City Forester
City of New Albany, New Albany, OH, United States
The city forester is responsible for the long-term care and management of city trees and supervising employees. The city forester is responsible for the development and application of a comprehensive tree management plan including planting, pruning, and protecting and removal programs for public trees and associated vegetation. The city forester provides training for city staff related to tree care and maintenance, oversees contracts for tree and landscape installations, conducts tree inventories and mapping, and develops and manages grants. Work involves planning, coordinating, and assigning work and projects, assessing and performing work, operating light and heavy equipment and vehicles, inspecting completed projects, providing safety training on equipment and climbing program. Employee must have the ability to make appropriate independent decisions and recommend alternatives, communicate effectively with the public and employees, monitor budget expenditures and ensure job safety. Supervision is exercised over forestry specialists and other seasonal or maintenance staff. Work is reviewed through submission of daily reports, review of completed projects for quality and adherence with policies and procedures and performance appraisals.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Responsibilities
Oversees the development and implementation of tree care and maintenance programs for all public properties and right-of-way; collaborates with community partners and applicable staff.
Coordinates, organizes, directs, schedules, and assigns a variety of tree-related projects for the city; prioritizes work; assigns and schedules daily work from work orders; assists in setting productivity levels and deadlines for task completion; provides input in making staffing decisions; sets performance standards.
Supervises work crews; inspects projects in various locations; oversees completion of daily tasks; assists crews with technical problems; inspects projects to ensure proper completion; responds to emergencies; approves leave and overtime.
Establishes, communicates, and enforces policies and procedures; enforces safety standards and requirements; provides proper training; conducts annual performance evaluations; addresses disciplinary issues, and assists in grievance procedures; addresses immediate performance issues.
Operates light and heavy vehicles/equipment, power tools in the performance of tree-related work; may be required to operate equipment/vehicles in the dark in case of emergencies.
Instructs and trains staff on planting, pruning, disease detection and treatment of trees.
Assists in preparing bid specifications, soliciting quotations from vendors, and ensuring that purchases meet departmental specifications and requirements; prepares annual budget for tree care and maintenance.
Monitors budget activity and makes recommendations regarding necessary purchases.
Inspects trees and shrubs for disease infestation and other structural defects; recommends, directs and/or conducts treatment, pruning and removal of public trees.
Assists in inspecting, overseeing and directing tree root removal involved in city sidewalk and curb ramp improvement projects.
Serves as the city staff liaison to the Parks and Trails Advisory Board and Sustainability Advisory Board; represents the city at various meetings and board and commission meetings, as necessary.
Provides input into and reviews plans for street tree capital improvement projects; assists with compliance to city street tree regulations; recommends amendments to city tree ordinances as necessary.
Plans and participates in public educational programs on forest care and conservation; assists in the coordination of special events such as Arbor Day and Tree City USA.
Manages the approval process for tree planting and removal.
Develops techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
Assists in the reporting and updating of GIS mapping of city trees.
Compiles and prepares reports, presentations, documents, records and other related material from source material; uses judgment in evaluating validity of data to ensure reporting accuracy; determines layout and format for documents.
Handles tree-related service calls and complaints from the public; interacts with the public regularly; responds to requests; assigns staff and performs follow-up inspection and review of work completed.
Makes public presentations to various groups as needed.
Provides administrative assistance to the department in the performance of projects.
Requires regular and predictable attendance.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The incumbent for this position must have graduated from an accredited college, university, or technical college with a degree in Natural Resources, Forestry Management, Horticulture or related specialty. Incumbent must be an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist or have three years experience as an ISA Certified Arborist. Additionally, incumbent must possess a valid Ohio Pesticide/ Herbicide Applicators License or obtain this license within six months of hire. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain an Ohio commercial driver’s license, Class B with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements within one year of employment. Other requirements include the ability to maintain insurability under the city’s vehicle insurance policy. A candidate for employment will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
Skills
maintenance, repair, and construction procedures, practices and methods
prioritizing work to accomplish goals within deadlines
communication orally or in writing to a variety of audiences in order to clearly convey information
dealing with difficult or stressful situations while maintaining composure and discretion
developing and standardizing procedures and methods to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of city services
completing work in compliance with deadlines, handling stressful situations, and working with frequent interruptions
Knowledge
urban forestry and arboricultural principles and practices as applied to planting, care and maintenance of trees
tree diseases, infestations and corrective treatment
occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work
tree species and ability to identify trees and shrubs growing in our area
the safe and correct use of hand and power tools and equipment common to the work
principles of supervision
operational and personnel policies and procedures to effectively manage operations
principles and practices of local government administration
Abilities
work in and around construction sites in both paved and unimproved areas in various types of terrain and in various weather conditions
exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
climb and balance
hear and see to observe for safety reasons
stand or sit for extended periods of time
identify areas for improvement, feasible solutions and present ideas for implementation
handle complaints from the public effectively and tactfully
identify work hazards and implement safety measures
plan, organize and evaluate work performed
use a personal computer to create correspondence, work orders, spreadsheets and utilize specialized databases, create presentations and other work product
establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, consultants, vendors, supervisors, other employees, and the general public
complete work in compliance with deadlines
handle and work under stressful situations often with frequent interruptions
drive motor vehicles to various work assignments to inspect work
operate heavy equipment and commercially-sized vehicles
comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents including reference books, manuals, requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, applications, plans, site plans, and other reports and records
use independent judgment, common sense, and principles of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks
add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, and measure data
prepare clear and concise written reports
understand and follow oral and written instructions
accurately record and deliver information
behave in a friendly, understanding, and helpful and professional manner with the general public, coworkers, and supervisors
work effectively being exposed to weather extremes, dust, electrical current, machinery, etc.
receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner
identify problems and report findings and take necessary corrective action
accurately respond to questions in a prompt and thorough manner, both orally and in writing
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The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Responsibilities
Oversees the development and implementation of tree care and maintenance programs for all public properties and right-of-way; collaborates with community partners and applicable staff.
