City Forester - Transportation & Public Works (Civil Service)

City of Dallas•Creve Coeur, MO

6d•$62,379 - $76,586

About The Position

Under general direction, the City Forester plans, develops, implements, and manages the City-wide urban forestry and horticultural maintenance program. The role organizes and supervises staff responsible for maintaining City trees, open spaces, landscaped beds and areas, rights-of-way, and other City property. The City Forester works with City staff, community organizations, residents, businesses, volunteer groups, and others to formulate policies and procedures and develop short- and long-range plans for urban forest management and maintenance. The City Forester plans and evaluates public projects involving trees and foliage, coordinates communication among City staff, contractors, citizens, departments, agencies, municipalities, and community groups, and oversees tree planting, cultivation, and maintenance. The position administers plans addressing pests, diseases, and other threats; manages forestry specifications, procedures, contracts, permits, and tree-preservation compliance; and implements the Trinity Forest Management Plan, vegetation management, and restoration projects. The role also provides education and training to City workers and community groups and coordinates permitting and enforcement activities related to forestry.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, forestry, arboriculture, or horticulture, or an accepted education and experience equivalency.
Four years of experience in general urban forestry or arboriculture, including tree planting, cultivation, and maintenance and control of insects, pests, and diseases.
Two years of supervisory management responsibilities.
Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
Must obtain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification within one year of appointment.
Subject to 24/7 on-call status.
Subject to working in inclement weather.
Knowledge of Forest Practice Guidelines and Best Management Practices.
Knowledge of project management and administration related to tree care and maintenance.
Knowledge of arboriculture, tree growth, and culture requirements.
Knowledge of native trees and associated plants.
Proficiency with Arc View and GIS.
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships.
Ability to supervise, delegate, and monitor the forestry work of others.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Accepted equivalencies include a high school diploma or GED plus eight years of required experience, including two years of supervisory/project management responsibilities; an associate's degree in any field plus six years of required experience, including two years of supervisory/project management responsibilities; a bachelor's degree or higher in a non-listed field plus six years of required experience, including two years of supervisory/project management responsibilities; or a master's degree in a listed field plus two years of required experience, including two years of supervisory/project management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Plan, develop, implement, and manage the City-wide urban forestry and horticultural maintenance program and related activities.
Organize and supervise staff responsible for maintaining City trees, open spaces, landscaped beds and areas, rights-of-way, and City property.
Develop short- and long-range plans, policies, procedures, specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures for urban forest management and maintenance.
Plan, review, and evaluate public projects involving trees and foliage; facilitate communication and serve as a liaison among City staff, contractors, citizens, departments, agencies, municipalities, and groups.
Supervise planting, cultivation, and maintenance of trees along City streets, parks, and related areas, and oversee landscape design for those areas.
Administer management plans to control insects, pests, diseases, and other threats to the urban forest.
Coordinate interdepartmental programs and projects and implement and oversee the Trinity Forest Management Plan, vegetation management, and restoration projects.
Provide instruction, education, and guidance to workers and serve as an instructor for City and community training programs, workshops, conferences, and forums.
Monitor appropriate permitting for forestry activities, enforce regulations concerning illegal dumping, and coordinate with law enforcement and other agencies on illegal or non-compliant situations.
Monitor and oversee contract compliance for vendors and personnel working on forestry and horticultural projects; administer forestry service contracts.
Process tree removal permits and review building permits for compliance with City tree-preservation requirements.
Perform other work as needed or assigned.