Urban Forest Program Manager

First review of applications will be Monday, August 31, 2026.

About the role

The Urban Forest Program Manager develops and manages services, projects, initiatives, and activities in support of the City’s urban forest program. This position acts as the City’s liaison for urban forestry matters, coordinating with City departments, regional agencies, community partners, and the public to promote, implement, and manage initiatives, projects, and programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to increase the City’s tree canopy coverage.
• Initiate and manage urban forestry projects, programs, and initiatives.
• Conduct research studies and cost/benefit analyses.
• Analyze data related to urban forestry conditions, irrigation use patterns, and rainfall.
• Monitor growth, care, and maintenance of urban forestry projects.
• Prepare professional reports and correspondence outlining objectives, findings, recommendations, and goals.
• Prepare forecasts of needed funds.
• Pursue grant and other funding opportunities that support sustainably increasing and maintaining Mesa’s urban forest.
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications, forms, and reports.
• Develop and implement project budgets and monitor expenditures.
• Manage complex project contracts.
• Direct, coordinate, and review the work of experts, consultants, contractors, community organizations, governmental organizations, and volunteers.
• Partner with internal and external stakeholders on urban forestry best management practices.
• Recommend policies, procedures, and regulations to promote resilient urban forestry practices, resource management, and conservation measures.
• Track progress on established goals.
• Produce written public relations materials for City Council, staff, news media, and the general public.
• Oversee community urban forest programs, projects, and related activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Three to five years of experience managing projects or programs relating to urban forestry, landscape architecture, or a closely related field.
• Valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date.
• Must obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification within one year of hire or promotion date.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
• Knowledge of tree appraisals, tree protection ordinances, and tree risk assessments in an urban desert environment.
• Experience with community organizing and/or mobilizing.
• Proven leadership qualities.
• Bilingual with good Spanish written and verbal abilities.
• Certifications from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), American Society for Horticultural Science, Association of Consulting Foresters, Society of American Foresters, or Society of Municipal Arborists.

Employee Values

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.