Job Detail

Urban Forestry Manager

Location: Fremont, CA
Salary: $116,677 - $157,514

The Position
This newly created position will be the primary staff responsible for implementing the City of Fremont’s new Urban Forestry Management Plan, scheduled for adoption in April 2023. The Plan is the very first City Urban Forestry Management Plan and the new Urban Forester will have a critical role in its implementation over the coming years and into the future.

The Urban Forestry Manager plans, organizes, directs and participates in the development and implementation of an urban forest management program involving the care, protection and conservation of trees and shrubs located in City parks and public rights-of-way; provides technical advice and training related to tree and landscape maintenance activities; provides liaison between the City and community relating to park and landscape facilities; provides complex and responsible support to the Community Services Department in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Responsibilities

• Meets regularly with department management staff to discuss program issues and received input and/or direction on pertinent issues.
• Recommends and implements approved section and departmental goals and objectives; establishes performance standards and methods for urban forestry management; develops and implements urban forestry-related policies and procedures.
• Implements the City Urban Forestry Management Plan and provides recommendations for periodic updates and coordination with other City Plans and policies.
• Plans, develops and oversees the work of subordinate staff involved in maintenance, removal and planting of trees and shrubs.
• Evaluates operations and activities of the section; determines section priorities; implements improvements and modifications; prepares various reports on operations and activities.
• Participates in budget preparation and administration; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justifications for staffing changes, equipment, supplies and services; monitors and controls expenditures.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends awards of contract; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality and delivery.
• Researches, writes, develops, coordinates, and implements grants to improve the management of the urban forest in Fremont.
• Coordinates with the section managers to plan, lead and direct the work of tree management contractors and crews; manages the effective use of program resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service.
• Develops and maintains a comprehensive tree inventory using customized software and prepares work programs.
• Reviews and advises the sections on planting specifications and construction details for the City tree program.
• Prepares and delivers written reports regarding tree planting or tree removal.
• Acts as liaison with other City Departments, public agencies and private organizations to coordinate policies and procedures relating to tree preservation, maintenance or replacement.
• Represents the City in meetings with City commissions, community groups, and the public; attends professional workshops, seminars, and conferences.
• Prepares and coordinates City Council Staff Reports and City commission reports using the City designated staff report management software.
• Participates, coordinates and leads the City’s Capital Improvement for Urban Forestry Management Program.
• Oversees and implements private and right-of-way tree permit program.
• Identifies insect and plant diseases in trees and prescribes treatment methods to eradicate problems.
• Advises on, and executes, citywide tree policy, enforces ordinances, establishes tree management priorities and best practices, develops new initiatives.
• Performs field evaluations and resident tree consultations.
• In coordination with the sections, reviews commercial tree planting plans, landscape projects, irrigation systems, and makes recommendations relating to landscape design.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Manages and integrates the City’s Urban Forestry technology platforms with other software solutions such as Asset Management and Maintenance, Customer Relations Management and GIS.
• In coordination with the various Community Services sections, conducts inspections and provides recommendations on trees in City construction projects.
• Participates in the recruitment and selection of staff; coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; recommends discipline; implements discipline procedures as directed.
• Builds and maintains positive working relationships with coworkers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service.

The Ideal Candidate
The City of Fremont is looking for someone with initiative, exceptional people skills, a quick study with a sense of humor and has a creative approach to “getting the job done.” Experience implementing, maintaining, and improving urban forestry management programs is highly desirable.

Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience which has provided the knowledge and abilities necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Bachelor's degree in arboriculture, forestry, botany, park administration or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience directly related to urban forestry management, two years of which are at a supervisory level.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
The following licenses and certifications are required at time of appointment:

• Class C California Driver's License
• Professional arborist certification designated by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification designated by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

Application Process

Candidates may apply for this position by submitting a completed City application, resume and supplemental questionnaire through the online application system (Government Jobs) at: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/fremontca

Selection Process

The process may include oral panel and individual interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related test components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.

VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply today at https://bit.ly/UrbanForestryManager

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