Job Detail
Forestry Supervisor
Location: St. Louis, MO
Salary: Based on qualifications and experience
Tower Grove Park & Arboretum seeks a dynamic, well-rounded forestry professional to lead a small department into the future. This role is crucial to the management of the Park’s historic urban forest which has been designated one of 74 total Level II Arboretums in the world. The living landscape of Tower Grove Park includes 6,800 trees comprised of over 340 taxa (with plans to add more), hundreds of woody shrubs, stunning horticulture, and many acres of turf in which Park visitors can relax, socialize, exercise, study and enjoy nature.
The forestry supervisor serves a dual role as both the urban forester and arborist and should be familiar and proficient with the essential job functions and requirements listed on the following job description. In addition to managing the tree and woody shrub resource, the forestry supervisor oversees a burgeoning natural areas program that includes a woodland, two small prairies, and two riparian areas with plans to add a third.
The forestry supervisor leads a small team and is responsible for the management and daily supervision of two forestry crew members as well as several volunteers on a regular basis. In addition to forestry, Tower Grove Park’s operations department includes horticulture, maintenance, security, and equestrian programs, all of which work together daily and report to the Director of Operations.
Tower Grove Park’s forestry team is well equipped. Many modern tools are Park-owned and a few key items include a 60’ aerial lift truck, 15” chipper, saws of every size, climbing and rigging equipment, 500-gallon water trailer and dedicated tractor, S770 Bobcat skid-steer, an air spade, and both micro- and macro- injection systems and the full-suite of ESRI’s ArcGIS software.
Tower Grove Park is known for its unique, historic Victorian architecture, its extensive network of trails, and its signature community events and activities such as the Farmer’s Market and the Festival of Nations. Located in the center of some of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the City, Tower Grove Park strives to provide a welcoming and safe park for visitors from all backgrounds and socio-economic levels.
Position Overview
The Forestry Supervisor is a key component to managing the natural assets of the Park. They will be responsible for the care and management of the tree and shrub resources along with the natural ecosystems (small woodland, prairies and riparian zones). This is a working supervisor position. The position will split their time between field work and the management of the crew and park resource database.
Essential Job Functions
- Leads all work activities of the forestry team.
- Maintain the Park’s tree inventory using ArcGIS, including maintenance records.
- Provides professional technical advice and assistance in developing forestry plans and programs.
- Remove dead trees, wood, and chipping of trees and shrubs.
- Plans and schedules work priorities.
- Develops, maintains, and tracks an annual operating budget.
- Supervises, maintains, and keeps inventory of all equipment under their jurisdiction.
- Attends meetings and conferences, as related to their program.
- Develops proposals, plans, and drawings for projects related to the Park’s tree, shrub and natural resources.
- Surveys tree and tree health to develop tree maintenance and removal plans.
- Plant, water, prune, trim, and care for trees and shrubs in the Park.
- Estimates material, equipment, and time needed for specific projects.
- Develops and delivers educational programing for a wide variety of audiences.
- Works with the development team to organize and plant tribute trees bi-annually.
Requirements
- Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field.
- Minimum of five (5) years of experience, two of which should be in a supervisory or management role.
- Knowledge of computers. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office programs and ArcGIS.
- Ability to evaluate and develop team members; develop work schedules; and make assignments and decisions judiciously.
- Professional personal presentation, organized, reliable, and an attention to detail.
- Ability to supervise employees performing a wide variety of tasks; ability to instruct team in good job procedures and methods.
- Ability to keep proper records, follow oral and written instructions, and prepare reports.
- Thorough knowledge of insects and diseases affecting plants and trees and knowledge of their control
- Knowledge of the common and botanical names and characteristics of a wide variety of plants.
- Knowledge and skill in operating automotive vehicles and heavy equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
- Ability to meet and deal tactfully and effectively with employees, the public, and vendors.
- A valid Class A commercial driver license with air brakes endorsement or ability to obtain within 6 months.
- Wide range of physical effort required, including lifting or moving (carrying) heavy material (over 60 pounds) in difficult positions and/or for extended periods.
- Knowledge of tools, materials and practices involved in grounds maintenance, including the operation of equipment.
- Certified Pesticide Applicator License and International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist & Tree Risk Assessment Qualification required or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws.
Tower Grove Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Salary based on qualifications and experience
Excellent benefits – Health, Dental, and Eye Insurance
17 days of Paid Time Off per year
11 paid holidays
City of St. Louis Employees Retirement System Pension
Back to Job Listings