Assistant City Forester

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision to implement, evaluate and assist with the development of the forestry program plans, policies, projects and management practices consistent with department goals. Deliver professional field work, technical expertise and contractor management. Performs maintenance and management of public trees. Oversees the Community Forestry Program, Arbor Day celebration, public education and outreach.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The listed examples of work are not intended to be all-inclusive. They may be modified with additions, deletions, or changes as necessary.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Works in a collaborative manner to implement forestry programs; trains other Parks staff in proper arboricultural practices.

Performs technical forestry function such as large tree pruning, structure pruning of small trees, tree removal with traditional rigging and/or bucket truck, tree planting and transplanting or trees. Utilizes specialized equipment for forestry including: tree pruners, chain saws, tree spade, stump grinder, fertilizer spreaders, seeder, bucket truck, backhoe, loader, dump truck tractors, sprayers, top dresser, and chipper.

Orders and selects trees from nurseries, inspects and approves tree deliveries, sites and placement, coordinates irrigation and utility locates.

Coordinates volunteer and memorial tree plantings, plants trees with in-house staff.

Administers the Community Forestry grant subsidy program by reviewing and approving citizen requests for subsidy assistance to treat or remove ash trees from private properties.

Develops park and street tree standards and rotational pruning schedules.

Monitors for insect and disease problems in park and open space areas; performs tree risk surveys to determine need for pruning or removal of trees based on health, structure and safety; schedules and inspects contracted pesticide applications.

Uses TreePlotter to collect and maintain accurate information and maintenance records for park trees; analyzes composition, distribution and value of urban trees to provide statistical information to better manage community trees.

Provides construction oversight to minimize damage to public trees around construction activities.

Responds to emergency activities related to tree hazards due to weather events, construction impacts and vehicular accidents; assess the incident and provide the appropriate action to resolve safety issues quickly.

Coordinates and performs forestry field work to accomplish departmental goals.

Provides project inspection and technical support for contractor projects.

Develops and presents educational tree-related programs to schools, public groups and other departments. Develops and implements the Arbor Day celebration and Tree City USA designation.

Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe working conditions, acts promptly to prevent accidents. Responsible for the safety of self, staff and the public. uses proper safety equipment and follows all safety regulations.

Provides information to both internal and external customers relative to tree care and arboricultural practices. Responds daily to both internal and external requests for service.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

Operates snow removal equipment including snowplows, ATV’s and tractor plows during the off-season on an as-needed basis.

May be required to assist with special projects and events.

Assist parks maintenance, irrigation, ballfields and horticulture as needed.

Performs other duties as assigned and required.

PREPARATION AND TRAINING

Education: Bachelors degree in forestry, arboriculture or natural resources.

Work Experience: Minimum of 3 years work experience in forestry.

Certifications and/or Licensures: Colorado Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License in Turf and Ornamental within 1 year of employment. ISA Certified Arborist certification preferred.

Required Driver’s License: Colorado CDL Class B with air brake endorsement required to obtain within 6 months of employment.

An equivalent combination of education, training and relevant job experience may be substituted.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

Working knowledge of:

• Identification of trees and shrubs
• Safe operation of chainsaws weighing up to 45 pounds
• Soils and environmental factors
• Knowledge, skill and ability to incorporate knots, hitches, and other rope devices into technical climbing and rigging situations.
• Landscape maintenance of woody plants and annuals
• Tree pruning and arboriculture
• Safety requirements for Arboricultural Operations and A300 Tree, Shrub, and other Woody Plant Management-Standard Practices.
• Adherence to the American National Standard Institute Z133.
• Operation of bucket trucks, grapples, front-end loaders, tractors, skid-steer, pickup trucks, trucks with trailers, tree spade, brush chippers and stump grinders.
• Strong understanding of pest management and plant diagnostics
• Use or learn to use, all tools related to implementing a GIS/GPS inventory system.

Computer Skills - Basic computer skills required to maintain daily reports.

Communication Skills - Advanced customer service skills required to address the questions and complaints of the public.

Analytical Skills - Advanced analytical skills required to diagnose and troubleshoot horticultural problems.

Mechanical Skills - Advanced mechanical skills required to use the tools needed for completion of daily tasks and for maintaining and repairing equipment.

Project Management Skills - Basic project management skills required to plan and execute long term projects. Also required to establish work schedule for assigned seasonal employees.

Mathematical Skills - Advanced skills required to calibrate sprayers and spreaders. Also required to calculate areas and estimate materials needed.

Must be able to operate a bucket truck, and all landscape, arboriculture, and general maintenance equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Work is performed primarily outside. Works near moving mechanical parts; exposed to fumes, airborne particles and various chemicals, some of which may be toxic. The employee is exposed to various weather conditions including wet, hot and cold conditions.

SALARY

$21.07 - $31.61 hourly

$43,834 - $65,751 annually

BENEFITS

The City of Englewood offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, and vision.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)