Urban Forestry Specialist

City of Charlotte•Charlotte, NC

16h•Onsite

About The Position

Welcome to the City of Charlotte Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents. Our guiding principles include: Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions SUMMARY The Planning Department is seeking an Urban Forester to join the Community Tree Canopy Preservation Division. This position will have a range of responsibilities in conjunction with application of ordinances and regulations related to commercial and subdivision projects throughout the city. These responsibilities may include some or all of the following: plan review, development proposal review, policy development, meeting facilitation, field inspections, and issuing violations.

Requirements

Experience in Urban Forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or related field and knowledge of tree species and their biological requirements
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and express complex ideas succinctly
Proven record of working successfully with the public
Computer skills at the intermediate level of proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite Products (Word, Excel, Access)
Ability to work independently, exercising initiative and independent judgment
Basic understanding and use of GIS is required
Requires good driving record, a valid Driver's License with the ability to obtain and maintain a City’s Driving Permit, and a dependable passenger vehicle
Requires ISA Arborist Certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to become certified within 1 year (12 months) of start date
Work independently, be flexible and self-directed
Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, civic, community and business groups and the general public
Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or related field and three years of related work experience or a combination of education and experience with a considerable knowledge of tree species and their biological requirements.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with municipal tree ordinance is preferred
Ability to communicate both in English and Spanish desirable

Responsibilities

Review and evaluate residential plans and specifications for tree planting, preservation and protection
Conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with ordinances and use of proper practices
Provide written and oral notification of ordinance requirements, related permits and/or related reports
Issue citations and attend appeal hearings as needed
Support City initiatives related to tree canopy policy development and implementation
Provide courteous, responsive, respectful, accessible and seamless customer service aligned with the Development Center’s Customer Service Standards and all applicable City customer service standard and employee policies