Arborist

The Position

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.

• Performs tree and site inspections as needed for monitoring tree health and to assess hazard potentials.
• Develops a tree inventory and coordinates management on City of Albany properties and easements; collects 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 utilizing forestry management software.
• Oversees the implementation and enforcement of the City of Albany Tree Ordinance including review of site plans, inspection of job sites for compliance, citing individuals or companies for non-compliance, and briefing the Albany Tree Board.
• Prepares annual plans for tree establishment, tree pruning, and general tree maintenance and tree removal on City of Albany properties and easements.
• Communicates with City of Albany and Water, Gas & Light Commission employees and other utility companies regarding tree planting, tree protection and tree maintenance.
• Develops and coordinates education and community tree planting activities with Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful, the Albany Tree Board, Tree City USA, and Dougherty County School System.
• Ensures governmental and private sector compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Promotes urban forestry awareness in the community through various presentations, media releases, demonstrations, exhibits, and written publications; topics include the value and benefit of trees, proper tree care and management, tree ordinances, Tree City USA, Arbor Day, and other applicable topics; represents the Public Works Department at community events.
• Provides technical advice and coordinates the work of supervisors of tree and landscape maintenance crews as well as training appropriate personnel in tree and landscape maintenance.
• Serves as liaison with other City departments, public agencies, private organizations and other individuals regarding tree management policies and procedures.
• Responds to complaints, service requests and inquiries from citizens, the news media and others regarding tree management policies.
• Assists in the preparation of grant applications for tree management; manages resultant contracts, i.e. Georgia Urban Forestry Council Grants; assists Keep Albany Dougherty Beautiful with grant writing applications.
• Ensures departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; ensures the appropriate OSHA safety requirements are met.
• Assists in preparing budget as well as making recommendations; monitors expenditures; prepares cost estimates for projects.
• Reads, interprets and uses diagrams, blueprints, maps, aerial photographs and Geographic Information System (GIS) to assist in planning.
• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems, directs work, councils, and disciplines and completes employee performance appraisals; participates in the hiring of employees.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated time frames; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains contacts with the urban forestry community by actively participating in professional and "green" organizations, conferences and workshops on the local, state and regional level; keeps up to date on current arboricultural topics by attending workshops, conferences, reading periodicals and other means to maintain awareness of new trends/advances in the profession.
• Compiles and/or tracks various administrative and/or statistical data pertaining to departmental operations; performs research as needed; makes applicable calculations; analyzes trends; conducts efficiency analysis; prepares and conducts feasibility studies; standards conformance; prepares or generates reports; maintains records.
• Operates 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, word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.
• Communicates with management, employees, city departments, outside agencies, the public and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information or resolve problems.
• Operates a motor vehicle in the performance of duties.

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Landscape Architecture or related field preferred; additionally, three…