City Forester

Job Description

This position plans, organizes and implements a municipal forestry program to ensure public safety, and the continuity and health of community trees. The job is primarily focused on managing forestry on public property but may extend to private property for insect/disease management or protection of public safety.

Examples of Duties

• Develops, recommends, and implements Forestry and Weed Division operating policies, procedures, and programs in order to accomplish departmental goals and objectives.

• Provides technical advice to the Director of Service Operations on matters affecting the Forestry and Weeds Division, performs administrative duties necessary for the management of the assets, its staff and budget.

• Plans, prioritizes, coordinates, and evaluates the daily operations and activities, programs, and services of the division to ensure effective and efficient operation and quality service to the community. Provides technical expertise to all forestry operations.

• Conducts and oversees periodic inspections to ensure the public's safety from high-risk trees along public rights of ways; conducts tree appraisals for the valuation on public property; enforces City codes and ordinances related to Forestry.

• Develops forestry and weed division budget requests; participates in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; reviews contract payment and manages approved budgets.

• Administers contracts with private firms to carry-out technical forestry activities; develops contract specifications, sets standards for proper tree care, and develops work plans; coordinates contractor's work, supervises activities and monitors quality of work to ensure contract requirements are met.

• Seeks, prepares, and submits applications for grant funds for urban forestry purposes and works with finance department staff to account for grant fund uses.

• Recommends the appointment of personnel; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline as required; reviews and authorizes leave requests.

• Provides safety and forestry related training and work directions, ensuring the employee knows and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objective and avoid injury or loss.

• Receives and responds to inquiries from the general public regarding forestry issues. Provides professional and technical advice and information as necessary.

• Reviews proposed street and utility projects to assess potential impact on existing trees and assist with tree preservation. Makes recommendations regarding necessary revisions.

• Directs the issuance of permits for street tree plantings, pruning, and removal.

• Reviews landscape site plans and monitors for compliance with city code.

• Reviews citywide site plans for Service Operations making sure they are in compliance with city code and assuring adequate space for trash and recycling collection operations.

• Serves as a professional liaison to other departments and governmental agencies and boards including a Forestry Advisory Board to coordinate efforts, share information and resources, and discuss relevant issues regarding the technical aspects of arboriculture.

• Presents information to the City Commission as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.

• Current International of Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential or higher.

• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with three to five years' experience or service.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of concepts, theories, and principles of forestry management; life cycles of insects and disease related to trees; and tree performance and regionally adapted trees.

• Knowledge of governmental administrative practices including budgeting, purchasing and policy formulation.

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations and codes relating to forestry and weeds.

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety procedures.

• Knowledge of human resources management practices such as trainings, discipline, delegation, etc.

• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and planning work and record keeping.

• Skill in forestry management practices and procedures including inventory management, streetscape design, developing reforestation plan, tree risk management, code, and ordinance enforcement, etc.

• Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale.

• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms and have strong public relations skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.