Urban Forester

Job Summary
Join our dynamic team as an Urban Forester and become a vital advocate for sustainable urban forestry practices! In this energetic role, you will lead efforts to assess, plan, and enhance tree and green space management within urban environments. You will oversee the planning, development, and stewardship of the City of La Grande's Urban Forestry Programs and urban forest resources, ensuring sustainable management and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provides property owners/managers information and assistance in maintaining healthy trees in the right of way.
• Conducts on-site demonstrations on tree planting, maintenance and pruning.
• Presents educational workshops and programs regarding trees and urban forestry.
• Coordinates annual tree planting programs on City property to increase canopy cover and tree diversity.
• Prepares an annual report on urban forestry activities and canopy condition.
• Coordinates volunteers for tree-related projects and maintains volunteer data base.
• Provides general maintenance and health care of young trees planted in the right-of-way and City parks, including pruning and watering as needed.
• Conducts on-site evaluations and issues tree removal, tree pruning, and tree planting permits when appropriate.
• Coordinates the street tree clearance pruning program and addresses visibility and clearance pruning within the City rights of way.
• Conducts tree surveys and risk assessments of public trees and maintains a data base for monitoring high risk trees.
• Monitors utility pruning and coordinates the Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) tree removal and replacement program.
• Administers a licensing program for commercial tree services working in the City.
• Investigates code violations regarding trees and landscaping, and enforces Ordinances when necessary.
• Provide assistance in mediating tree/infrastructure conflicts in the right-of-way.
• Collects field data and maintains an arc GIS inventory of trees in City right-of-way and public spaces.
• Compiles and updates a list of recommended and prohibited tree species.
• Reviews commercial and residential site development plans for landscaping requirements and tree preservation.
• Provides tree planting and tree maintenance training.
• Maintains the Urban Forestry Division budget.
• Knowledge of City infrastructure systems.
• Applies for grants to obtain project funding.
• Coordinates the memorial tree and sponsor a tree program.
• Provides staff supports to the Community Landscape & Forestry Advisory Commission.
• Completes the annual Tree City USA and Growth Award applications.
• Prepares an annual report on urban forestry activities and canopy condition.
• Maintains Urban Forestry budget including budget planning, grant writing, and budget maintenance.
• Follows all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of ANSI A300 standards best management practices for tree pruning, tree planting, tree risk assessment, integrated pest management, tree support systems, managing trees during construction, tree and shrub fertilization and tree inventories.
• Ability to record materials and maintain files.
• Ability to effectively and appropriately communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and execute written and oral instructions.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative regarding department programs and procedures.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, contractors, and the general public.
• Ability to meet and respond to public and private officials in a courteous, effective manner.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of record keeping systems and their application.
• Ability to use good judgment and tact in making proper disposition of problems.
• Ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions while maintaining safety protocols.

Required education/experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent General Education Diploma Bachelor Degree plus one year of practical arboriculture experience; or Associate Degree plus two years of practical experience in arboriculture; or three years of experience in arboriculture.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist or the ability to be certified within nine months of employment.

PREFERRED:

• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification
• Course work in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Landscaping or related sciences
• Field experience in tree care, landscaping, nursery or horticulture
• Experience in teaching and instruction
• Mediation experience

Embark on a rewarding career that combines science with community service! As an Urban Forester with us, you’ll be empowered to shape greener cities through innovative practices rooted in research and ecological understanding—making a lasting difference today for a healthier tomorrow.

APPLY NOW! Go to www.cityoflagrande.com - Job Openings and fill out an application today!!

Pay: $4,128.00 - $5,223.00 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $4,128 - $5,223