DIRECTOR ENVIRONMENT CLIMATE & FORESTRY

Job ID: 58640
Job Category: Project Management
Division & Section: Environment, Climate & Forestry
Work Location: UNION STATION
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, 1 Permanent Vacancy
Salary: $162,467.00 - $215,307.00, TM5449, Wage Grade 10
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week 
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 29-SEP-2025 to 13-OCT-2025

The City of Toronto is seeking a dynamic, strategic, and people-first leader to serve as our Director of Environment, Climate & Forestry. This individual will lead strategic and operational planning, drive service modernization, and advance the City’s environmental sustainability, climate action, and urban forestry priorities.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Environment, Climate & Forestry, this role leads the Program Delivery Section, leveraging a passionate and highly skilled team to scale and implement high-impact solutions that drive measurable climate and sustainability outcomes—contributing to a more livable Toronto for everyone..

The Environment, Climate & Forestry Division delivers programs and services that protect the natural environment, reduce emissions, and strengthen the City’s response to climate change. The Division is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to guide modernization efforts, foster strong partnerships, and deliver measurable results for residents, businesses, and future generations.

Who You Are

You are a visionary leader with expertise in environment, climate, sustainability, or forestry management. You thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments, balance strategic vision with operational excellence, and are skilled at building trust, leading transformation, and advancing equity and inclusion.

About the Role

Strategic Leadership & Transformation

• Develops and implements policies, programs, and strategies that advance environmental protection, sustainability, climate change mitigation/adaptation, and urban forestry management.
• Guides long-term visioning, service planning, and business transformation initiatives to drive efficiency, accountability, and performance excellence.
• Oversees realignment of services, resources, and reporting structures to support a modernized, functional-matrix delivery model.
• Champions innovation, evidence-based decision-making, and change management strategies to support organizational transformation.

• Leads a diverse workforce, fostering high performance, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Oversees talent management, employee engagement, and succession planning.
• Promotes reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion as core values.
  
  

Operational & Program Management

• Directs all activities of the division through subordinate management staff, ensuring clear delegation of responsibilities.
• Oversees divisional budgets, ensuring alignment with corporate policies, fiscal accountability, and timely reporting.
• Leads enterprise risk management, compliance reviews, and quality assurance initiatives to mitigate risk and strengthen accountability.
• Prepares staff reports, recommendations, and strategic advice for the Executive Director, Council, and Standing Committees.

Government & Organizational Insight

• Builds strong, collaborative relationships with Council, senior leaders, internal divisions, unions, and external partners to advance City-wide solutions.
• Provides expert advice on employee, corporate, Council, and community-related issues with organizational impact.
• Demonstrates in-depth understanding of the governance, policy, and operational challenges within large public sector organizations.
• Represents the Division on intergovernmental committees, task forces, and teams, positioning Toronto as a leader in climate and environmental action.
  
  

Required Skills and Qualifications

1. Post-secondary degree in Environmental Studies, Public Administration, Forestry, Business Management, or related discipline.
2. Senior leadership experience in environment, climate, sustainability, forestry, or related fields.
3. Extensive experience managing teams in the complex, unionized environment and excellent leadership skills with ability to motivate, promote and foster teamwork, while establishing an environment that influences and inspires operational excellence.
4. Proven success in organizational transformation and program innovation.
5. Strong financial management, compliance, and risk management skills
6. Extensive experience in large-scale contract and vendor management and negotiations; deep understanding of contracts, contractual language, and contract governance.
7. Experience in the emergency response and an ability to make confident sound decisions under pressure.
8. Highly developed relationship building skills, with the ability to communicate, negotiate and partner with internal and external stakeholders at all levels. Ability to engage and work productively with other city divisions (such as Toronto Water, CREM, Solid Waste Management, Transportation Divisions) contractors, and external stakeholders.
9. Demonstrated political acuity in responding to issues and complaints with a strong customer service focus.
10. Excellent strategic thinking and planning skills, analytical and problem solving skills.
11. Highly developed communication skills both orally and in writing at all levels of the organization.
12. Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, the Collective Agreements and related Labour Legislation, municipal programs and services.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.