Arboriculture Technician

Requisition ID: 44056 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace.  Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function
The Arboriculture Technician is responsible for preserving and protecting the urban forest by performing specialized technical support work for the Urban Forestry department. The Arboriculture Technician represents the Urban Forestry profession and the interests of Vancouver’s urban forest to other City Departments, levels of government, the development community, and the general public. The Arboriculture Technician will put forth contemporary arboricultural strategies and best practices in keeping with up-to-date science and research.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities
The Arboriculture Technician plans and implements strategies to ensure quality tree planting programs. Related tasks include coordinating review and comments on private development, City and Park Board delivered projects and coordinating monitoring of planting programs in conjunction with the delivery and implementation of planting projects and public tree stewardship events. The Arboriculture Technician also plans and implements tree management strategies and practices that improve the existing urban forest or its maintenance operations. The Arboriculture Technician is often the person to steward the introduction of new technologies and practices. The Arboriculture Technician will also make recommendations for improvements to methods and procedures in all aspects of Arboriculture operations and will provide technical advice to the senior staff of the Urban Forestry Department and Park Board. The Arboriculture Technician must have strong technical skills and independent judgment as they are expected to make reasonable recommendations supported by evidence on the outcome of urban forestry. This role will work collaboratively with outside departments to develop solution-oriented strategies that enhance the City of Vancouver’s urban forest.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• University graduation in a discipline applicable to urban forestry with preference for ISA Certified Arborist with TRAQ endorsement and some experience in the municipal arboriculture field, OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Considerable experience with the methods, materials, practices, tools and equipment as used currently in arboriculture.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of Vancouver Urban Forest Strategy and the Van-Tree computer program;
• Considerable knowledge of street tree planting procedures, species profiles and their performance in the local environment, and of the tree farm cultural practice and operations;
• Knowledge of tree species details in relation to tree planting and formulating long term tree planting schedules
• Knowledge of tree diseases, pests, and treatment methods;
• Ability to establish effective liaison and working relationships with co-workers, civic representatives, and the public;
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies;
• Ability to conduct moderately complex technical research; identify problems; and identify and implement solutions;
• Ability to estimate time and material requirements and costs related to program proposals;
• Ability to effectively communicate ideas, instructions, and reports orally and in writing;
• Strong working knowledge of urban forestry best practices;
• Proficiency in tree and forest inventory, mapping and data management;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and/or AutoCAD and/or Adobe Suite and/or GIS; and
• ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (ISA with TRAQ), preferred

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid BC Driver’s License and a Satisfactory National Safety Code driving record.
• The license must not include any restrictions that would affect the ability to legally and safely carry out job responsibilities.
• Local area travel and transportation arrangements must meet the operational requirements of the Board of Parks and Recreation.
• All applicants must also attach their driver’s abstract, claims history and any other relevant certifications to their application.

Business Unit/Department: Board of Parks & Recreation (1400) 

Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks 

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time 

Position Start Date: September, 2025

Position End Date: February, 2026 (5 months)

Number of positions: 2

Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-025: $43.78 to $51.7 per hour

Application Close: August 17, 2025

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.  Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

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In addition to uploading your cover letter and resume, part of the application process may include answering application questions related to the preferred requirements of the role which may take approx. 5-10 minutes. Cover letters should express interest and highlight additional information relevant to the position and resumes should include a summary of skills and experience related to the position.