Associate Arborist

jacksonville.gov; Jacksonville, Northern (FL, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Flexible spending plans

Paid holidays

Personal leave day

Job summary

City of Jacksonville is seeking an Associate Arborist to manage urban forestry projects citywide. You will plan and supervise crews, conduct field studies, and keep accurate tree inventories, while coordinating with citizens via MyJax and responding to claims.

A degree in forestry or related field is preferred, plus ISA credentials. Role requires knowledge of botany, arboriculture, and regulatory standards; responsibilities include data analysis, reporting, and training others.

Qualifications

• Four years of education and/or professional experience in urban forestry or related field.
• 24 semester hours in arboriculture, horticulture, environmental science or related subject.
• Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field preferred.
• Must possess ISA certification options listed.

Responsibilities

• Plans, assigns, schedules, monitors, directs, reviews and evaluates crews and contractors.
• Conducts field studies, compiles data and prepares recommendations.
• Monitors planting projects and maintains records.
• Maintains a database of City trees and computerized records.
• Responds to citizen service requests and MyJax requests.
• Responds to public damaged tree claims and replanting tasks.
• Operates office equipment and related software.
• Demonstrates proficiency in City competencies.

Skills

Arboriculture knowledge

Urban forestry

Communication skills

Data analysis

Driving

Education

Bachelor's degree in forestry or related field - preferred

4 years of urban forestry education/experience

Tools

ISA Certification

Job description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four (4) weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The publics Works Department is actively seeking one (1) Associate Arborist.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is professional urban forestry work as it relates to county-wide tree planting projects and maintenance. The work requires knowledge, understanding, and application of the techniques, methods, and procedures of urban forestry, arboriculture, botany, and horticulture that is gained through degree-granting schools or an equivalent level of practical knowledge gained through experience. Contacts with others require skills in understanding and/or influencing people and are important in providing client services, including skills of persuasiveness, assertiveness, and sensitivity to other points of view that are required to influence behavior, change an opinion, or turn a situation around. The work is standardized, and because of changing priorities or different situations, the worker has the latitude to consider which procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence. The work involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in search of solutions or new applications. Work is performed in both an office and field environment where risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable. Operates a utility vehicle, standard office equipment such as computer, calculator and copier, tools associated with the assessment of trees and tree planting sites, and tools used to train others in the care and maintenance of newly planted trees. Physical demands consist mainly of visually inspecting trees, using equipment, and occasionally lifting objects weighing less than 50 pounds. Work is performed under general supervision where the work assignments are varied and although subject to standard practices and procedures, the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to supervisor’s approval.

• Plans, assigns, schedules, monitors, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of crews and contractors engaged in tree procurement, tree installation, tree maintenance, and forest maintenance.
• Conducts field studies, compiles data, and prepares recommendations.
• Monitors planting projects.
• Maintains computerized record systems of studies and projects.
• Maintains a database and inventory of the City's trees.
• Responds to and administers citizen driven service requests.
• Responds to citizen right-of-way planting requests through the MyJax System.
• Responds to public damaged tree claims and manages the replanting of trees.
• Operates standard office equipment such as personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, and other related software applications.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies.

• Knowledge of botany, arboriculture, urban forestry, and horticultural theories, principles and practices.
• Knowledge of laws, policies, rules, standards, and regulations governing urban forestry operations.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in urban forestry operations.
• Knowledge of basic species of trees and of their growth, maintenance conditions, and needs.
• Knowledge of soils and methods of plant cultivation compatible with local environmental conditions.
• Knowledge of research design and statistical and modeling methods and techniques.
• Ability to plan, assign, schedule, monitor, direct review and evaluate the work of crews and contractors engaged in tree planting, maintenance, pruning, removal, restoration and application of pesticides.
• Ability to collect, analyze and interpret data and effectively present ideas, concepts, recommendations and conclusions.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to estimate costs, materials, labor, and time for selection, purchasing and planting of trees.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to operate a utility vehicle.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files
• Ability to operate standard office equipment such as personal computer using word processing, spreadsheet, database, and other related software applications.

• Four (4) years of education and/or professional experience in urban forestry or directly related field which includes;
  • Successful completion of 24 semester hours of course work in arboriculture, horticulture, environmental science or related subject.
• Bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field - preferred.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

• Must possess a valid driver's license at time of application and maintain it during employment in this class.
• Must qualify for, obtain and maintain a City of Jacksonville public driver certification for employment in this class.
• Must possess and maintain valid certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as an ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional or ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist, and/or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• The probationary period for this class is six (6) months.

Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here: http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference.

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs

Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator

11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K

Largo, FL 33778-1630

Email: [e-mail]