Forester (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

2d•$56,370 - $67,370

About The Position

The Forester develops, monitors, and performs activities related to the conservation, preservation, and proliferation of trees in the City of Austin. The position provides leadership and technical support to two three-person forestry maintenance crews, including coordinating and dispatching crews, conducting job briefings, managing work orders and schedules, providing field training and work direction, and monitoring crew accountability and performance. The crews perform tree maintenance using climbing techniques, aerial lifts, commercial vehicles, and heavy equipment common to the tree-care industry. The Forester reviews construction plans and contracts for compliance with tree-related codes and ordinances; coordinates tree planting and forestry programs; inspects and treats trees; and works with architects, developers, contractors, public agencies, private entities, City departments, and the public. The position also develops and enforces arboricultural and urban forestry policies, responds to questions and complaints, conducts research, and compiles information for reports and cost estimates. The role is based on a Monday-to-Friday schedule from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Work may be required during special events, evenings, weekends, holidays, or City emergencies, and schedules and locations may change based on department needs. The position may involve travel among work locations and physical tasks such as bending, lifting, walking, and carrying up to 30 pounds, as well as working indoors and outdoors in extreme temperatures and around equipment-related hazards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related field, plus two years of experience developing or coordinating urban forestry programs; experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four years.
Valid Texas Class C Driver License, or ability to acquire one by the hire date; external new hires must meet the City of Austin Driver Record Evaluation requirements.
Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations, multiple tasks, and changing priorities.
Skill in using computers and related software applications, data analysis, and problem solving.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Ability to train others.
Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Ability to perform physical tasks involving bending, lifting, walking, or carrying up to 30 pounds and to communicate, respond, and work with participants’ needs and safety issues.

Nice To Haves

Experience with secured tree climbing and/or working at height from an aerial lift for tree maintenance operations.
International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

Review construction plans, specifications, and contracts for compliance with tree-related codes, ordinances, and zoning requirements.
Monitor and coordinate City tree-planting activities.
Coordinate forestry division and section activities with other City divisions and departments, public agencies, and private entities.
Inspect and treat trees for diseases, parasites, and other issues.
Consult with architects, developers, and contractors about tree-preservation techniques.
Draft, write, and enforce ordinances and policies related to arboricultural and urban forestry practices.
Manage or coordinate tree programs, including the Oak Wilt Program and Austin Releaf Program.
Answer citizens’ questions and provide assistance.
Investigate citizen or consumer complaints and determine their validity.
Research information as needed or requested.
Compile and calculate information for reports, cost estimates, and other purposes.
Provide leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.
Supervise and lead two three-person forestry maintenance crews, including crew coordination and dispatch, job briefings, crew support, work-order management, field training, work direction, accountability, performance reviews, timesheets, and scheduling.