Coordinates, organizes, directs, schedules, and assigns a variety of tree-related projects for the city; prioritizes work; assigns and schedules daily work from work orders; assists in setting productivity levels and deadlines for task completion; provides input in making staffing decisions; sets performance standards.
Supervises work crews; inspects projects in various locations; oversees completion of daily tasks; assists crews with technical problems; inspects projects to ensure proper completion; responds to emergencies; approves leave and overtime.
Establishes, communicates, and enforces policies and procedures; enforces safety standards and requirements; provides proper training; conducts annual performance evaluations; addresses disciplinary issues, and assists in grievance procedures; addresses immediate performance issues.
Operates light and heavy vehicles/equipment, power tools in the performance of tree-related work; may be required to operate equipment/vehicles in the dark in case of emergencies.
Instructs and trains staff on planting, pruning, disease detection and treatment of trees.
Assists in preparing bid specifications, soliciting quotations from vendors, and ensuring that purchases meet departmental specifications and requirements; prepares annual budget for tree care and maintenance.
Monitors budget activity and makes recommendations regarding necessary purchases.
Inspects trees and shrubs for disease infestation and other structural defects; recommends, directs and/or conducts treatment, pruning and removal of public trees.
Assists in inspecting, overseeing and directing tree root removal involved in city sidewalk and curb ramp improvement projects.
Serves as the city staff liaison to the Parks and Trails Advisory Board and Sustainability Advisory Board; represents the city at various meetings and board and commission meetings, as necessary.
Provides input into and reviews plans for street tree capital improvement projects; assists with compliance to city street tree regulations; recommends amendments to city tree ordinances as necessary.
Plans and participates in public educational programs on forest care and conservation; assists in the coordination of special events such as Arbor Day and Tree City USA.
Manages the approval process for tree planting and removal.
Develops techniques for measuring and identifying trees.
Assists in the reporting and updating of GIS mapping of city trees.
Compiles and prepares reports, presentations, documents, records and other related material from source material; uses judgment in evaluating validity of data to ensure reporting accuracy; determines layout and format for documents.
Handles tree-related service calls and complaints from the public; interacts with the public regularly; responds to requests; assigns staff and performs follow-up inspection and review of work completed.
Makes public presentations to various groups as needed.
Provides administrative assistance to the department in the performance of projects.
Requires regular and predictable attendance.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
The incumbent for this position must have graduated from an accredited college, university, or technical college with a degree in Natural Resources, Forestry Management, Horticulture or related specialty. Incumbent must be an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist or have three years experience as an ISA Certified Arborist. Additionally, incumbent must possess a valid Ohio Pesticide/ Herbicide Applicators License or obtain this license within six months of hire. The incumbent must be able to obtain and maintain an Ohio commercial driver’s license, Class B with Air Brake and Tanker endorsements within one year of employment. Other requirements include the ability to maintain insurability under the city’s vehicle insurance policy. A candidate for employment will be subject to a background check and drug screen.
Skills
maintenance, repair, and construction procedures, practices and methods
prioritizing work to accomplish goals within deadlines
communication orally or in writing to a variety of audiences in order to clearly convey information
dealing with difficult or stressful situations while maintaining composure and discretion
developing and standardizing procedures and methods to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of city services
completing work in compliance with deadlines, handling stressful situations, and working with frequent interruptions
Knowledge
urban forestry and arboricultural principles and practices as applied to planting, care and maintenance of trees
tree diseases, infestations and corrective treatment
occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work
tree species and ability to identify trees and shrubs growing in our area
the safe and correct use of hand and power tools and equipment common to the work
principles of supervision
operational and personnel policies and procedures to effectively manage operations
principles and practices of local government administration
Abilities
work in and around construction sites in both paved and unimproved areas in various types of terrain and in various weather conditions
exert physical effort in light to moderate work involving lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl
climb and balance
hear and see to observe for safety reasons
stand or sit for extended periods of time
identify areas for improvement, feasible solutions and present ideas for implementation
handle complaints from the public effectively and tactfully
identify work hazards and implement safety measures
plan, organize and evaluate work performed
use a personal computer to create correspondence, work orders, spreadsheets and utilize specialized databases, create presentations and other work product
establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, consultants, vendors, supervisors, other employees, and the general public
complete work in compliance with deadlines
handle and work under stressful situations often with frequent interruptions
drive motor vehicles to various work assignments to inspect work
operate heavy equipment and commercially-sized vehicles
comprehend and correctly use a variety of informational documents including reference books, manuals, requisitions, purchase orders, invoices, applications, plans, site plans, and other reports and records
use independent judgment, common sense, and principles of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks
add, subtract, multiply, divide, calculate decimals and percentages, and measure data
prepare clear and concise written reports
understand and follow oral and written instructions
accurately record and deliver information
behave in a friendly, understanding, and helpful and professional manner with the general public, coworkers, and supervisors
work effectively being exposed to weather extremes, dust, electrical current, machinery, etc.
receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner
identify problems and report findings and take necessary corrective action
accurately respond to questions in a prompt and thorough manner, both orally and in writing
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