Superintendent - Park Board (Urban Forestry)

Requisition ID: 41339 

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 cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. 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 rewarding workplace.
 

Main Purpose & Function 
The Park Board Urban Forestry Division is seeking to fill a superintendent as follows:

• Superintendent of Tree Pruning and Removals: responsible for managing a team of approximately 24 staff that undertake tree pruning and removals throughout the City of Vancouver’s streets and parks.

The Superintendent will report to the City Arborist (Supervisor of Urban Forestry). They will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operation and maintenance of Urban Forestry Services while ensuring work is completed in an efficient and cost effective manner. The Superintendent will undertake all duties in a manner that contributes to Park Board initiatives such as the Urban Forest Strategy and VanPlay as well as City-wide goals related to Climate Action and risk management.

The Superintendent will supervise staff including hiring, performance management, discipline, support, coaching, training and development and representing the employer in the grievance process. The position is responsible for planning various work programs; establishing work schedules and procedures and coordinating activities with other work units; building relationships with customer and clients to improve service levels and increase customer satisfaction; performing crew audits to ensure compliance with safety, environmental and quality standards; conducting job costing and bid tendering; reviewing various paperwork/invoices; and managing budgets.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

The main focus of this role is to enhance operational efficiencies and the management and coordination of day-to-day operation and maintenance of the Urban Forestry program. The Superintendent establishes and maintains effective communication and coordination with other divisions and departments in the Park Board, the City, consultants, and contractors; different levels of government, outside agencies, not for profit organizations, associations and the general public. This role is also responsible to set priorities for maintaining and coordinating the use of equipment with supervisors and superintendents in other divisions. The Superintendent participates in Park Board team meetings, conducts staff meetings and crew talks, provides supervision and leadership to staff including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a university, institute of technology or college of horticulture, urban forestry, or parks management, supplemented by courses in horticulture, arboriculture, project management and supervisory training or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum of 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience, preferably within the public sector and union environment
• ISA Certified Arborist designation with TRAQ endorsement
• Experience in budget management
• Demonstrated experience in HR management, including recruiting, dealing with discipline, representing the Employer at grievance hearings and resolve/deny grievances
• Demonstrated experience and ability to simultaneously manage and review a number of projects
• Demonstrated experience in project management
• Experience working with community groups and stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in applying policies and collective agreements working in consultation with Human Resources

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Urban Forestry principles, practices and techniques
• Ability to provide feedback, coaching and mentoring to challenge and develop employees
• Ability to achieve results, set challenging goals, prioritize tasks, overcome obstacles, accept accountability, set standards and responsibilities, provide leadership with commitment to excellence
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of urban forestry operations, maintenance and effective customer service
• Good working knowledge of tree identification
• Ability to plan for, assign work and supervise a diverse workgroup and/or contractors engaged in urban forestry operations
• Excellent knowledge of budget management
• Good knowledge of and demonstrated ability to work with Civic, Provincial and Federal levels of government
• Good knowledge and experience relating to Federal and Provincial legislation, acts and regulations related to urban forestry and the environment
• Knowledge of methods and requirements to provide excellent customer service
• Knowledge of pertinent WCB and OH&S standards
• Well-developed interpersonal skills including ability to coach and train others
• Strong verbal and written communications skills with the ability to formulate and articulate ideas and opinions
• Excellent ability to resolve conflict and to lead problems solving in an inclusive positive manner with the ability to articulate own goals and objectives of all parties
• Proficient in standard Microsoft business software; PowerPoint, Excel, Email, Word
• Some knowledge and familiarity with SAP financial reporting software desirable

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

Affiliation: Exempt 

Employment Type: Regular Full Time 

Position Start Date: June, 2024 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-SPT: $100,417 to $125,521 per annum

Application Close: May 10, 2024

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.