Job Details

Urban Forester

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Class Title

Urban Forester

Class Code

5719

Salary

$91,540.80 - $111,342.40 Annually

+ Definition

+ Benefits

Classification Description Summary

Under general direction, supervises, assigns, reviews, and participates in the work of staff responsible for the cultivation, planting, and maintenance of trees in City parks and along City street right-of-ways; ensures work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; enforces City codes pertaining to the protection of City trees; and performs the more technical and complex tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work of staff responsible for the cultivation, planting, and maintenance of trees in City parks and along City street right-of-ways.

Establish schedules and methods for providing urban forestry services; identify resource needs; review needs with appropriate management staff; allocate resources accordingly.

Participate in the development of goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures; make recommendations for changes and improvements to existing standards, policies, and procedures; participate in the implementation of approved policies and procedures; monitor work activities to ensure compliance with established policies and procedures.

Participate in the selection, motivation, and evaluation of maintenance and technical staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.

Participate in the preparation and administration of the assigned program budget; submit budget recommendations; monitor expenditures.

Perform the most technical and complex tasks of the work unit including enforcing City codes and regulations pertaining to the protection of City trees.

Oversee and participate in the safe removal of extremely large and hazardous trees in parks and along public street right-of-ways.

Coordinate the organization, staffing, and operational activities for tree and stump removal and pruning and care of City trees.

Respond to questions and inquiries from the general public including those regarding the planting and maintenance of trees; investigate and prepare responses to citizen complaints, suggestions, and requests.

Enforce City codes and regulations governing the protection of trees; investigate violations of City codes and issue warnings or citations.

Confer with contractors and developers performing construction or maintenance work near City trees and tree roots; explain City codes and regulations and ensure adherence.

Inspect, advise, and approve activities of other departments relating to tree maintenance activities.

Coordinate and inspect the work of field crews including tree trimmers and climbers; ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Provide advice regarding City planning issues and the possible effects on trees and surrounding vegetation; make recommendations for appropriate plant and landscaping as required.

Serve as staff liaison to the Urban Forestry Commission; guide projects and programs and prepare meeting agendas for them.

Respond to tree related emergencies during non-scheduled work hours as necessary.

Develop and/or implement licensing and certification requirements, permits, marketing and educational programs, and publications and published articles.

Maintain records concerning operations and programs; prepare reports on operations and activities.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban forestry.

Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

Operations, services, and activities of an urban forestry program.

Various species, characteristics, and cultivation requirements of trees.

Modern and complex principles and practices of horticulture.

Advanced methods and techniques of tree and stump removal and pesticide and fertilizer applications.

Modern theories and applications of landscape design.

Basic principles and practices of utility engineering.

Construction methods and activities affecting tree health and tree/structural integrity issues.

Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Basic principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.

Principles and procedures of record keeping.

Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

Coordinate and direct the operations, services, and activities of an urban forestry program.

Supervise, organize, and review the work of lower level staff.

Select, train, and evaluate staff.

Recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures for providing tree maintenance services.

Understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Participate in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets.

Supervise the planting and maintenance of trees in City parks and right-of-ways.

Enforce applicable City codes and regulations regarding protection of trees and vegetation.

Deal effectively with contractors and developers.

Analyze and resolve complex landscaping and horticultural problems.

Ensure staff adherence to safe work practices and procedures.

Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.

Effectively represent the City to outside individuals and agencies to accomplish the goals and objectives of the unit.

Work cooperatively with other departments, City officials, and outside agencies.

Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies on sensitive issues in area of responsibility.

Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in forestry, environmental science, or a related field.

Experience:

Four years of urban forestry or horticultural maintenance experience including one year of administrative and/or lead supervisory experience.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Possession of a current certification as a "Certified Arborist" by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights; extensive public contact.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb with both legs and arms, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to climb unusual heights on ladders; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; extensive use of computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Other Requirements

RAPG Pro

R29

Last Update: 9/2018

JD 11/2018

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link ( to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

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