Resource Manager, Greening Programs

Location: Remote location with regular travel to Ottawa and to planting events

Language requirement: Bilingual, English and French

Accountable for: Operational efficiency in delivery of high-quality urban programs

Accountable to: Chief Program Officer

About Tree Canada

Since 1992, Tree Canada has worked relentlessly to grow Canada’s tree canopy through our greening programs, research, and engagement efforts. We are the only national non-profit organization dedicated to planting and nurturing trees in rural and urban environments. Our track record of collaborating with all levels of government, the urban forestry sector, business partners, and community groups uniquely positions us to engage Canadians in the fight against climate change. Together we plant millions of trees each year, helping to grow resilient ecosystems and healthier, greener communities across Canada.

About the Position

The Forestry Specialists are an integral part of Tree Canada. The Resource Manager will maintain an efficient and impactful operational model for implementation of Tree Canada programs. They will be responsible for strengthening the network of Forestry Specialists and performance management for the team. The Resource Manager will balance the demand for program growth while adhering to program quality standards. The Resource Manager will also provide technical expertise on planting projects and maintenance plans. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of people management and operational leadership in forestry, arboriculture, or environmental services.

The Resource Manager, Forestry Programs will be based in Ottawa or work remotely with an ability to regularly travel to Ottawa to work with the Urban Team. The incumbent will have up to 25% of their time allocated to travel to support and ensure the quality of planting events. Given the demands of working with Forestry Specialists/contractors across the country, the position requires fluent command of both official languages (English/French).

Areas of Responsibility

Resourcing and Team Management (40%)

• Provide leadership, direction, and support to Tree Canada’s 10+ team of Forestry Specialists based across the country.
• Lead recruitment and performance management of Forestry Specialists and contractors.
• Identify operational efficiencies in procurement of services and delivery of planting projects.
• Review and update Tree Canada’s operational procedures (i.e. contracts, reporting and billing forms, procurement policies and codes of conduct) to ensure timely and on-budget delivery of quality programs.
• Ensure implementation and compliance to Tree Canada’s organizational operations, processes, and Standards of Practice (SOP).
• Address capacity building needs of Forestry Specialists, contractors, and project partners to ensure planting plans and implementation are driven by program impact.
• Maintain regular communication with Forestry Specialists and Tree Canada staff on operational updates and plans.
• Conduct regular check-ins and create an environment of collaboration, continuous learning and communication amongst Forestry Specialists and between Forestry Specialists and Tree Canada staff.
• Develop operational KPIs to effectively monitor the quality of programs and efficiency of planting events.

Project and Event Management (40%)

• Receive, assign and manage planting projects and events for select regions across Canada.
• Initiate communication with all project stakeholders to gain consensus on event objectives, deliverables, schedule, cost, and implementation considerations.
• Act as intermediary liaison between internal Tree Canada units/colleagues and serve as a contact for external project partners and Forestry Specialists.
• Oversee project deliverables and ensure they are completed and handled in accordance with documented standards, timelines and budget.
• Ensure all project-related updates are communicated clearly to sponsors and relevant Tree Canada units and staff.
• Manage project budgets and upon project completion, receive, approve and process project invoices for payment.
• Confirm budgeting summaries and wrap-up reports for both quarterly and annual reporting.
• Receive, review and file final reports and photos for projects; prepare internal reporting documents.

Lead planting events and representation (15%)

• Coordinate and provide planting expertise at local tree planting events where Tree Canada is unable to secure an external event contractor.
• Deliver educational presentations to diverse audiences.
• Educate volunteers on safety and proper technique for tree planting, trees, environmental stewardship, and Tree Canada’s operations.
• Represent Tree Canada at networking events and conferences.

Perform other duties as assigned (5%)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Creative and agile leadership; interest and capacity for managing teams with diverse personalities and relationships to Tree Canada
• Strong knowledge and field experience in environmental services, arboriculture, forestry or related fields
• Proven track record of successful project management with experience in coordinating multiple and simultaneous projects on time and on budget
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining positive relationships with stakeholders including municipalities, indigenous communities, and community groups
• Excellent interpersonal and oral/written communication skills; an active listener who communicates respectfully and effectively
• Strong organizational skills and detail-oriented
• Strong problem-solving ability
• Resourceful, self-motivated, and passionate professional with progressive work experience
• Committed to continuous learning to improve program quality and administrative processes.
• Ability to work both independently and with a team in a collaborative and fast paced environment
• Bilingual English and French fluency required
• Strong computer skills including proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
• Respect for the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment; adaptable to different approaches and flexible to move in new directions
• Commitment to the work and values of Tree Canada, in particular a passion for the environment and a belief that organizations and individuals can and do improve lives by planting trees and addressing climate change

Education and Experience

• Post-secondary education and/or professional designation (Red Seal, accredited or registered professions) in arboriculture, forestry, ecology, land-use planning, or a related field.
• Minimum seven years of experience working in project management, ideally in a not-for-profit organization.
• Over five years of experience in people management, including performance management, ideally in a not-for-profit organization.
• Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Tree Canada Work Environment and Culture

Tree Canada values our passionate and skilled team. We truly believe that each employee, contractor and volunteer contribute directly to the growth and success of our organization. We put trust in our talented team and are pleased to offer a hybrid work environment. Together, our team is intentionally creating a work culture that is collaborative, respectful, caring, impactful and productive. We aim to create a culture of care so that each team member may thrive, contribute and grow professionally at Tree Canada.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tree Canada is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We believe in equality and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and disability. Tree Canada encourages and welcomes applications from members of racialized communities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and with the skills/knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is barrier free. If you need any accommodations or adjustments throughout the interview process and beyond, please indicate this in your application.

You don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Tree Canada!

We sincerely thank all those who express interest and apply, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.