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Urban Forester

Employer
City of Conroe
Location
Conroe, Texas, US
Salary
Competitive
Closing date
Dec 12, 2022

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Sector
Academic / Research, Government
Field
Conservation science
Discipline
Forestry
Salary Type
Salary
Employment Type
Full time
Job Description
JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Chief Building Official, responsible for performing landscaping and tree preservation plan review, reviewing clearing permits, reviewing variance requests, and inspecting landscaping in the field for compliance with the City's Vegetation Ordinance. Enforces the City's tree ordinances and tree care policies; performs field inventory; analyzes data and compiles reports and prepares educational information on best practices for tree/shrub maintenance. Develops, writes, and administers new and improved plans, procedures, policies, objectives, short and long-term maintenance schedules, and planning programs. Provides appropriate educational information to other City and agency staff, and to citizens in both oral and written formats. Prepare and implement a public relations program to protect and preserve the City's forest resources

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
  • Maintain project and department files; maintain departmental standard specifications. Perform other general office duties.
  • Perform entry-level professional work including basic data analysis and synthesis, report creation, process performance, and regulatory or compliance activities.
  • Handle public complaints and questions - in person, via e-mail and by phone.
  • Work with landscape architects, developers, and citizens to maximize the City's urban forest.
  • Perform tree inventories and inspections.
  • Inspect the trimming of trees by public utilities for clearance from utility lines.
  • Instruct personnel in good forestry practices; inspect trees for pests and disease and schedule spraying or treatment operations.
  • Keep abreast of developments of insecticides, fungicides and herbicides; diagnose tree and plant diseases.
  • Implement a public relations program for forest resources, prepare press releases and public information; prepare, maintain and implement a forestry management plan, including tree trimming and care, site improvement, tree plantings, and removals.
  • Draft reports and prepare contract specifications, solicit bids and monitor contract work in the field.
  • Coordinate with City staff and any consultants or contractors in review and inspections related to clearing, tree preservation, or landscaping.
  • Limited availability may be necessary for after-hours and weekend work and be able to respond to emergency calls.
  • Continuously monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness of the urban forestry programs, methods, and procedures; work with employees on the continuous improvement of programs.
  • Provide appropriate educational information to other City and agency staff and to citizens in both oral and written formats.
  • Ensure the City of Conroe maintains requirements for certification as a 'Tree City USA', including involvement in public outreach and tree funds-related projects.
  • Prepare and present educational programs to encourage schools and community groups to participate in the Urban Forestry Plan, Arbor Day, and Earth Day activities.
  • Conduct research, analyze data, and compile special narratives and statistical reports.
  • Research, apply for, and maintain any available grants for Urban Forestry programs.
  • Perform other related job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree in Urban Forestry, forestry, arboriculture, environmental services or related field and two (2) years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements:

Possession of a valid class "C" Texas driver's license.

Certification as an ISA Certified Arborist, or the ability to become certified within 24 months of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Skilled in the use of personal computers and applicable programs, applications, and systems
  • Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, familiarity with development plans, codes, ordinances, and related terminology.
  • Knowledge of Arboriculture and methods, tools, and equipment used in the care and maintenance of trees, plants, and shrubs.
  • Knowledge of plant and tree diseases and pests, and their eradication and control.
  • Skilled in instructing others in the safe use of tree and plant maintenance tools and equipment.
  • Skilled in preparing, presenting, implementing, and enforcing the City's Vegetation Ordinance.
  • Skilled in preparing contract specifications.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, and to make effective presentations to various groups and assemblies.
  • Ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
  • Ability to maintain a schedule including both internal team requirements as well as self-directed field and office duties.
  • Ability to understand property surveys, platted boundaries, and easements, as well as metes and bounds descriptions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is light and requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, crouching, fingering, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motions, speaking, standing, talking, and walking. Occasional field tasks may require walking distances up to two miles.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed where there are minimal hazards. Field work may include construction sites requiring safety PPE. Field work may include undeveloped forested and non-forested land with vegetation, debris, and animals or insects typical of undeveloped land.

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