Urban Forestry Safety and Training Advisor

Main Purpose and Function

The Urban Forestry Safety and Training Advisor monitors regulatory compliance and provides safety and best practice consultation services to supervisors and management within to Urban Forestry Operations, and Park Operations.

The position anticipates, recognizes, evaluates, recommends and assists in the development and delivery of practical controls and training for safety hazards, regulatory compliance and best practice.

The position also investigates safety concerns and incidents and provides recommendations to management.

Specific Duties / Responsibilities

• Researches urban forestry best practices and regulatory compliance requirements of urban forestry operations.
• Advises and consults with management regarding best practices and compliance requirements; writes procedures and develop processes to document best practices and compliance.
• Mentors and coaches management, supervisors and crew of new processes and practices.
• Conducts comprehensive onsite risk assessments and safety studies and writes evaluative reports recommending various measures to mitigate occupational health and safety risk;

develops related safe work procedures, safety manuals, specific safety training programs and related records and documentation that is in compliance with regulatory standards.

• Conducts monthly tailboard site inspections in conjunction with supervisors and superintendents.
• Attends and partakes in monthly Crew talks.
• Investigates safety incidents and concerns; documents events and provide management with recommendations on change procedures and practice.
• In consultation with management, prepares and delivers safety and operational training programs. Prepares training agendas and resource materials (such as handouts, tests, videos) suitable for different learning styles and audiences, and administers tests as required.
• Explores the various approaches to creating / developing and maintaining an apprenticeship management program for trade qualifications of Certified Utility Arborists and Arborist Technician with both Climbing and Field Arborist components.
• Oversees and plans the Occupational First Aid, Aerial and Bucket Rescue, ISA and TRAQ Training
• Maintains a work place accident database and related records; prepares correspondence and a variety of reports.
• Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education and Experience :

Completion of a recognized certificate / diploma program in occupational health and safety and sound related experience;

or an equivalent combination of education and experience in Urban Forestry or Park Operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

• Thorough knowledge of the occupational health and safety regulations, rules and procedures related to the work.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures used in occupational health and safety risk assessments, and accident investigations.
• Considerable knowledge of occupational health and safety and audit trail recordkeeping requirements and standards.
• Working knowledge of applicable WorkSafeBC Regulations related to urban forestry
• Working knowledge of current curriculum of arborist certifications
• Knowledge of Urban Forestry principles and techniques
• Proficient in standard Microsoft business software; PowerPoint, Excel, Email, Word
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as regulations, standards, scientific articles, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of people
• Ability to research and critically evaluate research material validity or practical implementation into operations
• Ability to design training courses with theory and practical components
• Ability to facilitate and manage large diverse groups within an educational setting
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Communicates well both verbally and in writing; creates accurate and punctual reports, delivers presentations, and shares information and ideas within and across departments
• Skilled in the use of computers, adapts to new technology, keeps abreast of changes, learns new programs quickly, uses computers to improve productivity
• Ability to recognize problems and respond, systematically gather information, sort through complex issues, seek input from others, address root cause of issues, make timely decisions and sometimes difficult decisions, communicate decisions to others
• Ability to lead through change and diversity, build consensus, motivate, encourage and collaborate with others
• Ability to provide feedback coaching and mentoring; challenge and develop employees
• Ability to target and achieve results, set challenging goals, prioritize tasks, overcome obstacles, accept accountability, set standards and responsibilities, provide leadership with commitment to excellence

Drivers Licence and Record Checks

A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher and a Satisfactory driving record

Business Unit / Department : Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)