What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant City Forester position at City of Minnetonka?
Assists the City Forester by administering the day-to-day operations of the city’s urban forest management program, including the risk tree and disease management program, right-of-way and park pruning program, tree replanting and maintenance, injection program, and administration and reporting for city contracts and grants. This position includes both field work and office work, which can fluctuate daily. It involves significant interaction with the public, requires a strong scientific background and demonstration of leadership and problem solving skills while working with various crews, tasks and projects/initiatives. Assists with overseeing asset management software and Esri ArcGIS applications. Ability to operate various types of equipment and tools. The successful candidate will excel in all of the above scenarios. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the City Forester.
Thorough knowledge of City and department policies and procedures; knowledge of Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances pertaining to natural resource management; knowledge of tree species and disease identification, tree care planting and maintenance practices, urban forestry management; knowledge of arboricultural tools and equipment and tree maintenance work safety procedures; knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications; skill in public speaking; ability to think analytical and problem-solve; ability to read and understand maps, records, drawings, and plans; ability to be innovative and creative; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to be diplomatic, empathetic, and cooperative; ability to work independently; ability to operate and use office equipment; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, outside agencies or vendors, public officials, and the general public.
- Administers the day-to-day operations of the city’s risk tree and disease management program, is responsive to property owners, and maintains necessary documentation and record keeping.
- Administers the day-to-day operations of the tree care program for trees on public property and street right-of-ways. This includes inspecting sight-line and safety complaints, inspecting public trees for maintenance and removal needs, pruning and removing trees as required.
- Acts as lead tree inspector responsible for identifying trees, tree diseases and pests. Coaches, mentors, and provides work direction over seasonal tree inspectors to ensure timeliness, completeness and accuracy of work.
- Works with street and park maintenance staff and oversees a variety of forestry related tasks such as planting, watering, mulching, pruning, spraying or injecting and tree removal. Also responds to inquiries and offers technical assistance on tree related items.
- Leads the reforestation program including identifying planting locations and species, developing management plans, ordering stock, and coordinating volunteers or crews to help complete the projects.
- Administers coordination of contractors’ work such as stump grinding, tree pruning, tree removals, and the tree injection program.
- Leads all aspects of various projects such as special grant projects, traditional forest management projects, conflict resolution, or entire system updates to improve efficiency.
- Provides tree and woodland knowledge and expertise to inform ecological system-focused habitat restoration goals and priorities for public property.
- Oversees tree inventory work and asset management software systems in an Esri ArcGIS environment.
- Contributes to forestry related outreach activities and programs including Arbor Day, Tree City USA, Tree Sale, and other outreach and engagement efforts.
- Performs other tasks as assigned.
- Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field and moderate 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
- TRAQ certification within one year of hire
- Valid driver's license in the State of Minnesota.
- Master's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field.
Thorough knowledge of City and department policies and procedures; knowledge of Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances pertaining to natural resource management; knowledge of tree species and disease identification, tree care planting and maintenance practices, urban forestry management; knowledge of arboricultural tools and equipment and tree maintenance work safety procedures; knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications; skill in public speaking; ability to think analytical and problem-solve; ability to read and understand maps, records, drawings, and plans; ability to be innovative and creative; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to be diplomatic, empathetic, and cooperative; ability to work independently; ability to operate and use office equipment; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, outside agencies or vendors, public officials, and the general public.
Salary : $41 - $49
