City Forester

Position Summary

Oversee the planting, maintenance and removal of all trees and other vegetation within the City and to formulate rules and regulations and issue permits, for such planning, maintenance and removal; implement and enforce the Albuquerque Pollen Control and Street Tree Ordinances; supervise, plan and coordinate forestry activities and operations within the Park Management Division of Parks and Recreation Department; coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Parks Superintendent.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry Science or Biology (with an emphasis on Botany), Landscape Architecture; and

Six (6) years of experience in the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and vegetation, treating tree diseases, identifying tree species, especially with regard to pollen production and desert-adapted species; and

To include three (3) years of supervisory experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
Possession of a current International Society of Arborists (ISA) certification.
Possession of a ISA Municipal Arborist certification within two (2) years from date of hire.
Possession of a New Mexico Public Applicator's License 3A & 3B within six (6) months from date of hire.

Preferred Knowledge

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of an urban forestry program
• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a municipal environmental health department
• Principles and practices of managing the complex aspects of trees in an urban environment
• Methods and techniques of designing and reviewing arboriculture practices
• Basic computer programs such as word, excel, etc.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• Coordinate and direct regulatory compliance programs
• Coordinate and direct arboriculture projects throughout the City
• Oversee, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff
• Utilize basic computer programs as required by assigned area
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives and procedures
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
• Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work