Senior Project Manager (Forestry Services)

Position Details:

Current Rate of Pay: Min. $55.64/hr, Max = $64.52/hr

Employment type: Permanent Full-Time

Hours of work: 35 hrs/week

Work location: Restoration Services Centre

Division: Restoration & Infrastructure

Business unit: Restoration & Resource Management

Travel: 10-20%

Remote Work: hybrid model

About TRCA:

With more than 60 years of experience, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in Ontario, created to safeguard and enhance the health and well-being of watershed communities through the protection and restoration of the natural environment and the ecological services the environment provides.

TRCA is considered the provincial leader in conserving, restoring, and managing natural resources to advance safe and sustainable development.

To apply to this posting, click on the “Apply” icon. Please submit your resume and cover letter in one PDF or Word file prior to midnight on November 22, 2024.

How you will contribute as part of the TRCA team:

The Senior Project Manager (Forestry Services) is responsible for managing multiple complex forestry and forest management projects, while supervising the team within the Forestry Services sub-unit. The Senior Project Manager collaborates with TRCA teams, project partners and stakeholders to manage as well as plans, develops and implements complex forestry projects with high levels of risk. This role manages critical relationships with stakeholders while providing subject matter technical expertise in forestry, arboriculture, and forest management programs.

Major Responsibilities:

• Utilizes their Registered Professional Forester (RPF) certification to authorize forestry operations and activities on TRCA and partners lands
• Provides technical expertise, leadership and direction on planning and implementing forest management project areas including forestry sciences, hazard tree management, forest management planning, Managed Forest Tax Incentive Plans, silvicultural prescriptions, reforestation and afforestation, invasive species management, tree protection planning, and forest health monitoring and reporting. 
• Leads and develops municipal and agency partnership projects, programs, and fee for service agreements to further leverage secured funding to achieve mutual forestry or forest management objectives.
• Establishes project goals and objectives, develops project control procedures and quality assurance activities for projects, and develops approaches to measure and reports on performance
• Engages and works in collaboration with project staff, TRCA divisions and external project partners and coordinates Project Management Teams, Working Groups or Committees
• Oversees the work of forestry consultants and contractors ensuring adherence to project scope, timelines, budget and requirements; evaluating performance to ensure adherence to project schedule, budget, scope, and contract terms
• Oversees the coordination and drafting of grant applications and funding proposals for specific projects, including non-traditional funding sources and partnerships to achieve mutual objectives
• Maintains existing professional contacts and positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Participates in internal and external committees and teams and engages and consults with project/program stakeholders and prepares analysis and communications on projects/programs, including project milestones and scheduling
• Leads a team of forestry and arboriculture staff and ensures that team members understand expectations; communicates schedule, tasks and discusses priorities of items
• In collaboration with Human Resources:
  • Manages team recruitment, selection and hiring of talent
  • Manages individual employee development and individual development plans, considering high performing staff and managing underperforming staff
  • Recommends compensation performance adjustments
  • Recommends individuals for promotions/transfers

What will you need to succeed:

Education (degree/diploma/certifications/licenses)

• University degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, or Forestry
• Registered Professional Forester (RPF) with Ontario Forestry Association
• Managed Forest Plan Approver (MFPA)
• Ontario Pesticide Exterminator’s License (Land or Forestry)
• Valid Ontario Class G2 driver's license

Experience

• Expertise and understanding of environmental legislation including but not limited to: Forestry Act,  Crown Forest Sustainability Act, Migratory Birds Act, Forest/Tree conservation by-laws, Public Lands Act and the Provincial Policy Statement
• 5+ years of experience managing complex multi-disciplinary forestry projects in relevant field with minimal direction, while effectively balancing political, community and stakeholder interests and meeting project deadlines
• 1+ years of progressive managerial, supervisory or project management experience

Knowledge/Skill/Ability - Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to communicate project status for various audiences, prepare reports and proposal writing; and analytical skills
• Able to comprehend documentation that is technical or scientific in nature, skilled in writing technical reports or manuals and communicating these to a non-technical audience
• Knowledge of procurement practices, project management and risk management concepts
• Able to self-manage workload and prioritize tasks as an ongoing challenge in a frequently fluctuating workload and multiple deadlines
• Ability to design and conduct public engagement and facilitate negotiations
• Knowledge of best management practices, and up-to-date knowledge of mitigation and controls, as well as safe work procedures
• Effective problem-solving skills and leadership skills, including staff coaching and managing performance and working collaboratively with other divisions. Strong budget management and cost control skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work as a team member to coach staff and work with stakeholders (internally and externally); ability to deal tactfully and courteously with stakeholders, public officials
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations related to forestry operations and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act
• Proficiency in MS Office suite including online software such as MS teams, WebEx, and SharePoint, as well as other Project Management software

What TRCA has to offer you:

As part of a progressive team you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact to preserving and protecting nature, while maintaining a balance between the natural environment and built environment. Working with experts within our field, you will join a team of colleagues that are committed to TRCA’s core values by demonstrating the following behaviours; integrity, collaboration, accountability, respect, and excellence (icare). 

You will be part of a diverse and inclusive organization that:

• Makes a positive difference in the communities we serve.
• Fosters high performance and collaborative teams.
• Provides continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Offers a comprehensive compensation and benefits program (including Defined Benefit Pension Plan – OMERS/OTPP).
• Pregnancy & Parental Leave Top-Up Program.
• Provides unique TRCA Perks.
• Provides flexible work arrangements.
• Offers potential for career growth and advancement.

While the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) thanks all applicants for their interest, only those under consideration will be contacted for interviews. Please be advised that successful incumbent(s) may be required to undergo a vulnerable sector screening and/or driver’s abstract check as a part of the final step in the hiring process.

TRCA is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and TRCA Policies, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, provided the candidate makes their accommodation needs known to the TRCA. We welcome applications from all qualified persons.

Personal information you provide through the TRCA recruitment, selection, and onboarding process is collected under the authority of the Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27. Collection of this personal information is necessary for the proper administration of this recruitment process for employment and volunteer positions with TRCA. Personal information is protected from disclosure pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Any questions regarding this collection activity should be directed to the Manager of Records and Information, 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan, Ontario, L4K 5R6, (437) 880 2308.