Job Detail

Senior Arborist

Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Salary: $65,000.00

NOTE: Posting Expires November 14, 2022

City of Atlanta, Office of Parks Senior Arborist job description and application available here:

https://atlantaga.taleo.net/careersection/jobdetail.ftl?job=221650&lang=en#.Y2LR-jt8uW9.link

Job Number: 221650

General Description and Classification Standards

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), Office of Parks Senior Arborist position acts as a project manager for the various forestry services paid for by the City of Atlanta’s Tree Trust Fund. The Senior Arborist scopes, develops, and manages forestry contracts; creates specifications for tree planting plans or forest restoration plans; tracks and audits contracted forestry services in work order or tree inventory systems; assesses forested land for acquisition, restoration, and preservation; inspects and evaluates individual trees for health, condition, and risk assessment; knows and uses industry best management practices in tree installation, tree maintenance, and invasive plant control; provides hands-on operational support for staff and contract forestry workers; and updates The City of Atlanta’s Forestry Master Plan, as applicable.

The Senior Arborist position may also be utilized to prepare for future projects that are paid for by the City’s Tree Trust Fund, such as: writing Requisitions for Proposals; formulating authorizing legislation; evaluation of Proposals; and related research regarding the development of the same.

The Senior Arborist will be consulted as an expert in municipal arboriculture, urban forestry, and other natural resource management topics related to the public parks, preserves, and rights-of-way under Office of Parks’ purview.

Secondary duties include but are not limited to: having a working knowledge of City of Atlanta’s Tree Protection Ordinance to educate others; code enforcement for the City’s Tree Protection Ordinance; inspecting construction sites to ensure compliance with approved tree protection plans; preparing reports for clients both external and internal to the City of Atlanta; issuing permits for removal of dead, dying, and hazardous trees.

Supervision Received

Reports to the Arboricultural Manager, Office of Parks, Department of Parks and Recreation. Works under very general supervision. May work independently or with other skilled or semi-skilled workers with responsibility for completion of assigned tasks.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

The following duties are typical for this job. These duties are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

The Department of Parks and Recreation, Office of Parks Senior Arborist position specializes in reforestation, tree preservation, and maintenance of City of Atlanta’s tree canopy. In particular, the Senior Arborist will set-up, run, and audit contract forestry services paid for by the City’s Tree Trust Fund.

The Senior Arborist coordinates with personnel within Department of Parks and Recreation and other City Departments to meet objectives in City of Atlanta’s Urban Ecological Framework, Forestry Master Plan, and DPR’s Activate ATL Master Plan, as applicable.

Captures new tree plantings in City of Atlanta’s DAVEY TreeKeeper or similar database.

May attend Municipal Court with City Solicitor when the Tree Protection Ordinances have been violated. In particular with regards to tree plantings contracted by the Senior Arborist. May act as an expert witness on behalf of the City.

Communicates clearly via letter, telephone, and e-mail with the public and other external or internal stakeholders regarding tree installation, tree care, and other forestry-related issues.

Addresses schools and civic groups. Responds knowledgably to questions regarding municipal arboriculture, urban forestry, and ecology trees. Frames City of Atlanta civil services and public goods in terms of improving all Atlantans’ quality of life.

May visit sites to verify conditions are accurately represented on forestry plans submitted to City. Conduct site visits to audit contract compliance and performance standards. Evaluate tree health to exercise tree replacement warranties for dead or dying trees.

May assist during emergencies in providing field surveys.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies. Follows standardized procedures and written instructions to accomplish assigned tasks. Takes initiative to introduce new policies and procedures in coordination with City of Atlanta colleagues when necessary.

Leadership Provided

Provides guidance and training as required to volunteers, interns, temporary employees, staff, etc. May exercise supervisory duties in absence of supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully.  It is not an exhaustive list.

Has ability to learn the principles, practices and procedures of the City and the various Departmental operations and functions. Has knowledge of Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, industry best management practices, plus City of Atlanta policies and ordinances as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

Knows how to develop and administer both staff and contract services to meet Departmental and City objectives for natural resource management across 4,212 acres of parkland and along 1700 linear miles of right-of-way within City of Atlanta’s 136 square mile incorporated City Limits. In pursuit of these objectives, develops relationships and coordinates with partner Non-Governmental Organizations as well as municipal, State of Georgia, and Federal agencies.

Is able to assist in developing and implementing long-term goals for the Department of Parks and Recreation in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Has general knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to vegetation-related issues and other responsibilities in serving as a City of Atlanta Senior Arborist.

Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to Departmental operations and activities. Responds to and is able to effectively communicate and interact with management, employees, and members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the City as they relate to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Is able to organize and prioritize work and has technical skills to follow through. Is able to use independent judgment and discretion in handling emergency situations. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is knowledgeable and proficient with GIS/GPS tree inventory systems, Customer Relationship Management systems, and work order systems. Is able to read, understand, and interpret development plans, architectural plans, engineering plans, technical reports and related materials.

Minimum Qualifications – Education and Experience

Must hold a Bachelor's Degree.

Must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified Arborist.

Four years of documented work experience as a Municipal Arborist or Urban Forester; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Preferred Qualifications – Education and Experience

A Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field of Biology is preferred.

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Municipal Certification is preferred. 

Community-based forestry work experience that involves recruiting, training, and deploying volunteers for tree planting, tree maintenance, invasive plant control, or other forestry-related environmental service is preferred.

Licensures and Certifications

Valid Georgia driver’s license required. 

International Society of Arboriculture Arborist Certification.

Essential Capabilities and Work Environment

Senior Arborist field work requires fitness for traversing wilderness terrain; for performing First Aid and CPR; for hands-on forestry work such as tree planting, tree pruning, or invasive plant control.

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