn more about what equity, diversity, and inclusion means, and the City’s efforts in support of these principles, please visit coquitlam.ca/edi for more information.

If at any time during the application or recruitment process you require additional assistance or an accommodation, please contact our team for confidential support. Staff can also provide in-person support if required.

Applicants under consideration may be required to undergo a police information check (with no adverse reports).

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