Urban Forestry Technologist

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being received for the above regular full-time position in the Urban Forestry, Operations Department, Community Services Commission. While all applications will be received, current members of CUPE 905 (Inside Workers) will be given first consideration. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter online by December 15, 2024.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry, the position will be responsible in assisting with the coordination of the existing and ongoing development of our urban forest management system & records databases including Arc GIS (ESRI) and asset management applications. This position is responsible for the coordinating the collection, updating, quality control, analyzing and reporting of inventory data for all City-owned trees.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate orientation, training and activities for seasonal staff on all forestry inspection projects such as warranty inspections, site verification, work-quality of contracted services. Compiling and reporting inspection data using MS EXCEL and various tree inventory/asset management software programs.
• Assists in preparation and review of specifications and scope of quotes and tenders. Prepare project specific inventory data for contracted services
• Regularly updating City-wide asset and geospatial data systems such as GEOLOGIC and Enterprise Asset Management with up-to-date tree inventory data to ensure detailed and accurate information is available for all City users (Engineering, Operations - Roads, Public Realm, Urban Design, Parks Development, Environmental Services)
• Synchronizing data, files, software and mobile units for field collection of tree inventory data
• Assist with in-field data collection, as required.
• Prepare maps, webmaps and cartographic products for multiple internal (Parks Operations, Asset Management, Urban Design) and external users (various Forestry related contractors)
• Assist with service request triage and work planning for all forestry projects
• Prepare specialized project specific reports for forestry management's strategic planning initiatives
• Analyzing, editing verifying and maintaining tree inventory database using TREE KEEPER, MS EXCEL and ESRI applications

Requirements

• University Degree in a Forestry/ Arboriculture/Environmental Science/Natural Science related field
• Minimum of one to three years related work experience, preference given to experience in an operational office coordinating project work & forest cartographic imagery.
• Certificate in GIS/Spatial Analysis
• Have a valid 'G' Ontario driver's license in good standing
• Have a valid Standard First Aid with CPR Level C Certificate
• Working knowledge of ArcMap (v. 10.5.1, Editor), ArcCatalogue, ArcGIS Administrator, ArcSDE, and ArcGIS extensions
• Experienced in capturing, converting, creating, editing and maintaining digital information in a GIS environment
• Strong knowledge in tree identification, and able to perform visual tree health/condition assessments
• Abilities to create a variety of digital and geographical products including thematic maps, data tables, databases and associated descriptive reports
• Effectively integrate GIS data with other sources and platforms for analysis (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
• Knowledge of relational database structures and SQL
• Highly experienced in creation of web-services applications using ArcGIS online: creation of map layers, web maps and web apps using web appbuilder
• Highly experienced in working with/ training staff on related ArcGIS online applications such as Collector, Workforce, 123 Survey,…
• Proven experience in using GIS analytical techniques through current and developing technologies and software
• Tree inventorying experience & database set-up
• Experience modifying macros and VBA scripts
• Excellent knowledge (advanced) of Excel and Access (macros, pivot tables, functions, userforms), Power Point, Word, and Outlook
• Proficiency working with file management and data conversion in a networked environment

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

The City of Markham is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs. We thank all applicants who apply; however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Selected candidates will be contacted by email.

Please respect our scent free environment by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.