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Urban Forester

Location: Lynchburg, VA
Salary: $44,512.00 - $74,193.60 Annually

City of Lynchburg is seeking a qualified Urban Forester to be responsible in developing and administering the City's Urban Forestry Program and supervising the operation and maintenance of this program in the field.  Successful candidate must have relevant urban forestry experience and supervisory experience.
 Essential Duties:
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
  • Develops and maintains the City's urban forestry program including responding to citizen concerns, maintaining tree inventory, and coordinating tree replacement programs.
  • Develops specifications and standards for tree planting, preservation, protection, care and maintenance.
  • Maintains street tree and computer automated inventory system.
  • Reviews plans and coordinates neighborhood planting projects.
  • Maintains annual street tree planting plan, purchases trees from approved vendors and coordinates dormant season planting by right-of-way crew.
  • Coordinates forestry work as relates to various capital projects.
  • Advises and participates in planting, care and maintenance of all city trees.
  • Investigates and makes recommendations related to City liability regarding property damage caused by trees.
  • Receives requests for special emergency, and/or unscheduled work and coordinates completion of task.
  • Oversees Grounds Maintenance Work Unit's emergency response, benchmarking, legal issues and public relations processes.
  • Estimates damage to City trees when struck by private vehicles and files damage reports.
  • Coordinates ground emergency duty and handles after hour emergency problems.
  • Coordinates and manages permits for work by utility companies on City trees.
  • Schedules work projects and assigns personnel and equipment.
  • Inspects forestry field work and gives technical advice and assistance to field employees; checks for conformance to work plans and orders.
  • Performs professional work overseeing the mowing of City right-of-way areas and vacant property.
  • Assists in preparation of budget, purchases routine supplies, and maintains records of work payroll.
  • Handles citizen's response relating to trees and weed complaints.
  • Trains personnel in the safety and use of specialized equipment and procedures.
  • Makes presentations to civic groups and organizations about the City's tree program.
  • Serves as city's liaison and volunteer coordinator with various committees, groups and organizations, Tree Stewards, etc.
  • Reviews tree related components of site plans to insure conformance with City codes and ordinances.
  • Works in snow removal operation as assigned.
  • Serve in a leadership capacity during weather emergency.
  • Controls invasive plants with currently accepted herbicides.
  • Works with AEP forester to address powerline/tree conflicts to include removal and replacement when appropriate.
  • Works with other divisions when appropriate to close lanes or set up detours to address tree issues.
  • Coordinates and conducts annual Arbor Day program.
  • Completes annual Tree City USA award application and ensures that all criteria are met.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to the citizens may be assigned.
  • When unusual situations occur and /or the City Manager declares a State of Emergency, all City employees may be required to accept special assignments and perform as needed to ensure appropriate service delivery.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • May supervise temporary,full time,and contract employees in the Urban Forestry Program.
  • Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
  • Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
 Minimum Education and Experience Required:
QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university, with major work in urban forestry or related field, and extensive professional experience in urban forestry, including considerable supervisory experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 Additional Requirements:
  • Valid Driver's License issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record based on City criteria.
  • Possession of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) arborist certification is a plus or the ability to obtain within two years of employment
  • Preferred Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License or the ability to obtain within one year of employment.
  • Relevant background checks must be completed and approved.
  • Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. 
  • May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
  • Ability to obtain a valid VDOT intermediate work zone setup certification within one year of employment.

 

To apply, please visit http://www.lynchburgva.gov/node/3455/.

Employer Info

800 Orchard Street
Lynchburg, Virginia 24501
(434)455-4443
clay.simmons@lynchburgva.gov

Categories

  • Municipal

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