Full job description {#full-job-description tabindex="-1"}

Department:Public Works and Engineering Services

Reports To:Director of Public Works and Engineering Services

Position Overview:The City Forester is responsible for overseeing the administration and management of the City's urban forestry programs and resources. This role involves grant management, industry program oversight, public outreach, and the implementation of sustainable urban forest practices. The City Forester will be instrumental in enhancing the health and vitality of urban communities through effective tree care and strategic urban forest planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Coordination:Organize, prioritize, and manage daily work activities; assign tasks, monitor progress, and inspect completed work. Troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Administrative Duties:Prepare and manage annual budgets; develop and maintain the municipal urban forest plan.
• Tree Health Management:Monitor and assess the health of the Citys tree population. Conduct municipal tree surveys, maintain accurate records, and manage service requests.
• Public Engagement:Develop and present educational programs to schools and community groups. Promote participation in the Urban Forestry Plan, Arbor Day, and Earth Day.
• Grant Management:Research, apply for, and manage grants for Urban Forestry programs. Maintain Tree City USA status and handle annual application submissions.
• Collaboration:Coordinate with boards, commissions, and Public Works staff on urban forestry issues. Provide guidance and support to departmental staff and other departments as needed.
• Policy Development:Create, implement, and enforce new policies, objectives, maintenance schedules, and planning programs to improve urban forestry practices.
• Tree Care Oversight:Manage tree care operations on municipal property. Offer recommendations for tree maintenance, including pruning, removal, pest management, and reforestation.
• Volunteer Coordination:Utilize volunteer groups for urban forestry maintenance, special events, and projects.
• Professional Development:Attend and conduct staff meetings; participate in training and seminars to stay current with industry knowledge and skills.

Qualifications:

• Education:Bachelors degree in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a related field. Obtain and maintain ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• Experience:3-5 years of experience in tree and shrub identification, maintenance, and computer operations preferred.
• Skills:Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel). Strong ability to follow verbal and written instructions. Familiarity with hand and power tools relevant to the trade.
• Knowledge:In-depth understanding of plant materials, arboriculture techniques, forest management, and landscape architecture.
• Requirements:Must adhere to the City of Huntingtons Drug and Alcohol-Free Workplace Policy, including pre-employment, post-accident, random, and follow-up testing.

Additional Information:

• The position is funded by a 4-year USDA grant.
• This job description is for illustrative purposes and may be adjusted as needed. It does not constitute a contract or guarantee of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Huntington, IN 46750 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Huntington, IN 46750: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

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