Superintendent Park Board (Urban Forestry)

Requisition ID: 45365 

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (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 Superintendent of Urban Forestry is responsible for managing a team that undertake various forest stewardship responsibilities, including, but not limited to: tree pruning; tree removals; tree planting; tree and forest watering; invasive species removal and forest restoration; wildfire risk mitigation; wildfire preparation and response (not suppression); storm response; and tree risk mitigation. The role identifies emerging forest health and forest management challenges and advances operational programs to mitigate risks and support long-term stewardship.

The position reports to the City Arborist (Supervisor Urban Forestry) and is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and maintenance of Urban Forestry Services, managing seasonal staffing levels to suit emerging and dynamic forest stewardship needs. The superintendent ensures work is completed in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner while managing a team of approximately 24 staff.

This work is distinguished by the expanded knowledge and skill requirements related to forest resource management and arboriculture practice.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises staff including hiring, performance management, discipline, support, coaching, training and development and representing the employer in the grievance process
• Plans various work programs; establishes work schedules and procedures and coordinates activities with other work units
• Builds relationships with customer and clients to improve service levels and increase customer satisfaction
• Performs crew audits to ensure compliance with safety, environmental and quality standards
• Conducts job costing and bid tendering
• Reviews various paperwork/invoices and manages budgets.
• Enhances operational efficiencies and the management and coordination of day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Urban Forestry program.. 
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and coordination with other divisions and departments in the Park
• Board, the City, MST, consultants, stakeholders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and the general public. 
• Set priorities for maintaining and coordinating the use of equipment with supervisors and superintendents in other divisions. 
• Participates in Park Board team meetings, leads meetings, and conducts staff meetings and crew talks.
• Provides supervision and leadership to staff including hiring, training, coaching, and performance management. 
• Develop plans and set priorities for strategic forest management and risk mitigation for long-term forest health and sustainable forest management.
• Responding to service requests for forest and tree-related matters 
• Other duties/responsibilities as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a university, institute of technology or college of urban forestry, or parks management, supplemented by courses in forest management, 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
• Registered Professional Forester designation preferred
• ISA Certified Arborist designation with TRAQ endorsement

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge and understanding of urban forestry operations, maintenance and effective customer service
• Good working knowledge of tree identification
• Knowledge of Urban Forestry and Forest Management principles, practices and techniques
• Considerable knowledge of HR management, including recruiting, dealing with discipline, representing the Employer at grievance hearings and resolve/deny grievances
• Considerable knowledge of and ability to simultaneously manage and review a number of projects
• Considerable knowledge of project management
• Good knowledge of and 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
• Thorough background in arboriculture operations and techniques that employ best practices to retain tree health and physiology
• Ability to apply policies and collective agreements working in consultation with Human Resources
• Ability to work with community groups and stakeholders
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and studies. 
• Ability to conduct extensive technical field and literature research.
• Ability to estimate time and material requirements and costs related to program proposals.
• 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
• Ability to plan for, assign work and supervise a diverse workgroup and/or contractors engaged in urban forestry operations
• Excellent knowledge of budget management
• 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, Outlook, 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: March, 2026 

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-SPT: $103,430 to $129,278 per annum

Application Close: February 1, 2026

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.