Urban Forester

Description

The City of Caldwell Parks Department is looking for an Urban Forester. Individuals' principal function of an employee in this class is to administer a comprehensive program for preserving and enhancing trees and green spaces in the city's parks, greenbelts, streetscapes, forested areas, and other public or private urban areas to promote environmental sustainability, public safety, and aesthetic appeal. The work is performed under the administrative direction of the Parks and Recreation Director. The principal duties of this class are performed in an outdoor environment which may involve adverse weather conditions and related hazards. The incumbent is required to be available for work during emergency situations outside of regular business hours to include evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Administers the tree management permit system and assists in the development and management of the tree program budget and expenditures.
• Investigates public complaints, provides information on local codes and policies, and pursues enforcement action.
• Provides technical information and recommendations to city departments and employees, contractors, developers, citizens, and other agencies regarding trees and related issues, including development, subdivision, and city capital project plan reviews.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.
• Develops educational programs and informational materials; coordinates community forestry events.
• Provides citizen assistance and customer service related to tree issues.
• Maintains tree program maintenance and other records; directs efforts in long term urban forestry practices and planning.
• Prepares or assists with grant applications, reports, contracts, and bid specifications for urban forest activities.
• Administers the city's Forest Stewardship programs for city-owned forest lands including wildfire prevention, forest disease, and forest activities; and ensures compliance with the Tree City USA requirements.
• Administer city's Memorial, Tree Canopy, Heritage Tree, and Hazardous Tree programs.
• Applies pesticides for maintenance, tree care, and invasive species control.
• Conducts tree health assessments and recommends maintenance or removal.
• Plans and oversees tree planting, pruning, and care to ensure urban forest sustainability.
• Acts as staff liaison to the Urban Tree Advisory Committee and other committees as assigned.
• Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a related field with major course work in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a natural resources related field; and two years of urban forestry experience; or
• Associates degree in a related field, a current certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and two years of arborist experience; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, or training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:

• Valid and current Idaho Driver's license.
• Able to obtain an ISA Arborist certificate within 12 months of hire.
• Able to obtain an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) credential within 12 months of hire.
• Able to obtain a Pesticide Applicator's license within 12 months of hire.
• Able to obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License without restrictions within 12 months of hire.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screen.
• Subject to DOT Random drug testing.