Urban Forestry & Landscape Specialist

Under general direction of the Urban Forestry Program Manager; plays a crucial role in supporting urban forestry and tree management programs.  Assists with tasks related to the City-wide Landscape Maintenance of Rights-of-Way and Facilities contract, the On-Call Landscape Installation and Construction contract, and the Arboricultural On-Call contract.  Also assists with urban forest management, general right-of-way maintenance, landscape-related traffic safety, data collection and analysis related to the urban forest and public landscapes.

**This is an exempt position.**

Essential functions are the basic job duties that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. The omission of a function does not preclude management from assigning essential duties not listed herein if such duties relate to the position. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and may not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

• Monitors the performance of the City contractor responsible for landscape maintenance of >150 acres of City rights-of-way and facility properties. 
• Inspects landscape installations by City contractors and verifies compliance with project specifications.  Must enforce and seek resolution for non-compliant elements.
• Reviews work performed by the On-Call Arboricultural contractor.  
• Performs visual inspections of urban forest areas within and adjacent to city rights-of-way to identify trees of concern.  This includes identifying trees of concern on private property and contacting the associated property owner to seek resolution.
• Inspect intersection and other traffic sightlines for conflicts with public and private landscape.  This includes determining ownership of landscape elements and contacting private property owners as needed to correct obstructed sightlines.
• Reviews civil, architectural, and landscape architecture plans, details, and specifications for conflicts with trees.
• Obtains field data as requested.
• Participates in pruning, watering, staking, etc. and tree planting activities to maintain and enhance urban tree health.  
• Performs routine tree care tasks, such as mulching, fertilization, and pest/disease management.
• Operates specialized forestry equipment.
• Responds to tree related hazards, emergencies, and storms including after-hours callouts, which may include extensive overtime in extreme and inclement weather and operations in dark hours with minimal lighting.
• Provides support for the Public Works Right-of-Way crew.
• Procurement of tools and other materials needed for urban forest and landscape management.
• Interprets and applies City tree regulations.
• Assists in conducting tree surveys, including species identification, health assessment, and mapping.
• Maintains accurate inventories of trees, including data collection, database management, work orders, and maintenance activities.
• Engages with city residents to discuss concerns related to public trees and landscapes impacting private property, as well as private trees and landscapes affecting city rights-of-way properties.
• Ensures the safe and proper use of equipment and tools in compliance with applicable safety guidelines.
• Attends and participates in periodic planning meetings related to forestry management.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required

Knowledge of:

• Urban forestry principles, tree identification, and tree health assessment.
• General landscape industry encompassing trees and other plants, including best methods and techniques utilized in planting and maintenance.
• Proper pruning techniques in accordance with ANSI A300 for trees, shrubs, and other woody plants.
• Local regulations and ordinances related to tree care and management.
• Safety procedures and protocols related to tree care, equipment operation, and outdoor work environments.
• Common pests, diseases, and treatments for urban trees.
• Understanding of how trees and green spaces function within urban environments.
• Modern office procedures and equipment, including computers, tablets, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Ability to:

• Collect and organize data for tree inventories, capital projects, and maintenance programs.
• Read landscape plans and other construction plans and specifications.
• Identify issues related to tree health and propose solutions.
• Work independently and meet given deadlines.
• Prepare clear and concise reports on tree assessments, maintenance activities, and project updates.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Read and understand technical reports and correspondence as needed.
• Follow safe work practices.
• Maintain records.
• Meet the physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
• Safely and effectively operate tools and equipment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job qualifies.
Required

• Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in horticulture, arboriculture, urban forestry, or a related field. Additional experience may be substituted for education. 
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in landscape maintenance/construction, horticulture, and/or arboriculture.
• Possession of a valid Georgia Class C driver's license.

Preferred

• Landscape Industry Certified Technician credential by National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).
• ISA Certified Arborist certification

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting and field environment and operate office equipment. Continuous sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. Frequent side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. Occasional squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasping to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.
 

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City of Alpharetta and employee and is subject to modifications as the needs and requirements of the position change.
The City of Alpharetta is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender (including identity or expression), marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected classification as defined by applicable law (except as limited by Employee Manual & Benefits Handbook or bona fide occupational qualifications).

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, the City of Alpharetta is committed to providing a safe, quality-oriented, and productive work environment consistent with the standards of the community in which it serves. Alcohol and drug abuse poses a threat to the health and safety of City’s employees and to the security of the City’s equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the City is committed to the elimination of drug and alcohol use and abuse in the workplace.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects qualified individuals with disabilities from employment discrimination. Under the ADA, a person has a disability if they have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. The physical demands described within the job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. In compliance with the ADA, the City of Alpharetta will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Salary : $65,912 - $105,459