Job Detail

Superintendent of Urban Forestry and Landscapes

Location: Cambridge, MA
Salary: $87,432- $ 103,160 annually plus excellent benefits

The Department of Public Works is committed to providing dependable, high quality services; developing a safe, healthy, livable environment; engaging the community and providing excellent customer service; and planning for a sustainable future.  The Department is responsible for implementing a program of arboriculture for over 19,000 public trees and maintains over 130 public outdoor spaces, such as parks and planting areas.  The City of Cambridge is greatly invested in sustaining and growing its urban forest, which is viewed as a vital asset in mitigating the effects of climate change, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff, providing wildlife habitat and generally enhancing the quality of life in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, the Superintendent of Urban Forestry and Landscapes plays a lead role in all initiatives related to the care, protection and promotion of the urban forest throughout the community, including the municipal tree population as well as other trees to the extent provided for by law and/or regulation.  The Superintendent is also responsible for landscaping and gardening efforts throughout the City in coordination with the Superintendent of Parks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the City Arborist to ensure the care and maintenance of public trees in the city right of way, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, squares, plazas, medians and public building grounds.
• Provides overall management to the staff in the Urban Forestry.  Collaborates with the Superintendent of Parks in managing landscaping.
• Manage the division’s communications processes to include responses to service requests, outreach, engagement and education programs specific to tree planting, monitoring, maintenance and care.
• Actively promote the Forestry Program through various media formats and conduct public presentations on the City’s program through neighborhood organizations and schools.
• Establish goals and priorities, organize tasks and provide direction to the urban forestry division. 
• Work with the City Arborist and other members of staff to provide support to the Committee on Public Planting and their various activities.
• Manage the Urban Forestry planning activities, including its Master Plan.
• Develop and manage the urban forestry operating and capital budget.
• Provide overall management of the various urban forestry contracts with consultants and contractors.
• Work with the Parks Division to effectively manage shared parks and green spaces throughout the City.
• Work with the Engineering Division to manage the review and response associated with proposed construction and development projects as such effect the urban tree canopy and landscaping.
• Provide overall management of the Urban Forest Asset Management System, tracking relevant data as it relates to tree location, age, growth, health and other salient parameters.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, horticulture, soil science or other discipline with an emphasis on arboriculture required.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible experience in arboriculture required.
• Certification as an arborist by either the Massachusetts Arborists Association or by the International Society of Arboriculture or Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional preferred.
• Working knowledge of cultural practices and equipment associated with maintenance and care of trees and shrubs, particularly those common to the northeastern United States.
• Knowledge of ANSI A-300 and Z-133 standards of practice and operation.
• Must have experience in supervising employees in the performance of tree maintenance activities.

• Excellent organizational, planning, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to work independently on routine tasks and manage recurring project cycles.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with a diverse group of coworkers and members of the community.
• Ability to exercise sound and professional judgment in all situations.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:  Submit both your resume and letter of interest via email to: [email protected] or to Personnel Dept, Room 309, City Hall, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA  02139. Fax 617-349-4312. Resumes and letters of interest requested by: 04/16/18. Position will remain open until filled. We are an AA/EEO Employer.

 

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