Urban Forester

City of Culver City•Culver City, CA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Culver City is seeking an Urban Forester to plan, organize, and supervise contract crews performing tree maintenance, including trimming, planting, pruning, and removal. This role involves recommending and developing annual tree maintenance activities, overseeing vendor contracts and budgets, and investigating and responding to tree and pest-related issues. The Urban Forester will prescribe treatments to optimize tree health, beauty, and safety, identify pests and diseases, and determine appropriate herbicide or pesticide applications. This position requires adherence to safety regulations, supervision and training of maintenance workers, and proper management of pesticides. The role also includes maintaining the City’s tree database, preparing requisitions and specifications, and educating staff and the public on urban forestry matters.

Requirements

High school graduation, or equivalent.
Four (4) years of recent, paid experience in tree maintenance, and application of herbicides and pesticides.
At least one year of experience must include coordinating or providing technical or general supervision of others.
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license.
Possess and maintain International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential.
Possess and maintain State of California Qualified Applicator License (QAL) in Category A, B, and C.

Responsibilities

Plans, organizes and supervises contract crews that perform tree maintenance, including trimming, planting, pruning, and removal of trees throughout the City.
Recommends, plans, and develops annual tree maintenance activities and scheduling within budgeted funds.
Oversees tree maintenance vendor contracts and associated budget.
Investigates, analyzes and responds to tree and pest related complaints, concerns, hazards, and emergency calls; provides supporting documentation for urban forest related issues as requested.
Prescribes treatments and recommends maintenance to optimize the health, beauty and safety of trees on City owned property and in the public right-of-way.
Identifies pests, including infestation of insects, rodents, plant diseases and weeds, on City owned structures and property in the public-right-of-way.
Determines proper herbicide or pesticide application, and prepares a variety of reports and records documenting work performed, chemicals used, and application sites.
Makes necessary pre-and post-control inspections and documents findings.
Implements and documents related safety training.
Supervises and trains Maintenance Workers assigned to assist in pest control operations.
Maintains inventory and storage/disposal of all pesticides in accordance with regulations.
Cleans, maintains, calibrates and operates a large volume air-blast sprayer, power foggers, foggers, and related equipment.
Drives a pick-up truck and tows spray equipment.
Maintains the City’s database containing the history and maintenance record of every tree in the public-right-of-way in Culver City.
Prepares requisitions for materials, supplies and equipment and prepares project and contract specifications.
Maintains the ability to perform tree maintenance tasks as necessary.
Educates and advises City staff, the public, and others about concerns and issues related to trees and pest control.
Promotes urban forestry within the community.