Job Description

Tree Preservation Official

The City of Richmond is committed to be the most appealing, livable, well-managed community in Canada, a vision that is only made possible by developing our most valuable asset – our people . This is a great opportunity to join our team and shape our community. The City of Richmond offers competitive pay programs, comprehensive benefits and attractive incentives. If you are looking to make a difference, and to share our vision, then please apply.

Overview

The Tree Preservation Officer is responsible for providing arboricultural assessments with a high level of customer service as one of the department’s customer contacts.

Examples of key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Field Assessment for Administration of the Tree Protection Bylaw

• Accepts and reviews tree cutting/removal permit applications and conduct on-site field reviews.
• Assesses tree permits applications by providing technical arboricultural input and conducting field reviews.
• Receives and ensures the completeness of applications and assess them for approval or rejection.
• Assists in monitoring the status of various issued permits, as well as contacting customers on inspection services delivery.

• Makes day to day decisions on permit assessments.

Bylaw Enforcement

• Responds to incidents of Tree Bylaw non-compliance, conducting on-site field reviews and gathering evidence.
• Pursues enforcement against non-compliant parties making use of the municipal ticketing (MTI) system and crown prosecution as necessary.
• Enacts remedial measures to ensure retroactive bylaw compliance.

Plan Review

• Reviews development related tree cutting/removal permit applications for demolition and building permit applications.
• Reviews Building Permit applications for impacts to existing trees, as they relate to tree retention opportunities and site conflicts.
• Reviews third party arboricultural submissions in support of applications for subdivisions, development permits, rezonings and related site service agreements.
• Manages and maintains permit files.

Customer Service

• Assists in the research, development and updating of supporting documentation for the Tree Protection Bylaw including bulletins and guidelines.
• Engages and responds to inquiries and issues related to the tree protection bylaw and the City’s urban forest policies, procedures and strategies.
• Provides information and assistance to staff and the public on permit-related matters.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of tree issues and problems to diagnose and make recommendations and rationale for preservation or removal as required.
• Considerable knowledge of the procedures, rules and regulations pertaining to tree permit application assessment.
• Sound knowledge of the applicable sections of the municipal bylaws and regulations governing the work performed.
• Sound knowledge of the automated permit and licence information system (Amanda), as it relates to the work performed.
• Working knowledge of the practices and procedures of other departments concerned with tree permit matters.
• A good understanding of the department’s customer service vision and goals, and the ability to provide a high level of customer service.
• Ability to read complex building plans and drawings and to perform assigned duties with minimal supervision.
• Skill in the use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to use REDMS or a similar records management system.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required Training & Experience

• Completion of a 2-year Diploma in urban forestry, plant sciences, or horticulture.
• Minimum of 1-year job-related experience in municipal arboricultural.

Required Licences, Certifications & Registrations

• Valid Class 5 driver’s license for the Province of British Columbia.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Certificate.
• International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

Working Conditions:

The work is performed both in an office environment and in the field. Site inspections are undertaken in all weather conditions with the incumbent often utilizing superior customer service skills in dealing with applicants.

Additional Information:

Employee Group: CUPE Local 718
Position Status: Regular Full-Time
Duration of Appointment: N/A
Salary Range: $41.67 to $49.20
Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15am to 5:00pm on a compressed work week schedule
Application Posted: 9/8/25
External Closing Date: 9/26/25
PCC#: 1215

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Local area, Monday to friday,

Similar Jobs