Root for Trees Program Lead
Job Number: 52601
Are you passionate about environmental stewardship and community engagement? The City of Edmonton's Parks and Roads Services is seeking a dedicated and experienced individual to coordinate and implement various aspects of our Root for Trees program. This vital role supports the development, implementation, and evaluation of our naturalization education program, empowering citizens to participate in making Edmonton a greener city. If you thrive in a dynamic environment, excel at leadership, and are committed to public education and community stewardship, we encourage you to apply.
As the Root for Trees Program Lead, you will be instrumental in fostering community engagement and environmental education through our city-wide volunteer tree planting program. You will coordinate and implement various aspects of the program, focusing on public education, participation, and community stewardship. Your responsibilities will include overseeing team management, training, and delivery of the Root for Trees program, which encompasses hiring, staff and volunteer training, and daily supervision of front-line staff. You will also contribute to policy review, evaluation of education and program criteria, and manage program development, expenditures, and promotions. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly interact with staff and the public, providing impactful opportunities for environmental stewardship.
What will you do?
- Develop and design naturalization and Root for Trees educational programming plans, resources, and tools for diverse audiences
- Design and implement training for seasonal staff, including program procedures and training manuals
- Hire, supervise, lead, coach, and support seasonal staff to maintain high-quality program content
- Perform weekly monitoring of in-field public volunteer planting events led by seasonal program staff
- Maintain and update the Root for Trees webpage, ensuring all opportunities for public participation and learning are present
- Promote the program and encourage community participation in tree planting
- Advise on site selection and preparation as the subject matter expert on volunteer accessibility and event opportunities
- Perform weekly on-site inspection of in-field public volunteer planting events, auditing program delivery, volunteer education, experience, and satisfaction
- Provide support and administrative assistance to other programs within the team and to the Program Lead
- Manage program statistics and prepare end-of-year reports
- Other duties as required
Qualifications:
- University graduation in Recreation Administration or a related degree in a specialized field
- Minimum of three (3) years' experience in the field of community/parks education or recreation, parks operations or management, or a related field
- Minimum three (3) years' supervision of staff
- Demonstrated ability in program development, evaluation, and implementation
- Experience developing educational materials for diverse audiences related to environmental programs
- Experience working with a variety of internal and external stakeholders on high-profile issues and programs
- Experience working with volunteers and coordinating volunteer group programs
- Experience with public engagement processes and communication campaigns to promote programs
Assets:
- A specialized interest in a particular discipline: environment, forestry and/or horticulture
- Software experience in Google Suite (Maps, Docs, Sheets) or Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Powerpoint), SLIM GeoMedia, GIS, and volunteer management software
- Knowledge of use of Social Media
- Plant identification skills, experience in horticulture/plant care, and/or knowledge of local flora and fauna
- Proficiency in Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, Premier, Dimensions, Acrobat, Indesign, etc.)
- WHMIS
- Standard First Aid with CPR-C and AED
Skills required for success:
- Knowledge of educational and learning principles, techniques, and best practices approaches to environmental education and alternative education opportunities including
- Strong curriculum and program development skills
- Knowledge of the unique needs of diverse audiences and different learning styles
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of research and analysis
- Strong written, oral, presentation, and web-based communication skills
- Ability to independently solve problems and escalate when necessary
- Ability to make decisions in accordance with the City of Edmonton's established policies and procedures
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a focus on balancing competing requirements within the various units and ensuring service is delivered accordingly
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships that reflect a respectful and inclusive style
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities
- Strong facilitation skills, including the ability to present course information in an engaging way and adapt presentations and programming to a wide variety of audiences
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, including the ability to set priorities and work independently with minimal supervision
- Proficiency in Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Slides, Forms, Drive) and the ability to learn and adapt to evolving technology
- Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
- Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
Conditions of Employment:
- This position requires performing physically demanding outdoor work in all weather conditions
- Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot, cold), precipitation (rain, snow), dust, smoke, and animals
- Exposure to chemicals, mechanical/electrical hazards
- Requires safety footwear, head protection, skin protection, hand protection, eye protection, and respiratory protection
- Working alone may be required
- Successful candidates will be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, may be a requirement of this position
- Compliance with the City of Edmonton's safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toed boots, is a requirement for this position
- Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) security clearance that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton and is a requirement of this position. There may be a cost associated with this requirement
- Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
Work Environment:
- You will be working primarily outdoors, leading and supporting tree planting events and educational programs in various natural spaces across Edmonton. This dynamic environment involves direct interaction with staff, volunteers, and the public. You will navigate a high-volume program schedule with constant deadlines and adapt to changes in programming, such as weather-related cancellations. The role also involves administrative duties and collaboration with internal teams and external partners
The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits
Up to 1 permanent full-time position
Hours of Work: 40 hours per week. Monday-Friday.
Salary Range: $37.001 - $46.508 (Hourly); $77,258.090 - $97,108.700 (Annually)
Salary ranges are in the process of being updated in accordance with the recently ratified collective agreement between the City and CSU 52 and will be forthcoming shortly.
Talent Acquisition Consultant: AM / VH
Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
Classification Title: Recreation Officer I
Posting Date
: Jun 4, 2025
Closing Date
: June 14, 2025 11:59pm (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to)
: 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union : CSU 52
Department
: Parks and Roads Services
Work Location(s)
:
Coronation Yard, 14323 - 115 Ave
Edmonton T5M 3B8