Urban Forest Manager

Job Description:

Urban Forest Manager

Description

DESCRIPTION

Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application.

Reporting to the Chief Resilience Officer and receiving general direction from the Grant Implementation Team (Director of Community Services, Director of Public Works, and Chief Resiliency Officer), coordinate the implementation of the City of Ukiah’s Climate Resilient Forest three-year grant program. Assist in the recruitment, hiring, and supervision of two full-time urban forest technicians. Coordinate and assure completion of all grant goals. Work with the Grant Implementation team (GIT) to assure accurate and timely grant reporting.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

• Coordinate implementation of the three project phases including 1) Planning and Development, 2) Community Engagement, and 3) Implementation.
• Work with the Grant Implementation Team (GIT) to recruit and hire two full-time urban forest technicians.
• Assist in coordinating the work of two full-time urban forest technicians.
• Assist urban forest technicians in the planting and care of trees and plants.
• Work with the GIT and the City’s procurement team to purchase program supplies.
• Coordinate and ensure the success of the Project Objectives.
• Maintain records of grant activities and complete grant reports under the general direction of the GIT.
• Engage directly with the city’s underserved and disinvested communities to better understand community needs and priorities, and to co-develop equitable strategies for building resilience through implementation of grant goals.
• Conduct education and outreach to residents, tribes, schools, nonprofits, and businesses to improve their understanding of the benefits and importance of trees from a climate action and resilience perspective.
• Increase the number of trees and the overall size of the tree canopy in the City of Ukiah urban forest to improve air quality, reduce urban heat effects, increase shade, remove/replace impervious surfaces with a mixture of trees, vegetation, and cool pavement surfaces, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Maximize carbon sequestration in urban trees, vegetation, and soils.
• Expand the City’s tree nursery program to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
• Implement and validate climate-smart forestry practices for incorporation into the City’s Approved Tree List, Tree Management Guidelines, Urban Forest Management Plan, and Tree Protection Ordinance.
• Work with the City’s GIS specialist to map the City’s Urban Forest.
• Respond to emergency calls after normal duty hours.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Urban forestry, urban planning, and/ or principles of climate resilience.
• Principles of community outreach and engagement.
• Methods, tools, techniques, and supplies used in landscaping maintenance work.
• Basic characteristics of plant and tree pests and diseases.
• Plant use and maintenance.
• Safe work practices.
• Grant management and reporting.

Ability to:

• Perform a wide variety of park maintenance work.
• Operate the hand and power tools and equipment required in general grounds maintenance work
• Perform heavy manual labor and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Accommodate outside work in extreme weather conditions.

Education and Experience:
A.S. degree with at least two years’ relevant work experience and a certificate or license in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or related field; or B.S. degree in forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, or related field with at least one year of relevant work experience (preferred).

Necessary Special Requirements:

• QWEL certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to work schedule in coordination with Horticulturists and/or Wild Gardens Manager.
• C.P.R. and Standard First Aid certification, preferred.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test.

The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce.

Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures.

Salary:

$83,137.60 - $101,046.40 Annually