Urban Forester | Haldimand County

Feb 18, 2026

Job Postings

Closing: March, 3, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.

The Role

Urban Forester

This is a permanent full-time role at Haldimand County, with an hourly compensation range of $33.419 to $38.687.

The Opportunity

In this role, you will support the Project Manager, Forestry, by helping implement the objectives of Haldimand County’s Urban Forest Management Plan. You will conduct tree risk assessments, update tree inventory data, and oversee contractor operations related to tree planting, pruning, and removals. You also provide prompt, professional customer service and collaborate with stakeholders to protect and enhance Haldimand County’s urban forest.

The Perks

Defined Benefit Pension
Health & Dental Benefits
3 Weeks' Starting Vacation (prorated for first year)
Professional Development
Safe & Friendly Work Culture
Employee Recognition
EFAP Program
Wellness Programs

Haldimand County

Haldimand County is a single-tier municipality with a dedicated team of professionals committed to delivering exceptional services to our citizens. With a focus on excellence, our county stands as an outstanding place to work and live. By joining our dynamic team, you open the door to a rewarding career where we prioritize the health and wellness of our employees, their families, and the communities we serve.

At Haldimand County, we believe in the Net Better Off philosophy. This means we’re passionate about helping our staff thrive and advance in an equitable workplace.

Job Description

Urban Forester, Facilities, Parks, Cemeteries & Forestry Operations

Vacancy: Yes

Posting #: CUPE-2026-15

Posting Period: February 18 – March 3, 2026

Employer Group: CUPE Local 4700 (Haldimand)

Reporting to: Project Manager, Forestry

Grade: 8

Wage Range Hourly: $33.419 - $38.687

Position Status: Permanent full-time

Work Hours per Week: 40

Location: Haldimand County Administration Building (with extensive travel throughout the County)

Core Competencies

Self- Direction
Interpersonal Communication
Collaborative Skills
Critical Thinking

Position Summary

Reporting to the Project Manager, Forestry, the incumbent will assist in implementing the objectives of Haldimand County’s Urban Forest Management Plan by conducting tree risk assessments, tree inventory updates and overseeing tree planting, pruning and removal operations by contractors. Additionally, they will provide prompt, professional customer service and collaborate with stakeholders to protect and improve Haldimand County’s urban forest.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills

Education

Grade 12 plus an additional programme related to the area of responsibility (i.e. arboriculture, forestry, urban forestry) of over one year and up to two years, or equivalent.
Special consideration will be given to applicants with:
- Municipal By-law Enforcement Officer Certificate (Part 1 – Foundations)

Experience

Minimum 3 years, up to and including 4 years of current related municipal experience.
Certified and in good standing under;
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist, or Board Certified Master Arborist;
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
- Ministry of Colleges and Universities Certified Arborist or Utility Arborist Journeyperson Class.

Or equivalent to the above.

Knowledge/Skills

A professional and courteous manner and ability to provide excellent customer service.
Take personal responsibility to work diligently, think critically, and consistently deliver the safest, highest-quality results.
Effective problem-solving skills and sound judgment to make optimal decisions with limited information.
Ability to efficiently prioritize work tasks.
Must possess initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
An understanding of the value of trees and the ability to explain the importance of trees to various stakeholders.
Detailed knowledge of arboricultural and urban forestry practices, activities, policy and legislation.
A working knowledge of current industry standards and practices as they pertain to the assessment, planting, pruning, removal and stump grinding of trees.
Ability to identify tree species found in the Deciduous Forest region and ornamental urban tree species.
Knowledge and implementation of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and the work environment, as well as a basic understanding of the Arborist Safe Work Practices, Occupational Health & Safety Act, and Book 7.
Familiarity with performing CVOR vehicle inspections is an asset.
Current First Aid and CPR required.
Valid Ontario G driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Technology Aptitude
- Demonstrated ability to use desktop or department/division specific software packages on their own or combine information from different software packages to get the desired result.
- Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- Ability to create and edit feature classes in ArcGIS Pro and use the Field Maps data collection application.
- An understanding and knowledge of digital/electronic forms.
- Knowledge and understanding to develop quality reports, professional-looking presentations, publications, and develop complex spreadsheets for analysis or presentation of data (including the use of formulae).
- Ability to use AutoCAD 2025 LT is an asset.
- Ability to search, create and edit work orders using CityWide and Work Tech Pearl is an asset.

Responsibilities

The incumbent is responsible for, but not limited to:

Corporate

Responsible for the contract administration of Haldimand County’s tree planting, pruning, removal and stump grinding programs, including meeting with the public; performing tree risk assessments; and performing quality control audits of contractors undertaking tree maintenance operations.
Responsible for conducting field inspections of municipal trees, maintaining and updating Haldimand County’s tree inventory, and identifying appropriate species and planting locations to support sustainable urban forest management.
Prepare arborist reports and tree protection plans to support County-led projects.
Enforce Haldimand County’s Tree By-law and assist with enforcement of the Property Standards By-law through site inspections, compliance monitoring, and coordination of corrective actions where required.

People

Demonstrate active listening, professionalism, and effective conflict resolution skills when addressing resident concerns, ensuring respectful engagement and timely resolution while supporting the continuation of operations.
Respond to calls, emails and in-person inquiries from the public regarding scheduling and implementation of Haldimand County’s tree maintenance program; concerns about hazards, diseases, pests and construction activity around County-owned trees.

Timeline

Issue work orders, schedule, communicate with contractors performing tree maintenance and monitor the work of contracted services to ensure compliance with Haldimand County standards.

Functional

Attend work sites across Haldimand County to determine tree ownership, conduct tree risk assessments and provide maintenance recommendations.
Keep accurate and detailed records, field notes and observations of all tree inspections, tree risk assessments, and inventory of all County-owned trees in Haldimand County systems and adhere to Haldimand County data management protocols.
Review site plans, tree planting plans, landscape plans, and vegetation management plans, and make appropriate recommendations based on industry standards and Haldimand County policy.
Prepare tree planting plans, arborist reports, or other technical reports required for Haldimand County projects.
Provide extension services and support to other divisions, community groups and other stakeholders.
Provide arboricultural and urban forestry training to staff across the corporation.
Assist with the supervision and training of forestry student crews.
Provide coverage of forestry duties while other forestry staff are off.
Undertake tasks / work assignments as directed by the Supervisor or Manager.

Demonstrate commitment to the Haldimand County Code of Conduct

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the job.

Position Requirement(s)

A current (within the past 6 months) Police Check - OPP LE 219 or equivalent

Working Conditions

Regular Business Hours are Monday through Friday (7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.)

Haldimand County envisions all County staff to possess a high degree of Ethical Behaviour & Professionalism, Political Acumen, Relationship Management, Credibility, Flexibility & Adaptability, Empathy & Compassion, Entrepreneurship, and Customer Service.

Haldimand County is an equal-opportunity employer that strives for inclusivity and belonging for all. Accommodation is available at any stage of the hiring process to applicants with differing abilities. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please contact us at hrhelpdesk@HaldimandCounty.on.ca.

County employees who are interested in applying for this position must complete the EMPLOYEE APPLICATION FORM via the County’s Intranet - FuNK and submit it online with a resume and cover letter by 4:30 p.m. on the last day of this posting.

We thank you for your interest in working for Haldimand County. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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