Arborist

The purpose of this classification is to coordinate work functions associated with protection, health, maintenance and reforestation of trees growing on City of Albany properties including right‑of‑ways, parks and cemeteries.

• Perform tree and site inspections to monitor tree health and assess hazard potentials.
• Develop a tree inventory and coordinate management on City of Albany properties and easements; collect field data of tree and site information on both GPS devices and handheld computers regarding tree species identification, evaluation of health and condition, hazard identification, maintenance needs, integrated pest management, plant health, care, and other factors using forestry management software.
• Oversee the implementation and enforcement of the City of Albany Tree Ordinance, including review of site plans, inspection of job sites for compliance, issuing citations for non‑compliance, and briefing the Albany Tree Board.
• Prepare annual plans for tree establishment, tree pruning, and general tree maintenance and tree removal on City of Albany properties and easements.
• Communicate with City of Albany and Water, Gas & Light Commission employees and other utility companies regarding tree planting, tree protection and tree maintenance.
• Develop and coordinate education and community tree planting activities with Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful, the Albany Tree Board, Tree City USA, and Dougherty County School System.
• Ensure governmental and private sector compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Promote urban forestry awareness in the community through presentations, media releases, demonstrations, exhibits, and written publications; represent the Public Works Department at community events.
• Provide technical advice and coordinate the work of supervisors of tree and landscape maintenance crews and train personnel in tree and landscape maintenance.
• Serve as liaison with other City departments, public agencies, private organizations, and other individuals regarding tree management policies and procedures.
• Respond to complaints, service requests, and inquiries from citizens, the news media and others regarding tree management policies.
• Assist in the preparation of grant applications for tree management; manage resultant contracts (e.g., Georgia Urban Forestry Council Grants) and assist Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful with grant writing applications.
• Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; ensure the appropriate OSHA safety requirements are met.
• Assist in preparing budget, make recommendations, monitor expenditures, and prepare cost estimates for projects.
• Read, interpret, and use diagrams, blueprints, maps, aerial photographs and Geographic Information System (GIS) to assist in planning.
• Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, process employee concerns and problems, direct work, discipline, complete performance appraisals, and participate in the hiring of employees.
• Process documentation associated with departmental operations; distribute or maintain records as appropriate.
• Develop and maintain contacts with the urban forestry community by actively participating in professional and "green" organizations, conferences and workshops; keep up to date on current arboricultural topics.
• Compile and track various administrative and/or statistical data, perform research, make calculations, analyze trends, conduct efficiency analysis and feasibility studies, ensure standards conformance, prepare reports, and maintain records.
• Operate a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing Microsoft Word, MS Excel, MS Windows Mobile, Power Point, Arc Reader, Arc Gis, UFORE, STRATUM, and other software; operate general office or other equipment as necessary.
• Communicate with management, employees, city departments, outside agencies, the public and other individuals to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

• Operate a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Landscape Architecture or related field preferred; additionally, three (3) years previous experience in forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Driver's License.
• Data Utilization:
  Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

• Human Interaction:
  Requires the ability to perform in a supervisory capacity over subordinate supervisors.
• Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials…