Urban Forester

Charlotte County (FL)•Port Charlotte, FL

43d

About The Position

Performs technical and field work coordinating urban forestry activities and operations within the Parks and Natural Resources division. The goal of this position is to restore, build and maintain the Community Service's urban forests to ensure sustainability, safety and resiliency in a coastal, hurricane prone environment.

Requirements

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:
Bachelor's Degree
Must maintain a valid driver's license.
Within twelve (12) months of position assignment:
Must maintain the following certifications and licensures:
ArcGIS Fundamentals
ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional
Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures.
Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures.
Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications.
Knowledge of Florida's native ecosystems including tree species, pests, disease, planting mixtures and fertilization requirements.
Knowledge of principles and practices related to urban forestry including tree planting, care and removal.
Strong analytical and research skills.
Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking.
Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier.
Ability to identify common and listed plant species, vegetation communities, and wetlands.
Ability to analyze and interpret departmental functions, procedures and policies.
Ability to interpret and use aerial photography, GIS, road maps, etc.
Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks with multiple deadlines.
Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems.
Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives.
Ability to develop effective proposals.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to traverse about a variety of environments and obstacles.
Ability to effectively and safely utilize hand tools and power tools including but not limited to machete, knife, hammer, saw, chainsaw and/or pole saw.
Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication.
Ability to maintain accurate records and reports.
Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

Urban Forestry
Arboriculture
Natural sciences
Ecology
One (1) year of experience in urban forestry, environmental conservation or natural resource management.

Responsibilities

Oversees the implementation, updating and tracking of the Canopy Tree Assessment for Community Services with measurable KPI's and updated Arc Pro GIS mapping, including proper species selection and planting locations.
Conducts flora monitoring; and maintains an inventory of listed species and vegetation communities within the County.
Develop and implement a Hazardous Tree program, perform tree appraisals prioritize mitigation, specifically for hurricane readiness and public risk due to disease or damage.
Maintains an inventory of canopy assets, invasive monitoring and removal programs.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities.
Organizes and analyzes data to be used for internal projects, county-wide projects, and for statewide agencies working to protect Florida's wildlife and natural resources.
Prepares and submits purchase requisitions and work orders for habitat management activities.
Coordination of contractors, budgets and grant funded projects.
Conducts educational outreach programs: prepares, writes and distributes educational materials; and makes presentations to civic groups, schools, conferences, etc.
Identifies priorities and coordinates logistics and materials to complete projects.
Coordinates urban forestry activities with other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; provide design review for department projects to ensure sustainable tree integration and limit root disturbance.
Provides exceptional customer assistance, problem-solving, and/or complaint resolution by all forms of communication.
Performs other field work as necessary.
Participate in disaster recovery and damage assessment operations.