Forestry Superintendent

Performs difficult skilled technical work planning, managing, and coordinating the City’s tree, and maintenance programs, monitoring department funding, overseeing infrastructure modifications, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director of Public Works. Continuous supervision is exercised over Forestry Superintendent by the Assistant Director.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain the Master Tree Plan, compiles tree inventory, prepares Tree Assessment to ensure department is funded;
• Performs evaluations and inspections of trees and woody plants for disease or insect infestation; schedules removals for hazardous or dead trees; prepares and maintains annual tree pruning, removal, and planting efforts;
• Plans, organizes, directs and inspects the work of tree-trimming crews and other employees engaged in the care of city-owned trees; trains, orients, and advises employees regarding operations, related procedures, safety and use of equipment;
• Prepares bids for planting, pruning and removal services; conducts pre-bid meetings with awarded contractor; reviews and approves contractor invoices for payment;
• Verifies work orders; schedules, and supervises inspection of contractors, and other contractors engaged by the city to ensure the work quality and completion;
• Represents the City and department on the Tree Advisory Committee;
• Consult with residents about private property tree care needs.
• Prepare and submit grant applications.
• Maintain the Cities status as a Tree City USA Community and Growth Award recipient.
• Support Public Works project managers and other city departments protecting tree within capital construction projects and private property construction projects.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of arboriculture and horticulture methods and materials, landscaping and cultivation of trees and woody plants; thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of landscaping; thorough knowledge of the chemicals used in tree disease and insect control; thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and related equipment operation.

Skill in the use of personal computers, associated software packages, hardware, and peripheral equipment; skill in the use of the equipment and tools of the work; skill in negotiating contracts for labor and services with familiarity with utility development agreements/contracts; skill in project management, customer service, and relationship building.

Ability to prepare plans and detailed reports; ability to plan and supervise the work of semiskilled and skilled trades workers; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, community boards and committees, contractors, department heads, elected officials, residents, vendors, and the general public.

EDUCATION AND EXPERINCE:

Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, environmental sciences or related field and considerable experience in tree removal and maintenance operations with considerable supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work frequently walking, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, sitting, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, using of measuring devices, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to the risk of electrical shock; work is generally in a loud noise location (e.g. grounds maintenance, heavy traffic).

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Certification upon hire. Valid driver’s license in the State of Ohio.

The City of Shaker Heights does not hire individuals who use or test positive for tobacco or nicotine products.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.