This is a newly recrafted position - with a focus on the important forestry and environmental field work we do, specifically the expertise a licensed forester brings to the community and organization. With boots on the ground, the successful candidate will be able to provide technical and professional guidance on all things tree-related: disease control and mitigation; tree selection, installation, and maintenance; and provide education and recommendations for a sustainable urban forest.
A wide range of other duties will help keep you interested and engaged - assisting other division and department staff with maintenance-related responsibilities to keep Oakdale's streets, parks, and utilities operating in top condition and effectively serving the community. If you enjoy staying busy, working as a team, and making a visible difference, consider this great opportunity!
Please be aware of the minimum education and experience required to be considered.
Perform manual and semi-skilled work in the maintenance of parks, public areas, utilities and streets. Primary job responsibilities assigned to the City Forester with additional primary duties to include tree pruning, tree planting and tree removal as well as landscape bed maintenance, weed removal, chemical applications. Provide back–up assistance to streets, parks, and utilities divisions.The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to the following:
 
Maintenance

• On-site and field communication with residents on a variety of environmental topics
• Assesses, manage, and prune trees and shrubs
• Identify, chemically treat or remove invasive species
• Knowledge and understanding of natural resources including landscape installation and maintenance, tree biology
• Proficiency with landscape design programs
• Participate and lead if appropriate city events such as Arbor Day, spring planting event, buckthorn removal, and other community related events
• Knowledge and understanding of ecosystem interrelationships, plant requirements, soil chemistry, and tree care
• Snow removal operations including knowledge of and skills with snow removal equipment
• Perform physical labor of all facets of Public Works maintenance from wrench, hammer, pruner, shovel or chain saw to heavy equipment operation
• The responsibilities of the forestry maintenance position.

Forester

• Provide technical and professional guidance to City officials and the public in the control of tree diseases within the City on public and private property.
• Provide recommendations on tree selection on city property and assists with proper placement, installation and post-establishment care.
• Conduct field investigations to inspect the City’s public and private forest for tree diseases and insects. Inform and advise homeowners on control and removal of trees; order the removal of diseased and dead trees pursuant to City ordinance.
• Assist with and oversees contactors in the removal of diseased and dead trees and thereafter inspect that the removal was done to current, correct methods.
• Assist in planning and direction of forestation and reforestation within the City’s urban forest. 
• Maintain a City tree inventory.
• Provide site plan review and recommendations on developments and compliance with planting requirements.
• Provide technical assistance related to grants, certifications, ordinances, and education on forestry issues.
• Assist/lead with the Tree Board liaison responsibilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the formal education, experience and training required.
 
Education

• High School diploma or GED certificate plus LCT or Training at vocational school, related on-the-job experience, or an associate’s degree

Experience

• Three (3) years’ experience in urban forestry, grounds maintenance or horticulture

Trainings, Certificates, and Licenses

• MN Certified Tree inspector
• Class B driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsement and Minnesota driving privileges, with a driving record that is acceptable to the city’s insurance carrier.

 The requirements listed below are representative of the formal education, experience and training preferred in order to exceptionally perform all of the functions of this position.
 
Education

• Associate degree in public works leadership, urban forestry or horticulture

Experience

• Four (4) years’ experience in urban forestry, grounds maintenance or horticulture

Trainings, Certificates, and Licenses

• Class A Minnesota driver’s license with air brake and tanker endorsement, with a driving record that is acceptable to the city’s insurance carrier.