City Arborist

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About the role

Professional, technical and supervisory work developing, implementing and maintaining an Urban Forestry Program. The single position allocated to this classification reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher level classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower level classes by its emphasis on urban forestry and supervisory duties.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and administers the City Street Tree Program.
• Plans work and assigns crews and equipment for planting and maintaining City trees on public property.
• Instructs crew leaders in their duties and advises them about problems.
• Inspects trees for which removal permits are sought to ensure replanting requirements are met.
• Supervises, plans and coordinates work of subordinates.
• Inspects work performed in the field to assure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met.
• Assists in administering City Tree Ordinance and standards.
• Oversees, monitors and administers the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund.
• Oversees and administers the Urban Forest Ecological Analysis and ensures that it is updated on a five-year schedule.
• Oversees and administers the Urban Forest Management Plan.
• Recommends policy on arbor activities and establishes bid procedures and long-term program goals and objectives.
• Recommends selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate personnel actions.
• Supervises records maintenance of employees’ time and materials used.
• Authorizes payment of purchase orders for supplies and equipment.
• Prepares reports reflecting progress costs.
• Reviews roadway plans and makes recommendations on trees and ecosystem preservation.
• Performs single family home shade tree inspections, code enforcement inspections and posting of trees removed on city property.
• Receives complaints from general public regarding trees and other plants, inspects trees, and assigns crews to repair damage.
• Performs periodic inspections and prepares reports and recommendations concerning conditions and needs of trees.
• Provides public information on tree care procedures by presenting speeches and preparing informational materials.
• Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

Non-essential Job Functions

• Assists in preparation of the division budget.
• Reviews and implements safety practices.
• Coordinates projects with other departments.
• May act in absence of supervisor.
• May be responsible for enforcing the Drug-Free Workplace Program, based on physical location and organizational structure.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor degree from an accredited four-year (4-year) college or university with major course work in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, or related subject.
• Three (3) years experience in urban forestry and horticulture including urban forestry operations and tree and landscaping maintenance with supervisory experience preferred.

Certifications or Licenses

• Valid Driver License required upon appointment.
• Valid Florida Driver License required within 30 days of start date.
• Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of arboricultural practices and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of the intent and needs of a Street Tree Program.
• Thorough knowledge of Florida’s trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants, and other plant life.
• Knowledge and competence in forest management, silviculture, reforestation, watershed management, botany, plant physiology, entomology, landscape design, pathology, and plant and tree anatomy.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in arboriculture.
• Knowledge of governmental budget procedures.
• Knowledge of computers and relevant software.
• Knowledge of City laws and ordinances relating to trees.
• Skill in managing the program and operations of a Street Tree Division including personnel and financial management.
• Skill in establishing goals and objectives and developing comprehensive plans.
• Ability to work effectively with elected officials, charter officers, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other city employees, and the general public.
• Ability to keep records and prepare reports.
• Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with public relations problems.
• Ability to plan, schedule, organize, supervise, counsel and discipline subordinates effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work-related environmental conditions.

• Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Pay

Salary Range Minimum: $60,403.20
Salary Range Maximum: $97,623.17

Benefits

The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package for regular employees, including:

• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid leave
• 11 paid holidays a year
• Pension plan
• Deferred compensation plan
• On-site fitness centers
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site medical staff
• Wellness program

Please note: benefits are not available for temporary employees.