Community Forester Arborist - AFSCME

Job Description

The Community Forester Arborist is responsible for the daily management of permitting requirements of the Forestry Division. Leads the Division’s community forestry and outreach activities, including meeting with stakeholder groups, advocacy groups, schools, residents and other constituencies to build volunteer programs and urban forestry-based community initiatives. Works independently to set goals, be organized, make independent decisions and demonstrate strong leadership skills.

Assists in the coordination and execution of all phases of the division’s activities, including meeting the goals and directives set by the division head. As a member of the Division of Urban Forestry’s leadership team, Community Forester Arborist will use industry standards and guidelines to make critical determinations on the safety, stability and longevity of trees and make recommendations for corrective actions.

Participates in the enforcement of applicable City Ordinances and State Laws. Communicates regularly with constituents in person, over the phone, via email or other means; acts politely with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, ensuring requests and objectives are addressed in a timely manner. Performs other related duties of a supervisory nature as required and deemed necessary by City Forester. Works to fill in for other staff as needed.

Community Forester, Arborist operates with a significant degree of independence in planning, organizing, and executing procedures of the Urban Forestry Division as well as enforcing relevant laws and ordinances. The position requires sound judgment to make decisions within the framework of established laws, regulations, policies and timelines while meeting critical division mandates. This role also involves coordinating with other city departments, external organizations, and the public to achieve goals.

The Community Forester, Arborist works under the general supervision of the City Forester and/or their designee. The supervisor provides guidance on policy interpretation, overall objectives, and priorities but expects the Community Forester, Arborist to independently manage day-to-day responsibilities. Work is reviewed periodically through meetings, reports, and evaluations to ensure compliance with appropriate laws and alignment with division goals.

The Community Forester, Arborist supervises part time employees, volunteers, students, interns and assists in overseeing and coordinating division staff members in the absence of their direct supervisors. Responsibilities include recruiting, scheduling, and providing ongoing supervision and support to these staff to ensure operational efficiency, safety and acceptable work performance.

Responsible for the daily review of assigned tree permits, building permits and all other associated regulatory requirements related to trees. Responsible for issuing approvals and denials related to all permits associated with City Ordinance and relevant State Laws in a timely manner and in compliance with established departmental protocols. Meets daily with division head to receive assignments, develop work schedules, review objectives, and plan out work to ensure efficiency and safety.

Takes necessary precautions and actions to execute work in a safe and efficient manner as it relates to the employee, coworkers, other City staff and the public. Ensures all division goals, procedures, assignments, tasks, and safety requirements are being followed. Interacts daily with division constituents, including but not limited to: the public, City staff, elected officials, other government agencies, and contractors, in person, through the phone, email, text, and other electronic means.

Interactions must be courteous, timely, and professional and remain calm in the face of challenging situations. Ability to work effectively with people and to articulate and explain complex regulatory procedures in a way that others can understand, some of which may be controversial in nature. Represents the Division as it relates to the City and private construction…