Urban Forest Manager
Date Adopted by City Manager
11/11/07
Comp. Code
9410
Management
Exempt
Job Title:
Urban Forest Manager
Definition
Under general supervision, to be responsible for the development and implementation of an urban forest management program involving trees and shrubs located in City parks and public rights-of-way; to provide technical advice and training relating to tree and landscape maintenance activities; provides liaison between the City and the community relating to park and landscape facilities; to assist the General Services Director in the performance of various administrative duties; to plan, coordinate and direct tree and landscape maintenance crews in park maintenance projects; to perform related work as required.
Typical Duties
Plans, develops and directs the implementation of an urban forest management program including the maintenance, removal and planting of trees and shrubs; develops and maintains street tree inventory data and prepares work programs and planting specifications for the street tree program; prepares staff reports on tree related projects as assigned; provides contract supervision; prepares budget information for arboriculture activities; responds to complaints, service requests and inquiries from citizens, the news media and others regarding tree management policies; reviews commercial tree planting plans, landscape projects and irrigation systems; assists in recommending the design of new parks and landscapes; provides technical advice to and coordinates the work of supervisors of tree and landscape maintenance crews; trains appropriate personnel in tree and landscape maintenance activities; acts as liaison with other City Departments, public agencies and private organizations to coordinate management and policies procedures relating to park maintenance, street trees preservation or replacement; identifies insects and diseases and selects appropriate treatment methods; perform related assignments as necessary.
Tools and Equipment Used
Personal computer, including word processing software; motor vehicle; testing equipment; calculator; phone; digital camera, copy and fax machines.
Physical Demands
Work is generally performed in an office setting. Outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments and construction sites. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk and hear; sit; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee frequently works in outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, or airborne particles.
The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office, and moderate in the field.
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of
Methods and techniques used in planting, nurturing, and maintaining a variety of trees, shrubs and plants; dendrology, arboriculture, and plant physiology; soil and climatic conditions conducive to growth of trees, shrubs and plants; standard practices, tools and equipment used in tree and landscape maintenance work; chemical and biological measures used in controlling plant and tree insects and diseases; principles and practices of organization, administration and budgeting; methods and techniques of research, statistical analysis and report preparation; supervisory techniques.
Ability to
Provide scientific and technical advice and assistance on problems relating to street and park tree and landscape maintenance, preservation, and protection; interpret and apply City policies and applicable laws and regulations related to park facilities; make presentations and conduct effective meetings; plan and direct the work of other employees; effectively communicate, both orally and in writing; maintain records and prepare reports; supervise, train and evaluate the work of others; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other City personnel, and the general public.
Experience
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in arboricultural work including two years of experience in supervision and administration.
Education
Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, or related field. Extensive qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of desired degree.
Necessary Special Requirement
Possession of or ability to obtain a California Commercial Pest Applicator's license and a Certified Arborist certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture -Western Chapter within six months of employment.
Additional Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver License.