City Forester

Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture • Work-life fit• Well-being • Employee-focused • Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.

Job Description

Performs difficult skilled technical work planning, administering, and promoting a comprehensive program of community forestry for the City of Minnetonka, including managing the shade tree disease control and reforestation programs, coordinating tree maintenance in street right-of-ways and on public property, collaborating on ecological systems-focused native habitat restoration projects, providing technical assistance to property owners and other City departments on forestry topics, enhancing forestry knowledge and awareness through public education, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Natural Resources Manager. Continuous supervision is exercised over the Assistant City Forester, Forestry Technician, Seasonal Tree Inspector and Seasonal Watering Technician positions.

Duties/Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions

• Develop and recommend long-range forestry resource management plans and programs on topics including reforestation, shade tree disease and pest control, inventory and assessment, ecological systems restoration approaches, maintenance, and research and innovation.
• Provide oversight and manage components of the tree disease program which includes developing procedures, communicating with property owners, identifying diseased trees, ensuring that removals are in accordance with City ordinance and take enforcement action when necessary.
• Provide tree and woodland knowledge and expertise to inform ecological system-focused habitat restoration goals and priorities for public property.
• Manage the City’s tree contractors and consultants which includes developing and receiving quotes and bids for public forestry projects.
• Develop and implement a tree care policy and program for trees on public property and street right-of-ways. This includes sightline and safety complaints, inspecting public trees for maintenance and removal needs, and advising tree crews.
• Hire, train and supervise assigned staff.
• Manage and coordinate public reforestation initiatives.
• Provide oversight for plan review and survey of trees in advance of road reconstruction projects for the City’s Engineering Department and as part of private development review and permitting.
• Respond to inquiries and offer technical assistance on tree related issues to residents, City staff and outside agencies.
• Assist with forestry related public education and outreach programs. Manage Arbor Day activities and ensure the receipt of the Tree City USA designation.
• Responsible for overseeing the forestry section of the natural resources budget.
• Coordinate outside contractors and other governmental agencies on behalf of the City.
• Research grant opportunities, prepare grant applications, administer grants received and retain needed documentation.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field AND 1 - 3 years of experience in forestry preferably with municipal forestry and supervisory experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• MN DNR Tree Inspector's license within six months of hire.
• ISA Certified Arborist within six months of hire.
• Valid driver's license in the State of Minnesota.

• Master's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field.

Additional Information

Thorough Knowledge of:
City and department policies and procedures;
Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances pertaining to natural resource management;
Tree species and disease identification, tree care planting and maintenance practices, urban forestry and ecological system restoration best practices relating to all relevant native plant communities in Minnetonka;
Arboricultural tools and equipment and tree maintenance work safety procedures;
Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications;

Skilled In:
Public speaking, coaching and mentoring, and conflict resolution;

Ability to:
Think analytical and problem-solve;
Read and understand maps, records, drawings, and plans;
Be innovative and creative;
Follow written and verbal instructions;
Be diplomatic, empathetic, and cooperative;
Work independently;
Operate and use office equipment;
Effectively communicate both orally and in writing;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, subordinates, supervisors, other departments, outside agencies or vendors, public officials, and the general public.

Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you’re unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.

How to Apply:

Hiring Process:

• Open Job Posting: Requsition is open and accepting applications.
• Selection Process: Qualified applicants join a candidate pool. Hiring managers select candidates for interviews and/or assessments. You’ll be notified if selected.
• Pre-Employment Screening: This may include a driver's license, a criminal history background check, a drug test, a physical exam, a work assessment or simulation, and, if education-based, proof of qualifications.

Contact Us:
For position-related questions, email Katie Xiong at Kxiong@minnetonkamn.gov.

Veteran’s Preference:
Veterans can request preference under MN Statute 197.455 by submitting a DD214 with their application.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.

Visit our Benefits page for more information.