Job Description

Natural Area Operations functions within the Open Space Operations unit of Infrastructure Operations within the Parks and Roads Services Branch. Along with natural areas, the City also has an inventory of naturalized grass and tree areas, constructed wetlands and stormwater management facilities across the City of Edmonton. Key focus areas of Natural Area Operations include: the citywide trail network, tree risk mitigation, wildfire risk mitigation, ecological monitoring and biodiversity related activities of legislated weed control and restoration, as well as management of abandoned and vacated Encampments across the City.

Reporting to the Ecologist, the Natural Areas Coordinator is responsible for strategically developing and coordinating plans that will aim to improve the management of the City\xe2\x80\x99s natural areas.

With a focus on the to Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, you will:

• Implementation if the City-Wide Natural Area Management Plan, along with a number of site specific management plans to coordinate active management / maintenance of natural areas
• Work with stakeholders to develop and implement a Wildland Urban Interface Wildfire Risk Strategy across citywide natural areas, including educational outreach programs
• Identification, prioritization and coordination of work conducted by other functional groups that affect natural areas management
• Work with and leverage teams responsible for ecological planning, tree planting, vegetation management, tree removal, FireSmart activities, community relations, public education, existing volunteer programs and not-for-profit organizations to coordinate a centralized, strategic approach to natural areas management
• Continue to develop and implement a Tree Risk Mitigation Strategy and Ecological Monitoring Strategy
• Implementation of a tactical management framework for Natural Areas that align City of Edmonton environmental policies and strategies with operational resources (e.g. City-Wide Natural Areas Management Plan, Urban Forest Management Plan, Integrated Pest Management Policy, Naturalization Master Plan, Breathe etc.)
• Coordination of natural areas maintenance budget and application of funds towards restoration activities; leverage external funding opportunities (e.g. grants) to benefit natural areas management; advocating for resources required to manage natural areas
• Coordinate between internal departments, external stakeholders, and other municipalities on ways to improve natural area management
• Represent Parks and Roads Services on committees and in meetings, including during the creation of new natural area management plans
• Provide leadership and technical direction for the City\xe2\x80\x99s Naturalization, Restoration and Reclamation Plan
• Present a various conferences and to internal teams on the leading work of Natural Area Operations
• Participate in and provide advice on inspections of newly developed naturalized areas and natural areas being accepted into the City\xe2\x80\x99s inventory, and work with the appropriate teams to ensure the City\xe2\x80\x99s inventory of natural areas is kept up to date and accurate
• Supervision of staff and contractors as required
• Other duties as required

Qualifications

• Completed University Degree in Forestry, Forest Management, Ecology, Environmental Biology or a related equivalent field
• Professional accreditation in Forestry, Agriculture, Biology, ISA Certification or related designations would be an asset
• 5 years experience coordinating or supervising work focused on managing natural areas and naturalized areas such as natural area tree stands, naturalized grasslands, wetlands, constructed wetlands or storm management facilities
• Experience working with multiple operational teams as well as internal and external stakeholders such as environmental stewardship or advocacy groups, contractors, and various levels of government
• Knowledge of natural area management including rules and regulations pertaining to when activities can occur, what activities are permitted or required
• Knowledge and experience with environmental, ecology, forestry, and landscape construction techniques, practices, and terminology
• Practical knowledge and understanding of plant material, plant communities, and landscape design principles
• Plant identification including trees, shrubs, wildflowers, grasses and weeds would be an asset
• Well developed leadership, team building skills and proven ability to problem solve in creative ways
• Experience leading staff and contractors
• Experience using Geographic Information Systems software (ArcGIS)
• Experience with word processing and data software including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite and Adobe Acrobat
• Understanding of the City\xe2\x80\x99s policies, strategies and standards related to natural areas, parkland and open spaces
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and in writing
• Ability to interpret plans and specifications related to the work assigned, as well as problem solve
• Ability to work outside for extended periods of time under unfavourable weather conditions as required by the work assigned
• Ability to prioritize tasks and ensure all tasks are completed per work plan
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision as well as in a team environment
• Ability to critically analyze issues to make decisions, recommend viable and effective solutions and summarize and manage information
• Valid Class 5 Alberta Driver\'s License (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver\'s Permit is a requirement of the position
• Demonstrate alignment with the Cultural Commitments of Safe, Helpful, Accountable, Integrated and Excellent, fostering an environment for others to do the same. For more information on the City\xe2\x80\x99s Cultural Commitments, please visit
• Demonstrate the foundational competencies, key behaviours and attributes of the City\xe2\x80\x99s six leadership competencies: Courage, Inclusivity, Values-Based Influencer, Collaborative Networker, Systems Thinker and Creative Innovator. For more information on the City\xe2\x80\x99s leadership competencies, please visit
• Ability to work the occasional evening and or weekend shift to attend community meetings or public consultations as required
• Applicants may be tested

The City of Edmonton is committed to inclusive, respectful and equitable workplaces that represent the communities we serve. We continuously improve our systems, policies and practices to remove barriers and ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. We value applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourage you to apply. To learn more, see the Art of Inclusion: Our Diversity and Inclusion Framework here: .

The City of Edmonton strives to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. If you would like to request an accommodation at any stage of the process, please contact .

Up to 1 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week - a variable hours of work schedule may apply with the occasional evening or weekend shift as required

Salary: $38.705 - $48.357 (Hourly) or $68,188.530 - $85,192.940 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: KE/RA

City of Edmonton