Urban Forestry Program Manager

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Urban Forestry Program Administration

• Oversee the City's Tree Operations Unit, including field personnel, contractors, consultants, and seasonal staff.
• Develop and implement Newark's Community Forest Management Plan and Community Forestry Master Plan.
• Establish short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to expand and preserve the City's tree canopy while supporting climate resilience, stormwater management, air quality improvement, and environmental justice goals.
• Develop annual work plans, performance metrics, and operational priorities.
• Requisition, procure, and oversee equipment, materials, and supplies required for urban forestry operations.

• Plan and oversee citywide tree planting initiatives, including the selection of appropriate species based on site conditions, biodiversity, infrastructure compatibility, climate resilience, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance needs.
• Coordinate all phases of tree planting projects, including site selection, design, planting, establishment, and maintenance.
• Direct and supervise tree pruning, removal, planting, transplanting, fertilization, watering, cabling, pest management, and other arboricultural activities.
• Conduct and oversee inspections to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, insect and disease issues, and public safety concerns.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and risk mitigation strategies.
• Respond to hazardous tree conditions and coordinate emergency response following storms and other natural events.
• Supervise utility tree clearance activities and coordinate with utility providers to ensure compliance with industry standards and municipal requirements.

• Administer the City's Tree Work Permit Program.
• Review and approve permits for tree pruning, removal, construction activities, and development projects affecting public trees.
• Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Parks, Code Enforcement, and other departments to ensure tree preservation standards are incorporated into
• Assist in the development and implementation of municipal tree ordinances, policies, standards, and best management practices.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing urban forestry activities.

• Develop project scopes, specifications, requests for proposals, and bid documents.
• Manage consultant and contractor performance through inspections, quality assurance, and contract compliance.
• Review invoices and authorize contractor payments.
• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities to expand Newark's forestry initiatives.
• Administer federal, state, and private grants, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, reimbursement requests, and performance tracking.
• Monitor project schedules, deliverables, expenditures, and program outcomes.

• Maintain comprehensive tree inventories and asset management systems.
• Utilize GIS, GPS, i-Tree, and other urban forestry software to support planning, inventory management, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, maps, presentations, and performance metrics.
• Analyze canopy coverage, planting priorities, tree health trends, and program

• Develop and implement public education programs promoting tree stewardship and urban forestry best practices.
• Coordinate volunteer tree planting events and community engagement initiatives.
• Build partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, utilities, neighborhood organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Represent the City at public meetings, community events, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, and stakeholders regarding urban forestry programs.

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for Tree Operations Unit staff.
• Establish work priorities, assign projects, and monitor operational performance.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer-service-oriented work environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, industry standards, and City

• Prepare correspondence, technical reports, budget documents, and presentations.
• Maintain accurate records, files, and operational documentation.
• Support emergency management operations as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree inspection, or municipal tree management
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• ISA Certified Arborist required within six (6) months of appointment if not currently held