Urban Forester - Planning 2026-03182

City of Fayetteville, Arkansas•Fayetteville, AR

About The Position

The Urban Forester administers and interprets the City’s Tree Preservation and Protection and Landscape Regulations, evaluates trees on public property, and inspects tree protections and development projects for compliance with approved plans and ordinances. The role manages urban forestry projects, maintains records and maps, develops planting and pruning projects, and supports the City’s Urban Forestry Management Plan and Technical Manual. The position also works with City departments, advisory boards, citizens, developers, utility companies, and the public; coordinates staff training and educational programs; and pursues grant funding for capital projects.

Requirements

High school diploma and eight years of directly related experience, including at least three years of project management experience in positions of increasing responsibility.
Valid driver’s license.
Pass a criminal background check.
Current International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential, or ability to meet requirements and obtain certification within one year of hire.
Ability to work independently with little supervision and make sound judgments.
Thorough understanding of construction and grading methods and their effects on existing trees.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting scaled surveys, grading, architectural, landscape, utility, and layout plans, and construction details.
Knowledge of plant materials to determine species suitability and compliance with landscape ordinance requirements.
Proficiency with computers and software such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, geographic information systems, global positioning systems, tree inventory systems, and permitting systems.
Ability to operate standard office equipment.
Proficiency in using measuring tape and wheel, digital camera, diameter-at-breast-height tape, hand saw, loppers, pruners, and engineering scale.
Ability to communicate effectively in person, by phone, and in writing.
Ability to perform the stated physical activities, frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds, distinguish color, and traverse uneven terrain.
Must meet the stated criminal-background screening criteria, including specified offenses and disqualifying offenses under Arkansas law.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Horticulture, or a directly related field, with at least three years of directly related, increasingly responsible project management experience.
Knowledge and experience in green infrastructure, low-impact development, and landscape design.
Municipal Specialist Certification.
Experience with ArcGIS and/or AutoCAD.
Experience with clinometers, range finders, GPS units, PDAs, tablet PCs, and other field devices.

Responsibilities

Provide customer service, maintain effective working relationships, and maintain regular, reliable attendance.
Administer and interpret Chapter 167 Tree Preservation and Protection and Chapter 177 Landscape Regulations of the Unified Development Code.
Evaluate trees on public property for condition or hazard rating and make decisions about pruning, removal, and replacement.
Inspect tree-protection fencing, signs, and other devices before site work; conduct periodic development inspections and final inspections for compliance with approved plans and surety requirements.
Represent the City and exercise sound judgment when interacting with the public, officials, developers, and City employees; attend designated meetings and respond to questions or present projects.
Maintain complex records and acquire, convert, or create special maps and data sets as needed.
Apply qualitative and quantitative analysis to identify, evaluate, and manage the City’s urban forest.
Order trees and design planting projects, cyclic pruning routines, forest management plans, and other urban forestry projects.
Research methods, specifications, and trends to identify opportunities to improve the urban forestry program.
Prepare requests for proposals, bids, contracts, and work specifications for Urban Forestry capital projects.
Manage projects, including scheduling, record keeping, contract administration, and site inspections to verify work quality and schedule.
Work with the Urban Forestry Advisory Board and City departments to implement and update the Urban Forestry Management Plan and Urban Forestry Technical Manual.
Liaise between the City, citizens, and utility companies to resolve tree pruning or removal conflicts.
Coordinate and deliver training to City staff on proper methods, procedures, and safety for tree-related work.
Prepare public announcements and press releases, maintain the website, and assist with public education programs, including the tree give-away program.
Research grant and other funding opportunities, identify financing methods, and prepare grant applications and reports.
Perform secondary duties as assigned.