Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Parks Superintendent, this position supports and promotes the health and safety of employees, while planning, supervising and coordinating employees and equipment used in urban forestry operations. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Supports and promotes a safe and positive workplace culture through a variety of initiatives and activities.
• Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures.
• Supervises, and participates in, all phases of arboriculture and horticulture.
• Assists with all phases of budget preparation and control, as required.
• Acts as a liaison with other departments and the public by providing technical advise and project estimates as required.
• Ensures subordinate staff are trained in all phases of urban forestry operations.
• Assists with inspecting contractors work and approves or rejects same, as appropriate.  
• Performs minor servicing to, and operates as required, all types of self-propelled and hand-operated power equipment.
• Monitors staff attendance, checks and authorizes payroll time sheets.
• Evaluates subordinate staff work performance and completes annual staff evaluations.
• Reports staff, equipment and other work-related problems to the attention of management and maintains related records.
• Facilitates  general maintenance operations administrative responsibilities as required,
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• Grade 12 education.
• Possession of a diploma in horticulture, including core courses in Arboriculture and/or Urban Forestry.
• Five years' progressively responsible supervisory experience in urban forestry and horticulture.
• Possession of a current Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver's Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Successful completion of or ability to successfully complete within two years after date of hire a recognized supervisory program.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

• Knowledge of arboriculture and horticultural practices, methods, tools and equipment used in parks maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to operate parks, forestry and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to supervise, train, develop and evaluate staff.
• Ability to plan, assign, schedule and coordinate operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Skill in the use of a computer with word-processing, spreadsheet and database software (e.g. Microsoft Office).

Additional Requirements

• Shift work and weekend work may be involved.
• Stand-by is mandatory for designated employees when operationally required. The employee must report to work immediately and be fit for duty