Arborist

The City of El Paso Texas; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of El Paso Texas seeks an Urban Forestry Supervisor to lead planning, development and implementation of city-wide tree programs. Responsibilities include directing planting, pruning and maintenance on City property and rights-of-way, plus coordinating contracts and ensuring safety.

Experience with urban forestry projects, contract oversight, and professional arboriculture guidance is essential. Must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and ISA certification, with a Texas

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture or related field.
• Two years of increasingly responsible experience in design/management of forestry programs or tree planting and maintenance project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop, direct and supervise urban forestry plans and programs.
• Direct planting, maintenance and removal of trees on City property and rights of way.
• Oversee contracts, bidding, and compliance for street median maintenance and related services.
• Provide arboricultural recommendations to developers, city departments and the public.
• Supervise staff including scheduling, training and performance management.
• Perform related duties and maintain tree inventory and reports.

Skills

Urban forestry

Tree management

Public safety

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Forestry/Forestry/Horticulture

Two years in forestry program design/management

ISA certification

Texas Pesticide Applicators License

Tools

None

Job description

MOS Code: None

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture or a related field, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the design and management of forestry programs or tree planting and maintenance project management.

Requirements

Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree or higher in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture or a related field, and two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in the design and management of forestry programs or tree planting and maintenance project management.

Licenses and Certificates: Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or equivalent from another state. International Society of Arborists (ISA) certification and Texas Pesticide Applicators License within six (6) months of appointment.

General Purpose

Under general direction, supervise and perform activities related to urban tree management.

Typical Duties

Develop, implement and direct plans, strategies and programs related to the urban forestry needs of the community. Involves: Plan, develop, and direct the implementation of an Urban Forestry Plan. Direct activities related to acquisition, planting, maintenance, and removal of trees on City-owned property and right of ways. Oversee and participate in planting, pruning, watering and fertilizing plants, flowers, shrubs, hedges and trees. Operate and maintain facilities such as greenhouses and tree farms. Devise methods of detection, eradication and control of detrimental insects and plant disease. Investigate and correct hazardous tree conditions. Coordinate projects to ensure results are aesthetically pleasing by ensuring that suitable principles and practices of arboriculture, horticulture, construction and irrigation are applied. Ensure public safety around work sites.

Administer and ensure compliance with street median maintenance and service related contracts. Involves: Review contract documents for competitive bidding and procurement of services. Monitor contractors and enforce compliance to contract provisions. Conduct site visits and review contract for compliance. Perform on-site monitoring and prepare reports on findings, concerns and recommendations. Conduct follow-up on findings and concerns. Maintain records related to maintenance and service contracts.

Provide arboricultural recommendations to developers, contractors, city departments and the public. Includes: Review preliminary and final plats, associated documents, and site plans to ensure compliance with City landscape and tree ordinance. Perform field work including pre-development site analysis, pre-construction meetings with contractors, developers, water and sewer representatives, and other concerned parties. Respond to public inquiries and explain City rules, regulations, policies and procedures in courteous and tactful manner. Encourage owners of private residences and commercial properties to maintain trees.

Supervise assigned staff. Involves: Schedule, assign, and review work. Conduct employee training and development. Train personnel in tree and landscape maintenance. Enforce personnel rules and regulations, standards of conduct, work attendance, and safe work practices.

Perform miscellaneous related functions as required. Involves: Perform any duties and responsibilities of subordinates or coworkers sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations. Develop and maintain tree inventory date and prepare work programs. Oversee and personally engaging in preparation of reports, records and studies. Review pertinent agricultural literature. Coordinate volunteer tree-related work projects.

General Information

Note: This is an unclassified contract position.

Foreign Degrees

Applicants with a foreign degree must have all documents translated and evaluated by an agency of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) prior to submitting them to the Human Resources Department. Please visit www.naces.org/members for more information.