Overview

The City Forester plans, develops, implements, and manages the City- wide urban forestry maintenance program, staff, and other related activities. Develops short and long range plans and implements successful procedures and policies.

Essential Functions

1 Plans, reviews, and evaluates public project involving trees and other foliage; facilitates communication between City staff, contractors and citizens, and acts as liaison between City Departments, agencies and other municipalities and groups.

2 Responsible for the day-to-day supervision of planting, cultivation, and maintenance of trees to ensure the continuity and health of community trees along city streets, parks and related areas, and oversees the landscape design of such areas; administers management plans to control insects, pests, and diseases and other threats to the urban forest.

3 Coordinates and facilitates interdepartmental programs and related projects; drafts, writes, and monitors city wide specifications, manuals, and standard operating procedures for forestry care and maintenance; implements and oversees the Trinity Forest Management Plan, vegetation management, and restoration projects.

4 Provides instruction, education, and guidance for all workers maintaining the forests and trees within the City; serves as an instructor for City of Dallas Arborist School, Dallas Citizen Forester Academy, multiple statewide/national workshops and conferences, all city department tail gate and operational trainings, and civic, homeowner and business forums

5 Monitoring and ensures the appropriate permitting for forestry related activities; enforces regulations for illegal dumping and coordinates with law enforcement and other agencies to handle illegal or non-compliant situations.

6 Monitors, manages, and oversees contract compliance for vendors and other personnel working forestry and horticultural projects within the City; administers forestry service contracts, processes tree removal permits, and reviews building permits to ensure compliance with tree preservation requirements as specified by City Code.

7 Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a biology, environmental science, forestry, arboriculture or horticulture field.

EXPERIENCE:

  • Four (4) years of experience in general urban forestry or arboriculture which includes planting/cultivation/maintenance of trees and control of insects/pests/diseases.

AND

  • Two (2) years of supervisory/project management responsibilities.

EQUIVALENCIES:

  • A High School Diploma or GED plus eight (8) years of the required experience including two (2) years supervisory/project management responsibilities will meet the education and experience requirements.
  • An Associate degree in any field plus six (6) years of the required experience including two (2) years supervisory/project management responsibilities will meet the education and experience requirements.
  • A Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in a non-stated field plus six (6) years of the required experience including two (2) years supervisory/project management responsibilities will meet the education and experience requirements.
  • A Master’s degree (or higher) in a biology, environmental science, forestry, arboriculture or horticulture field plus two (2) years of the required experience including two (2) years supervisory/project management responsibilities will meet the education and experience requirements.

LICENSE and CERTIFICATION:

  • Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
  • Must obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification within six (6) months of appointment.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Subject to twenty-four/seven (24/7) on-call status.
  • Subject to work in inclement weather conditions.

PREFERENCES:

  • General knowledge of tree preservation techniques and ability to interpret construction drawings is preferred.
  • State and federal partnerships, project management for park and recreation areas as well as municipal forestry experience and/or community relations experience is a plus.
Supplemental Information

Knowledge and Skills
1 Knowledge of Forest Practice Guidelines and Best Management Practices.


2 Project management and administration pertaining to tree care and maintenance.

3 Knowledge of arboriculture; tree growth and culture requirements.

4 Knowledge of native trees and associated plants.

5 Proficient with Arc View and GIS

6 Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the operational unit or functional program.

7 Establishing and maintaining strong relationships.

8 Supervising, delegating, and monitoring forestry work of others.

9 Communicate effectively orally and in writing.


The salary listed on the job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

For evaluation purposes, acceptable qualifying experience for all positions must have been in a paid capacity unless noted otherwise in the minimum qualifications for the posted position.

Additionally, 30+ hours per week will be counted as full-time employment and will receive full credit for the amount of time employed. A minimum of 15 through 29 work hours per week will be counted as part-time employment and will receive half credit for the amount of time employed.