GeographyJobs.ca

City of Mississauga

Forest Ecologist

Mississauga is Canada's sixth largest city with a population of more than 700,000. With well-established infrastructure and state-of-the-art facilities, the City is considered to be an employer of choice, delivering quality municipal programs and services to its citizens. Mississauga is a dynamic, diverse and progressive municipality, known for its economic strength and for being Canada's safest city.

COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
RECREATION AND PARKS DIVISION
PARKS & FORESTRY SECTION

requires a

FOREST ECOLOGIST

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Graduation from a recognized university in Arboriculture, Forestry or related field with a minimum 5 years related experience in urban forestry or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be a Registered Professional Forester under the Ontario Professional Foresters Association.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the planning, development, operation and maintenance of urban forestry services including the related human resources management and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with community leaders, other levels of government, elected officials, general public, and staff. Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including communication, both oral and written, as well as presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret engineering and landscape drawings, aerial photos and GIS generated maps.
• Strong Project Management, organizational and planning skills and experience in conducting research and analysis and budgeting.
• Proficiency with related computer software is required.
• Must have a valid Class 'G' drivers licence and excellent driving record with access to a vehicle.

DUTIES:
Under the direction of the Manager, Urban Forestry is responsible for collecting and interpreting data in the City's natural areas and developing a comprehensive strategic plan for City owned trees, greenbelts and wetlands under public and private ownership to maximize the biological, aesthetic and recreational benefits of the urban forest. Under the forestry strategic plan, develops individualized management plan(s) for woodlots and natural areas.

• Provides project management support and leadership for projects with external or other City divisions in co-operation with other groups within the Urban Forestry Division, related to City wide planning of the natural environment, including the policies and practices for land and vegetation management.
• Supervises section staff; hires, trains and conducts performance appraisals on staff. Inspires enthusiasm, motivation, and commitment of staff to achieve high levels of performance.
• Works closely with staff, public and outside agencies as required, pertaining to all Parks and Forestry initiatives and Environmental Impacts on the Urban Forest including; acts as primary contact regarding City woodland issues and invasive insects and diseases Develops and implements contingency plans ensuring compliance with Federal and Provincial requirements pertaining to invasive pests and diseases.
• Administers coordinated agency planting and naturalization programs in conjunction with CVCA, TRCA, HR and MNR or other agencies as appropriate and acts as the person most responsible for Community Engagement activities.
• Develops and implements comprehensive and coordinated actions to fulfill the requirements of the Encroachment By-law and reduces the loss of Natural Areas.
• Provides expert evidence for prosecutions under related municipal by-laws as required.
• Prepares and monitors budgets, supervises the administration of accounts associated with the assigned portfolio, which may include capital accounts, operating accounts, budgets associated with funds from other City Divisions (i.e. Transportation, Planning and Heritage), funds resulting from grants and/or special projects.
• Prepares corporate reports and recommendations as well as requests for proposal or quotation,
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SALARY: Grade F $65,980 - $87,975 (based on 40 hours/week)

A criminal record search, vulnerable sector screening will be required of the successful candidate, at their own expense, to verify the absence of a criminal record for which a pardon has not been granted.

If you wish to pursue this exciting career opportunity, please apply on-line at www.mycitycareer.ca no later than, 4:00pm on Monday, March 22, 2010.

We thank all who apply, however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.