City Forester

About the role

This is a stand-alone classification. Incumbents develop, implement and monitor a forestry plan. Responsibilities may include developing plans for the inventory, maintenance, planting, and removal of trees on city property and rights of way; training grounds maintenance employees in tree trimming, removal and care; and providing community education programs and materials.

Responsibilities

• Prepares technical documentation, plans, and recommendations related to the health and diversity of trees and related vegetation.
• Identifies and prioritizes forestry projects.
• Coordinates and instructs public and employee educational programs including determining course content, developing training materials and training activities, presenting training materials, tracking training, and preparing related records.
• Maintains State Certified Arboretum at Liberty Park.
• Maintains Tree City USA certification and Growth Award annually.
• Holds annual Arbor Day celebration in conjunction with the City Tree Board.
• Maintains and applies for yearly cost share TAEP community grant which includes planting and maintaining new and existing TAEP areas.
• Writes articles for publication in newsletters and other publications including researching information, writing, editing copy, and creating graphics.
• Coordinates landscape maintenance activities including training grounds maintenance employees on weeding; applying pesticides and herbicides; removing brushes; trimming trees, shrubs, and other plant materials; and performing related duties.
• Prioritizes work orders regarding trees and Adopt-a-Plot program, consisting of multiple beautification areas throughout the city.
• Conducts tree analysis and diagnostics for disease and pests for patrons throughout the city.
• Coordinates removal and assessment of hazardous and right of way trees.
• Assists in planting/removal and continued maintenance (pruning) of city trees utilizing heavy and light equipment.
• Maintains an accurate inventory of all municipal trees.
• Prepares and maintains operational records and reports.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, or Horticulture.
• Four (4) years of forest management or arboriculture experience.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

License and Certifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certification.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of characteristics and care of plants, trees, and grass common to the area.
• Knowledge of weeds and weed control methods.
• Knowledge of landscape maintenance principles and practices.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance techniques.
• Knowledge of applicable equipment, materials, and tools used in ground maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of common plant diseases.
• Knowledge of recordkeeping techniques.
• Knowledge of budgeting principles.
• Knowledge of training techniques.
• Knowledge of safety procedures.
• Skill in identifying and prioritizing landscape maintenance, forestry, and development needs.
• Skill in operating light and heavy equipment.
• Skill in operating small hand and power tools and other related equipment.
• Skill in performing landscape maintenance, installation, and repair activities.
• Skill in maintaining accurate records.
• Skill in preparing reports, plans, and related documentation.
• Skill in presenting training materials.
• Skill in preparing records, reports, newsletters, and related documents.
• Sufficient communication and interpersonal skills to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Physical Requirements

• The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently to or constantly to move objects.
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces.
• Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling.
• Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the hands.