District Forester (West)

City of Cleveland • 4501 - Parks & Recreation, OH

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About The Position

Under general direction, the District Forester manages the maintenance and care of the City’s urban forest within an assigned district or branch. The role supervises forestry staff and contractors and is responsible for tree care operations, safety compliance, training, work planning, and responsive public service.

The position leads urban forestry operations, coordinates vendors, provides safety leadership, develops maintenance schedules and daily work orders, and inspects trees to determine maintenance needs. It investigates complaints and determines appropriate actions and response timelines. The District Forester also maintains work and materials records, requisitions supplies, and evaluates employee and contractor performance. The role serves on call during storms and emergencies and may operate chainsaws or other power equipment to support public safety.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience in tree care operations.
• ISA Certified Arborist certification at the time of hire.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and work in a warehouse environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems to document workflow.
• Experience with scheduling and developing production arborists to meet quota goals.
• Experience with customer service and guiding stakeholders in tree care decisions.
• Experience safely operating chainsaws during emergency situations.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supervising or leading tree crews as a foreman or project manager.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP).

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive urban forestry and tree care maintenance operations within an assigned district or branch.
• Supervise forestry staff and contractors.
• Coordinate and monitor vendor activities.
• Guide office and field teams on safety regulations, training programs, and workplace safety standards.
• Develop and update systematic tree maintenance schedules and prepare daily work orders.
• Inspect trees to determine appropriate maintenance needs.
• Investigate complaints received by the Urban Forestry Section and determine appropriate actions and response timelines.
• Maintain daily records of work performed, materials used, and equipment utilized.
• Requisition supplies.
• Evaluate the performance of employees and contractors.
• Serve on call during storms and emergencies.
• Operate chainsaws or other power equipment when necessary to support public safety.
• Provide responsive public service and guide stakeholders in tree care decisions.
• Develop production arborists to meet quota goals.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED