PLANNER URBAN FORESTRY

Job ID: 64054
Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
Division & Section: Environment, Climate & Forestry, PFR UF Urban Forestry
Work Locations:  City Hall - 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2, Scarborough Civic Centre - 150 Borough Dr, Scarborough, ON M1P 4N6
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent Vacancies
Hourly Rate and Wage Grade: $49.66 - $54.43, TF0284, Wage grade 14
Shift Information: Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Affiliation: L79 Full-time
Number of Positions Open: 2
Posting Period: 22-May-2026 to 05-Jun-2026

 

 

Major Responsibilities:

• Reviews planning documents, development applications, restoration and land management plans, comprehensive environmental reports and identifies where City policy and program interests are affected, provides comments with respect to tree preservation and urban forest conservation programs, policies and regulatory requirements. - Evaluates and comments on municipal planning development applications and Environmental Assessment Act applications with respect to the City Forestry programs, policies, and regulation requirements.
• Undertakes evaluation of trees or forests in relation to arboriculture factors, including health, value, structure and form maintenance requirements, conflict with buildings and utilities.
• Communicates information to applicants or contractors to enable them to understand directions and city requirements, conditions of permit issuance or forest management actions that are being recommended.
• Prepares terms of reference for contract issuance, coordinates implementation, reviews task completion and responds to deficiencies/omissions in contract completion.
• Ability to read construction plans and related reports and to evaluate the impact of proposed construction on regulated trees on private lands and public road allowance and to recommend workable amendments to ensure compliance to the Toronto Green Standard and applicable Tree By-law sections.
• Provides technical and professional support for forestry projects and programs, as related to By-law enforcement, forest management, and development of forestry policies, practices, standards and specifications.
• Develops and maintains effective client relations with City staff, Conservation Authority staff, developers, architects, arborists, geotechnical engineers, contractors, consultants, and general public.
• Represents the city interests at meetings, committees, hearings, and tribunals.
• Provides support to Planning to achieve the Natural Heritage policies of the official plan as they relate to natural heritage conservation.
• Maintains service delivery records, correspondence and files in accordance with operating procedures. Represents forestry issues to community groups and interested parties, organizing and conducting planting programs and projects, commenting on development impacts at Community Consultation Meetings involving city staff, developers, residents, and community groups.
• Prepares reports to management and City Council concerning urban forestry policy, by-law matters and other relevant legislation.
• Reviews, develops and prepares graphic and written material for the purpose of recommending forestry policy and procedures, practices, standards, and coordinating delivery of service city wide.
• Develops and collaborates on design proposals for planting and ecological restoration projects and arranges budgets and necessary approvals from government agencies, community groups, etc., and coordinates implementation of projects.

 

Key Qualifications:

Your application must describe your qualifications as they relate to:

1. Post -secondary degree in Forestry, Ecology or related discipline, combined with related work experience in environmental planning, or an equivalent combination of directly relevant education and experience.
2. Extensive experience in urban forestry
3. Considerable experience with reading and evaluating development plans and determining the impact of proposed construction on existing trees and prescribing techniques that may be used in creating functioning systems.
4. Must possess and be able to maintain a valid Ontario Driver's License Class "G" and must qualify for the City's Equipment Operator's License.

You must also have:

• Knowledge of Municipal Code Chapter 813 (Trees) and 658 (Ravine and Natural Feature Protection), as well as the ability to administrate the provisions of these Bylaws.
• Ability to identify native plants and plant communities in Southern Ontario.
• Ability to read construction plans and geotechnical reports.
• Ability to prepare and write comprehensive technical reports.
• Ability to plan, organize and manage multiple projects/assignments with competing deadlines including establishing efficient and effective work processes.
• Ability to use good judgement and problem-solving skills in formulating effective decisions with regard to By-law administration.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with Councilors, all levels of staff and the public in representing city policy and program interests, including effectively negotiating By-law related problem resolutions within the limitations of the By-law.
• Ability to handle challenging clients and service situations, including conflict resolution.
• Additional certifications or qualifications are an asset, such as RPF, ISA Certified Arborist.
• Ability to use a computer and handheld device with good keyboarding skills and proficiency in the use of standard spreadsheets, word processing, computer graphic and database software.

 

Note To Current City of Toronto Employees  

City of Toronto employees are eligible to apply for the posted job opportunity, but cannot hold two different jobs. To be considered for this job posting, you must indicate that you are a "Current City of Toronto employee" on the on-line application form, and provide your "Employee Number".

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.