Urban Forester

Urban Forester – Austin Independent School District

JOB PURPOSE AND RESPONSIBILITY:

The AISD Urban Forester ensures that AISD trees stay healthy and safe, and that they are able to grow and thrive as valuable assets to our schools and community. The Urban Forester shall develop, monitor and/or perform activities related to the management of trees and tree related activities on all Austin ISD campuses under minimal supervisory direction. With thousands of acres of land, AISD has a rich and varied tree canopy that includes some of Austin’s most notable Heritage Trees.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Identify needs and opportunities in managing the AISD urban forest, including hazard tree mitigation, tree maintenance, planting, tree inventories and strategic planning.

• Provide and/or coordinate training of best management practices for tree care and worker safety for maintenance staff, construction management staff, school staff and other relevant AISD stakeholders.
• Update and maintain the tree database using ArborPro software.
• Provide guidance for development, implementation and future updates to the AISD Standard Operating Procedures for Tree Care. Adhere to protocols outlined in SOP for Tree Care.
• Assist in preparing specifications for tree care service contracts.
• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of the tree care services contractor to ensure long-term health of trees while prioritizing hazard mitigation. Determine and review job scope of work, site coordination with the school administration and expense tracking as well as ensure quality work is completed by the contractor.
• Coordinate and document the removal of hazardous trees and branches.
• Assist campuses with coordination of tree planting and landscape planning to ensure activities do not conflict with planned construction, utility lines, etc. and to ensure species selection is appropriate for the region and proposed location at the school.
• Assist with AISD construction projects to ensure compliance with the City of Austin Tree Ordinance and to facilitate tree permitting for removals, if needed. Includes on-site tree health assessments, design review, and as-needed guidance on construction projects.
• Coordinate the day-to-day activities of part time, grant-funded personnel and/or interns.
• Represent the district at tree-related community events.
• Identify funding opportunities and assist in the preparation of grant proposals.
• Conduct occasional tree appraisals to assess monetary value for district.
• Attend relevant trainings and conferences.
• Maintain positive and collaborative relationships and foster strategic partnerships with AISD departments, local organizations, community groups, City of Austin departments, etc.