Urban Forester

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Under general supervision of the City Engineer, administers and develops the urban forestry programs of the City. The work of this position is distinguished by its emphasis on planning, project management, grant writing, cost accounting, public relations, distribution of resources, work evaluation, and budget development.

SUPERVISION: Under direction of the City Engineer. Plans and organizes volunteers and contracted resources to maintain and develop urban forestry work. Oversee on-sight maintenance operation.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

1. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Serves as the City Forester; directs and manages City's urban forestry programs, including planning, budgeting, operations, safety, and maintenance; develops and complies with standards for the selection, purchasing, planting, maintenance and protection, and removal of forestry resources; prepares and participates in the planning for the Citizen Urban Forestry Committee, and recommends projects to improve and maintain the integrity, and cost effectiveness of the urban forestry program.

1. Manages the planning, budgeting, operations, safety, and maintenance of the Kirkwood Electric vegetation management; and recommends projects to improve and maintain the efficiency and cost effectiveness of the Utility vegetation program.

1. Evaluates trees for hazards and maintenance requirements; reviews all development plans to ensure compliance with street tree requirements; coordinates with, and inspects work of, city construction and maintenance crews, private contractors, and developers to ensure compliance with forestry specifications and city ordinances.

1. Assures the continual status as a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation; consults with other forestry and public relations oriented organizations to garner support for programs and technical advances within the field of urban forestry.

1. Works directly with Citizen Urban Forestry Commission to develop the community's urban canopy and information projects; works directly with Planning and Zoning Commission on requirements for commercial landscaping within the City; maintain public tree inventory; consult with residents of tree health; reviews existing ordinances pertaining to trees and landscaping, contributes to preparation of draft revisions or needed new ordinances, reviews and documents all landscape designs for proposed new and changed-use commercial development; contributes to on-site inspections to determine adherence to approved designs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. KNOWLEDGE

1. Management and supervisory techniques; project planning, cost analysis and budgeting methods; modern arborist practices and skills; conservation, and hazard tree awareness

1. Best management practices for utility line pruning of trees and clearance requirements associated with utility lines.

1. Identifying trees and characteristic features of trees common to this region.

1. Seeking grants from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Missouri Department of Conservation and other agencies.

1. ABILITIES

1. Sustain an effective urban forestry program from the developed City's Forestry Master Plan; utilize computers, tablets, and related software to analyze the health and care of the City's urban forest.

1. Prepare work orders, and develop related documents; review development plans.

1. Develop and present educational programs to citizen groups.

1. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, and superiors; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

C. EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND TRAINING

1. Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

1. Flexible working hours during inclement weather and emergency management operations.

1. Three years' experience in the field of forestry, aerial bucket truck operation, inclusive of crew supervision. Along with additional seminars/training on updated forestry practices.

1. Or an equivalent combination of directly related education and/or experience.

1. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Stand for a period of up to four hours.

1. Push a weight of 40 pounds.

1. LICENSING / CERTIFICATION

1. ISA Certified Arborist and/or SAF Certified Forester
2. Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. This incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Current Openings for Urban Forester Jobs at City of Kirkwood