Urban Forester

Urban Forester

Classification Title: Urban Forester

Department: Parks & Recreation

Pay Grade: 21

FLSA Status: Exempt

General Statement of Job

Under limited supervision reporting to the Manager of Parks and Public Lands, provides professional work overseeing the care and improvement of public lands. Serves as a technical resource, ensuring protection, health and beautification of trees, shrubs, turf and landscaping located within the City of Kissimmee's public parks and lands. Responsible for the practical application of forestry and landscaping practices in compliance with all established zoning and code regulations.

Performs related supervisory and technical work as required.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

Monitors the management of vegetation in City parks facilities, aquatic environments, city right-of-way (ROW) and other landscaped areas. Supervises the training and work of crews engaged in tree work and inspections, turf maintenance and the application of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides.

Provides information, training and professional advice to the general public, developers, contractors and inspectors as well as coordinating with other industry professionals locally, at the state and/or federal level.

Ensures proper record keeping and compliance with all applicable local, State and Federal codes and regulatory requirements.

Develops appropriate budgets for chemical applications and oversees the proper calculations and mixture of herbicide and pesticide applications.

Minimum Education and Training

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Natural Resource Management Horticulture or a closely related field and three (3) years of experience in natural resource protection and management or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must possess and maintain a valid state of Florida driver's license.

ISA Arborist Certification required withing the first year of employment. Certification in the following State Pesticide Applicator certification and license categories: aquatic, limited lawn and ornamental iis required within first year of employment. Must possess or obtain the most current FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 incident command system certifications within 6 months of employment.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Skill Requirements:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures, and policies they pertain to the performance of duties of the Urban Forester. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.

Good working knowledge of native plant and invasive species identification.

Good working knowledge of tree care, pruning, and planting techniques.

Good working knowledge of all related vehicles, equipment and tools and the ability to train staff on the safe operation.

Good working knowledge of herbicide and pesticide calculations and applications as they relate to urban landscapes, parks and natural areas.

Has the ability to offer instruction and advice to subordinates regarding departmental policies, methods, and regulations; is able to offer employee training as required.

The ability to effectively operate a computer, calculator, GPS unit and cell phone. GIS software experience is preferred.

Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a clear, concise and effective manner. Has knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department.

Good working skills in establishing and maintaining effective relations with all levels of management, employees, other departments and general public.

Has the skill to perform routine mathematical computations accurately and effectively.

Physical Requirements:

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including: vehicles, trucks, hand and power tools etc. Tasks include the ability to exert moderate, though not constant, physical efforts, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of objects and materials of light weight (30 pounds) to moderate weight (up to 50 pounds).

Responsibilities:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct and qualify deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains a high quality of communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work.

Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy standards, and prescribed procedure.

Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives.

Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed effective policies and procedures with a minimum of errors.

Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Working Conditions:

Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Is able to perform work in adverse conditions, including but not limited to exposure to extreme heat and cold, wetness, humidity, traffic hazards, machinery hazards, toxic agents, noise, smoke, dust, pollen, dirt, etc.

Other:

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations enumerated in the job description is not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions.

Type : INTERNAL & EXTERNAL

Posting Start : 05/17/2024

Posting End : 12/31/9999

MINIMUM HOURLY RATE: $28.39