GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The City Forester/ Certified Arborist is a (part-time) management-level position that is jointly responsible (with the City Arborist) for the overall management of all trees, shrubs, and flowers located in City rights-of-way and public parks, to include supervision of maintenance of long-term care. The Arborists are responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s tree management plan, guiding the planting, pruning and removal of trees within the public right-of way. Employees in these positions must have professional training, knowledge, skill and ability in executing industry accepted pruning standards and tree risk assessment, as well as safety requirements for arboricultural operations. This position is responsible for overseeing the establishment and early care of newly planted street and park trees throughout the City, and in engaging the public in learning about the benefits of trees and helping to care for them. It involves organizing and coordinating biannual community tree planting events. The position also bears responsibility for maintaining and regularly updating the City tree inventory, and for establishing an annual work plan based on the results of ongoing assessments of the City’s trees. Work is performed in conjunction with the Parks Maintenance Manager. Assignments are received and administered orally and in writing. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Plan and oversee all strategic and hands-on activity regarding plans for new street tree plantings-- identifying and assessing planting sites, selecting and purchasing trees, and overseeing their establishment and ongoing care in the first several years. Build a volunteer work force to help plant, tend, and prune young trees throughout the city, Including regular continuing education opportunities for participants and a means of recognizing volunteer contributions. Offer training opportunities for volunteers to ensure the development of structurally sound trees. Develop instructional materials and public outreach materials and programs to educate the public about the value of trees and the importance of proper care. Work in partnership with the city Communications Office and local media outlets to promote city greening efforts. Establish a regular presence on social media pertaining to trees and tree care in the city, providing brief timely articles and photos about subjects of public interest. Provide advice to residents regarding proper care of their trees as requested and promotes tree preservation. Maintain networking relationships with other departments and outside entities necessary for completing city tree work.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Con’t):

Gather and analyze information, determine recommendation and prepare reports. Determine operating procedures and recommend operating policies. Conduct inspections of the City’s newly planted trees to evaluate their need for work. Submit application materials for city-wide greenspace, grants, and manage and oversee the use of secured grant funds. Work with IT on GIS mapping of greenspace. Work with the Law Bureau to enforce City legislation pertaining to the Shade Tree Ordinance. Coordinate operations with other City functions and government agencies. Coordinate unit operations and obtain the materials and equipment necessary to complete assigned projects and objectives. Advise employees and provide/supervise training on proper tree pruning techniques. Assure safe work practice. Complete all assignments in an efficient, consistent and timely manner. Maintain regular, punctual and predictable attendance, report to work and remain at work in a productive condition which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

College degree in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, landscape architecture, horticulture, environmental education and interpretation; or a related field plus two (2) years of experience in tree care, or college degree in the social sciences with an emphasis on community engagement and environmental justice, with the completion of ISA Arborist Certification; or a high school diploma or equivalent supplemented by training in arboriculture and tree maintenance, forestry, urban forestry or horticulture, plus four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in tree maintenance services, including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, and two years working in community development, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES:

Maintain or ability to obtain Arborist Certification through the International Society of Arboriculture within six (6) months of hire.

Maintain or ability to obtain certification as a Municipal Specialist through the International Society of Arboriculture within one (1) year of hire.

Possession of and the ability to maintain Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture herbicide and insecticide licenses for the application of pesticides.

Valid PA Commercial Driver’s License, Class B preferred, but not required.

Valid PA Driver’s License Class C, required.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 30 per week

Experience level:

• 6 years

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• Tree Care: 2 years (Preferred)
• Tree Maintenance: 4 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CDL B (preferred) (Preferred)
• Non-CDL Class C (required) (Preferred)

Work Location: In person