Overview

Position: Director, Urban and Community Forestry Canada
Supervisor: Vice President, Urban and Community Forestry and Career Pathways
Location: Ottawa, Ontario (hybrid) or Flexible in Canada (remote)
Status: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt from Overtime


ABOUT US:

At the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® (SFI®), we believe that sustainable forests are critical to our collective future. SFI is a sustainability leader through our work in standards, conservation, community, and education. As an independent, non-profit organization, we collaborate with our diverse network to provide solutions to local and global sustainability challenges. SFI works with the forest sector, brand owners, conservation groups, resource professionals, landowners, educators, local communities, Indigenous Peoples, governments, and universities. SFI is governed by an independent three-chamber board of directors representing environmental, social, and economic sectors equally.

SFI standards have become the fastest growing, highly trusted solution that can support a growing need for products from the forest, as the drive to reduce carbon pollution and waste intensifies. We are working to shape markets today and ensure that sustainably managed forests will continue to play a crucial role in keeping the planet healthy.

SFI is proud to provide our employees with a collaborative, dynamic, and rewarding professional experience, with a competitive compensation and benefits package and growth opportunities. Our benefits include (but are not limited to):

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
  • Retirement plan with generous employer contribution and additional matching contribution, for a total employer contribution of up to 11% of your salary.
  • Paid Time Off – generous vacation policy increasing with experience, 12 sick days annually, all federal holidays, plus 4 floating holidays annually that may be used to observe additional religious, cultural, or traditional occasions that are meaningful to you.
  • Educational assistance and investment in professional development.

ABOUT YOU:
The Director of Urban and Community Forestry will support SFI’s mission of advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations by working with a network of urban and community forestry leaders through our Urban Forest Improvement Program including implementation of the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard (75%) and the SFI Career Pathways Program (25%). This role is vital to increase capacity in SFI’s efforts in enhancing urban and community forestry, and the sustainability of these forests.

The Director of Urban and Community Forestry Canada position will prioritize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), across all collaborative work, and will prioritize Indigenous ways of knowing in the development, execution and communication of all SFI led or partnered projects.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Canada-focused leadership of SFI’s urban and community forestry programs, including implementation the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and establishment of the SFI Urban and Community Forest Improvement Program.
  • Promote the SFI Urban and Community Forest Sustainability Standard and certification with potential users of the standard, including municipalities, indigenous communities, underserved communities, health care institutions, and interested corporate entities.
  • Develop and support collaborative partnerships in urban and community forestry.
  • Identify and develop funding opportunities in urban forestry and career pathways.
  • Support the SFI Career Pathways Program in the Canada to increase job opportunities for all in the urban forestry and forestry sectors.
  • Support Canada’s Green Jobs program.
  • Assist Project Learning Tree on the development of urban forestry environmental education modules and green employment opportunities within urban forestry.
  • Collaborate with SFI’s conservation staff and with external conservation partners to ensure the urban and community forestry program addresses key conservation considerations.
  • Serve as one of SFI’s urban forestry experts with external audiences and at partnership events

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
The ideal candidate will bring:

  • Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative approach with partners and stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to be a problem solver and a utility player
  • Positive attitude and high energy, enjoyment working cooperatively in a team environmentTrack record for managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment, handling tasks with diplomacy, tenacity, patience, and a drive for results
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to effectively plan, analyze, and meet deadlines
    Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Superior written and verbal communication skills
  • A sound work ethic with the ability to act both independently and as part of a team

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position will not initially have any direct reports but will manage various consultant relationships to fulfill essential job functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical requirements include ability to work from a desk at a computer for prolonged periods of time; occasional lifting/carrying of up to 25 pounds. Subject to sitting, standing, reaching, walking, twisting, and kneeling to perform the essential functions.

This position requires occasional travel to the US and Canada, up to 25% of time.


WORK LOCATION AND COVID-19 PROTOCOLS
This position is open to candidates located anywhere in Canada. Should the successful candidate be located in commuting distance of the Ottawa, Ontario office, they would be expected to report to the local offices 2 days per week (Tuesday and Wednesday), possibly increasing to 3 days per week in the future. We strongly encourage employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Degree in forestry, urban forestry, natural resources, or related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in urban forestry with a vast network within the urban forestry community.
  • Sector credentials such as ISA Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist, and/or Board-Certified Master Arborist
  • Familiarity with and appreciation of standards and certification programs.
  • Familiarity with career pathways or workforce development.
  • Demonstrated experience launching and managing a new program of work for a prior employer.
  • Prior involvement with the SFI Urban & Community Forest Sustainability Standard a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

The ideal candidate will bring:

  • Credential as a registered professional forester (RPF) who is competent and/or authorized to practice urban forestry.
  • Demonstrated ability to be a problem solver and a utility player
  • Positive attitude and high energy, enjoyment working cooperatively in a team environment, and will prioritize the mission over individual agendas
  • Experience building positive and collaborative relationships with partners and stakeholders
  • Track record for managing multiple complex projects in a fast-paced environment, handling tasks with diplomacy, tenacity, patience, and a drive for results
  • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to effectively plan, analyze, and meet deadlines
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (particularly Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
  • Superior written and verbal communications skills
  • A sound work ethic with the ability to act both independently and as part of a team
  • Direct experience in the forestry, natural resources, or education sectors preferred
  • Language skills a plus

APPLY:
Applications DUE November 22, 2023.

We strive to be a diverse and inclusive organization that strongly supports the growth and development of our team and our vast network. As such, we realize that not every candidate will perfectly meet all the requirements outlined in this (or any) posting.

The salary range for this position is $105,000 to $130,000 CAD; the successful candidate’s actual salary will be dependent upon a number of factors, including geography, education/training, experience, time-in-role, management qualifications (as applicable) and skillset.

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SFI is proud to provide our employees with a collaborative, dynamic, and rewarding professional experience, with a competitive compensation and benefits package and growth opportunities. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and being an equal opportunity employer. Our team represents a broad range of cultures, education, disciplines, and work and life experiences, and we strive to leverage these differences in our daily work. We will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We believe in creating an empowered and supportive team that is committed to advancing sustainability through forest-focused collaborations.

Learn more about SFI Staff Culture, read our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy, and review our Indigenous Relations Commitment.