Urban Forester

Position Summary

The primary responsibilities of the Urban Forester include developing and overseeing tree management plans for care and maintenance of the City Urban Forest. This position organizes and directs field operations for maintenance crews and oversees related operations responsible for the maintenance, care, evaluation, and assessment of tree health and hazards. Collects tree inventory and data, approves tree-related projects, works with other entities to beautify the Urban Forest, and consults and trains other departments on tree best management practices and how to stay in compliance with the City’s established tree and landscaping requirements. The position has supervisory and preliminary budgetary responsibilities.

Essential Functions

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Manage collection of urban tree canopy inventory and assist the City of Lewisville with the development of urban tree management plan. 
• Develop work plans, schedules, inventories, and prioritize forestry maintenance operations for efficient standards. 
• Develop procedures to verify compliance with urban tree management plan, city landscaping/tree requirements, and industry standards.
• Monitor and coordinate field operations, ensuring adequate coverage and adherence to schedules. Supervise forestry crews, including delegation, assignments, training, evaluation, and disciplinary action.
• Manage private contractors/vendors, securing quotes, and ensuring contract obligations for forestry-related projects and ensure they remain in compliance with the City’s established tree and landscape requirements. 
• Driving community engagement by coordinating and developing Keep Lewisville Beautiful projects.
• Enforce safety standards, regulations, and policies.
• Coordinate equipment maintenance, inventory, and supply management.
• Coordinate tree-related service requests, planting, and inventory tracking. Address citizen concerns, resolving complaints within the department.
• Collaborate with divisions, agencies, perform tree appraisals, and risk management. Facilitate interdepartmental programs and draft operating procedures for forestry care.
• Represent the department at meetings, hearings, conferences, and seminars. Educate citizens on urban forestry, develop presentations, and advocate for municipal forestry interests.
• Administer transplanting and tree care and planting programs with volunteer groups and contractors. Manage Tree City USA data.
• Assists with the development and implementation of the urban forestry unit operating budget.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned. Provides customer service for all accounts payable related inquiries.

Position Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or another related field.

Experience: Five (5) years related park maintenance experience and/or forestry management experience required. Two (2) years supervisory experience required. Experience in the administration and management of government parks operations preferred.

Any combination of related, education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements. 

Licenses and Certifications: Possessing a valid State of Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is preferred. Must possess the ISA Arborist Certification.

Conditions of Employment: Must submit to and pass a criminal background and pre-employment drug test. Must possess a valid State of Texas Driver’s License Class "C" and good driving record as defined by City policy.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Knowledge of: Forest Practice Guidelines and Best Management Practices; Arboriculture; tree growth and culture requirements; Tree risk assessment; Identification and treatment of diseases/pests; Construction methods and techniques that impact the health and safety of trees; The use and maintenance of forestry equipment; Project management and administration pertaining to tree care and maintenance including work orders, managing private contractors/vendors and quotes, contracts review process and managing obligations, budget, and financial procedures; Implementing tree landscaping and care programs: Native trees and associated plants; Design and layout of plant materials; irrigation techniques; and tree protection techniques in construction areas. Local, state, and federal laws and regulations relevant to the operational unit or functional program. 

Ability to: Accept responsibility and account for his/her actions. Follow instructions, safety practices and standard operating procedures in performing assigned tasks. Be punctual and attend work regularly. Work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type. Organize and direct oneself, provide leadership, effectively supervise others, and conduct performance evaluations of staff members. Establish and maintain strong relationships. Work in a team environment, adapt to changing conditions and situations, and maintain confidentiality in work-related matters. Perform work accurately and thoroughly. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.  Apply basic math concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions. Work at odd hours and on weekends as needed.

Skilled in: Interpreting tree surveys, site, landscape, irrigation, and grading plans.. Computer skills in Microsoft Office, e-mail, and the internet. Industry Software: Sufficient familiarity with technology to use a variety of specialized industry software programs, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: This is primarily an office classification although this position involves a mix of office and outdoor responsibilities. Works primarily in an indoor environment, with frequent interaction with the public that will involve assisting individuals. May be exposed to varying weather conditions (heat, cold, rain) when setting up outdoor play areas. 

Work may involve occasional exposure to dust, noise, standing for extended periods and walking between locations may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to operate a computer, and other standard office equipment. While performing this job, employees routinely stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, talk, and hear. The position may occasionally require lifting or carrying supplies or equipment. Employees must regularly lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds with or without assistance. Typical daily lifting requirements for certain tasks range from 10 to 25 pounds.

The City of Lewisville has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities, which may be required. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Levels of positions within a class series are distinguished by the level of responsibility assumed, the complexity of duties assigned, the independence of action taken, the nature of the public contact made, and the impact and span of tasks performed.

This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.  The City of Lewisville has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Work Hours

Mon-Thurs: 7:30a-5:30p, Fri: 7:30a-11:30a, Some Evenings/Weekends required, Exempt Position.