Employment Status: Regular Full-Time
✓ Pension ✓ Dental Insurance ✓ Disability Insurance ✓ Health Insurance ✓ Life Insurance
✓ Weekdays ✓ Days ✓ Nights ✓ Afternoons
Forestry Technician
Competition Number: 25275
Primary Work Location: Waterloo Service Centre
Posting Status: Internal & External Job Posting
Hourly Rate: $35.12 (Class G)
Number of Positions: 2 (Current Vacancies)
Employment Group: CUPE 1542
Job Status: Regular Full Time
Posting Release Date: July 6, 2026
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week
Posting Closing Date: July 20, 2026
Why work with us:
The City of Waterloo is a rewarding place to work. Each day, you will support and/or participate in the delivery of services that impact residents of this city, making it a great place to live, work and play for everyone.
Home to two world-class universities, a top-ranked college, a tech ecosystem, entrepreneurs and small businesses, there is a readiness to do things differently in Waterloo. Our vision is to be a leader in sustainability and to build a future-ready community for all. We are committed to workplace wellbeing and providing an inclusive, safe and enjoyable work environment.
For more information about the City of Waterloo’s Strategic Plan, Vision, Values & Guiding Principles, please click here: City of Waterloo 2023-2026 Strategic Plan.
What we offer:
- Supportive and caring organization that promotes respect, inclusivity, sustainability, health, safety and wellness.
- Dedication to the organization’s commitment for Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion through ongoing training and access to related programs and workshops, opportunities to connect with others around topics of social justice and equity, and opportunities to be involved with the initiatives that guide this corporate journey.
- A commitment to environmental sustainability as demonstrated in many plans and policies. For example, we are working towards reducing our corporate greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, with real progress underway.
- Certification as a Living Wage Champion with fulsome employer-paid benefits package (extended health and dental care), including paid sick days, long-term disability, life insurance, Employee and Family Assistance Program and Maternity/Parental Leave Top-Up.
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan (OMERS) eligibility for all employees.
- Up to 10 paid Reservist Leave days per year, with single contribution OMERS buyback option for any unpaid time.
- Flexible work schedules, paid vacation and personal days, and the opportunity to bank overtime.
- Easy and sustainable commuting options through the TravelWise program, which offers public transit discounts and a dedicated carpool network for employees.
- Substantial internal and external training and development opportunities along with opportunities to get involved and give back to the community.
- Enjoyable employee-wide events, activities, site visits, BBQs to connect with co-workers.
- Complimentary FitPass for access to leisure, swim, and fitness drop-in programs for employees and family members.
…And so much more!
What you will do:
Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry, your primary responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Perform a wide range of maintenance and operational activities related to day to day forestry tasks including but not limited to pruning, planting, and tree removal using various equipment and climbing techniques.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and coordinate and maintain required documentation and record keeping.
- Provide guidance to staff on operational activities, equipment and health and safety related procedures where qualified.
- Provide exceptional customer service by responding to customer inquiries, customer needs and communication with user groups on an ongoing basis.
- Ensure safe and efficient operation, care and maintenance of tools, equipment and vehicles.
- Perform daily checks on vehicles and equipment, including documentation of any issues.
- Maintain a safe work environment by taking necessary precautions and applying safety procedures in accordance with health and safety legislation and City of Waterloo policies.
- Perform winter operations activities and participate in the winter control shifts (November-April).
- Participate in team development and implementation of operational/maintenance programs to meet Parks, Forestry, and Cemetery Services Division objectives and the needs of our customers.
- May be required to participate on various teams and initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
What you will bring:
- A minimum Grade 12 diploma, or equivalent; post-secondary education in a related field would be considered an asset.
- Three (3) years of experience in arboriculture, tree maintenance or related field.
- Current International Society of Arborist (ISA) Certified Arborist accreditation (or equivalent program accreditation) in good standing*.
- Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credential (or equivalent) is considered an asset.
- Experience in climbing techniques and necessary apparatus (subject to infield testing).
- Ability to perform aerial rescue and have advanced roping and rigging techniques.
- Valid MTO ‘DZ’ class driver’s license in good standing with driver’s abstract acceptable to the City (maximum of 3 demerit points; maximum of 2 convictions within the previous 36 months; no driving related criminal code convictions within the previous 36 months; and no ignition interlock restrictions) is required to perform the job.
- Demonstrated ability to safely operate urban forestry equipment including, but not limited to, chain saws, brush chippers, crane truck, stumping machine and aerial devices.
- Certification in Aerial Lifts, Aerial Work Platforms, Chainsaw operation, and Working from Heights is preferred.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, actual and potential hazards associated with forestry services; must have knowledge of Book 7.
- Capable of performing the physical demands of the position, including lifting, climbing and kneeling on a regular basis.
- Ability to work with computer programs such as GIS software, Maximo, Microsoft software.
- Willing and able to work in an outdoor environment and actively participate in daily activities in inclement weather.
- Ability to work efficiently in a team environment, motivated, hard-working and able to work with minimal supervision.
- Standard First Aid and CPR-C/AED certification, or willingness to obtain within three (3) months of hire.
- Experience with winter control operations including plowing, salting, and trackless operation.
What we will require:
- A Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check satisfactory to the City.
- Proof of your current and valid certificate(s), licenses and/or educational qualification, if applicable.
- Successful completion of an in-person climbing testing may be required prior to job offer.
- Employees will be responsible to ensure that their certificates and licenses are current.
- Supplementary training related to the business units may be required.
Shift Information: Normal hours of work will be 7:00am – 3:00pm. Overtime may be required for operational purposes. Shift work may be required based upon operational requirements, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Wage Information: In accordance with Appendix ‘A’ Wage Schedule, a rate of 5% less than the corresponding full time rate will apply for any incumbent while serving a probationary period.
- Please note, candidates without a current International Society of Arborist (ISA) Certified Arborist accreditation (or equivalent program accreditation) in good standing may be considered for this position in the absence of qualified applicants with the credential, however, will be required to obtain the credential within 12 months of hire.
Be You @ Waterloo (Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging):
The City of Waterloo acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee peoples, and is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. The City is dedicated to advancing the organization’s commitment to Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity and Inclusion and to reducing barriers to employment opportunities. Applications from members of historically underrepresented groups, including Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, women, persons with disabilities, and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ are encouraged for positions at all levels within the organization. Candidates from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to self-identify in their application.
Accommodations are available throughout all stages of the recruitment process in accordance with the Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation . We encourage applicants to access support(s) that may be needed. To request accommodation during the application process, please email [email protected], quoting the position and competition number. Applicants advancing to the next stages of a recruitment process will be provided with additional opportunities to make their needs known
Our use of AI during recruitment:
Our applicant tracking system includes artificial intelligence (AI) features, such as tools that highlight relevant work history or suggest potential job matches. These features are built into the system and may be visible to staff. AI does not make any screening or hiring decisions, and all decisions about interviews and hiring are made by City staff in accordance with applicable City policies and procedures.
