Job Detail

Forestry and Beautification Superintendent

Location: Columbia, SC
Salary:

JOB SUMMARY

This position provides professional, administrative, supervisory and technical leadership for the City’s urban forestry, horticulture and right-of-way maintenance programs; plans and implements projects that provide attractive and healthy landscaped areas and road right-of-ways; and performs related work as required. This class plans, organizes and implements programs within major organizational policies, reporting program progress to executive-level administration through reports and conferences.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supervises and evaluates the operations and projects of the Forestry and Beautification Division;

• Ensures the division’s compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations;

• Supervises subordinate staff.  Supervisory duties include instructing; assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; allocating personnel; and recommending and approving employee discipline and discharge;

• Reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers advice and assistance as needed;

• Provides for adequate staff training and development opportunities;

• Develops and administers the department budget; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time;

• Seeks, secures and administers grant funds for program and project support;

• Develops and implements an annual department work plan based on City goals and values, growth and development issues, identified citizen needs, and state and federal laws;

• Supervises and directs the pruning, maintenance and removal practices for trees on City property based on technical evaluation of tree conditions and information available in the City’s tree inventory;

• Investigates complaints received regarding tree problems; directs periodic inspections of trees; ensures that City trees are properly cared for in areas where line clearance pruning or private construction projects are under way;

• Enforces the City ordinance regarding trees on City property;

• Provides technical recommendations to other departments regarding tree protection on private property;

• Plans and directs the City’s tree planting and replacement program;

• Plans and directs the design and installation of new landscape projects on City property, including right-of-ways; develops planting specifications and cost estimates;

• Directs landscape maintenance programs, including fertilization, pest control, and plant selection, installation and care; directs the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems on right-of-ways and City property;

• Supervises and directs the City’s vegetation management program on City property and right-of-ways, including grass cutting, manual cutting around sign posts and other obstructions, edging and chemical applications of herbicides;

• Provides staff support for the Columbia Tree and Appearance Commission;

• Reviews streetscape plans; makes technical recommendations; supervises and/or conducts inspections of projects to ensure compliance with plans;

• Procures the equipment, materials, tools and supplies necessary for division operations;

• Supervises responses to requests for emergency assistance, such as fallen trees blocking roads or driveways and/or trees causing damage to real or personal property;

• Reviews City ordinances related to forestry and beautification programs; makes recommendations for changes and/or for new ordinances as appropriate;

• Prepares and submits various reports to City staff, City Council and other agencies as required;

• Plans and participates in department marketing and public relations efforts; makes public presentations to inform the public about department projects and programs;

• Plans, develops and conducts programs for employees and other organizations regarding horticulture, urban forestry, vegetation management, and related safety and legal issues;

• Coordinates department activities and functions with those of other City divisions, departments, County personnel, engineers and development professionals, community / professional / civic groups and outside agencies as appropriate;

• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns, complaints and requests for assistance regarding areas of responsibility; and

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, urban forestry or a closely related field;

• Seven (7) years of relevant prior experience;

• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License; 

• ISA Certified Arborist designation.

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