Urban Forestry Planner

The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department (PRCR) mission is:

"Together we connect and enrich our community through exceptional experiences."

The PRCR Department plays a leading role in the quality of life and character of the Capital City. With over 10,000 acres of land, 220 parks, and 120 miles of greenway trails, the Department provides a wide range of facilities, amenities, and programs that support the social, cultural, mental and physical well-being of citizens. The PRCR Department is guided by a comprehensive 20-year System Plan that identifies the overall vision of Bringing People to Parks and Parks to People. 

Help shape the urban forestry canopy in the City of Raleigh! The Urban Forestry Planner role reviews proposed development plans through all phases of development as it relates to tree conservation, preservation, watersheds, and street trees. This position also provides expertise to developers, city staff, and citizens regarding tree conservation and street tree issues.  

This position works in an office setting with a partial telework opportunity. The ideal candidate is very detail-oriented and excels in communication skills (written, verbal and in-person). The candidate needs to be a team player and be able to provide excellent customer service. The job requires the ability to handle multiple tasks at a time with deadlines while also attending required meetings in support of the development community and other plan review department groups within the city.

• Reviews plans for all phases of development to ensure compliance with tree conservation and street tree regulations and issues permits for tree related work.
• Provides expertise to developers, city staff, and residents regarding tree conservation and street tree development issues through all phases of development plan review.
• Communicates with property owners, developers, and designers regarding compliance issues raised during development through various channels, including written, verbal, and digital communication.
• Reviews tree cover reports and calculations for tree density prepared by landscape architects, NC registered foresters, and ISA certified arborists.
• Assists forestry inspectors with citizen complaints and development related concerns regarding tree conservation areas and street trees.
• Attends relevant meetings, prepares and submits written correspondence daily.

Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree in parks and recreation, landscape design and maintenance, forestry, urban forestry or field directly related to assignment and five years of professional experience directly related to assignment.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Licensing and Certifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist designation, or the ability to obtain within 1 year of hire
• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• North Carolina Registered Forester or Landscape Architect License

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Using Microsoft Office, PDF review software, development plan review software, and GIS systems
• Understanding the latest arboriculture techniques and the associated ANSI standards
• Priotizing work to meet multiple project deadlines while providing excellent customer service and communication
• Determining compliance with regulations and clearly communicate adjustments needed for compliance when plans do not meet standards
• Communicating in written and verbal forms to clearly convey technical information
• Understanding tree biology, species native or adapted to the piedmont region of North Carolina, and construction impacts on trees
• Making decisions by gathering data, researching written code/policies, analyzing findings and applying logic and reason
• Exercising political acumen, tact and diplomacy to facilitate discussions and build consensus
• Applying interpersonal skills to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others

ADA and Other Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work:
Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Note:
This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) designation may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

Salary : $57,866 - $109,194