City Arborist

City Of Gainesville, FL; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 1,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site fitness centers

Tuition reimbursement

On-site medical staff

Wellness program

Job summary

The City of Gainesville is seeking a professional to develop, implement, and maintain its Urban Forestry Program. This role reports to a supervisor and blends field and office work, policy oversight, and community engagement to protect and enhance urban tree canopy.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s in urban forestry (or related field), three years of urban forestry experience with supervisory responsibilities, ISA Arborist certification, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, or related subject and three years of urban forestry experience.
• Supervisory experience preferred.
• Valid Driver License required upon appointment; Florida license within 30 days.
• Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and administers the City Street Tree Program.
• Plans work and assigns crews and equipment for planting and maintaining City trees on public property.
• Instructs crew leaders and advises on problems.
• Inspects trees for removal permits and replanting requirements.
• Oversees Tree Ordinance, Tree Mitigation Fund, and Urban Forest Ecological Analysis.
• Prepares reports on progress costs and program goals.

Skills

Urban Forestry

Budget Management

Public Speaking

Supervisory Skills

Arboriculture

Education

Bachelor degree in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, or related subject

Job description

If you are an Internal City Employee, Retiree or Dependent/Survivor of a City Employee please apply internally via Career Icon in your Workday account.Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder—an employee with the City of Gainesville— you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it’s a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.Department:GG_Public Works: Urban Forestry ProgramSalary Range Minimum:$60,403.20Salary Range Maximum:$97,623.17Closing Date:08/24/2026Job Details:Professional, technical and supervisory work developing, implementing and maintaining an Urban Forestry Program.The single position allocated to this classification reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher level classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower level classes by its emphasis on urban forestry and supervisory duties.Job Description:SUMMARYProfessional, technical and supervisory work developing, implementing and maintaining an Urban Forestry Program.The single position allocated to this classification reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher level classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower level classes by its emphasis on urban forestry and supervisory duties.EXAMPLES OF WORK*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSCoordinates and administers the City Street Tree Program.Plans work and assigns crews and equipment for planting and maintaining City trees on public property. Instructs crew leaders in their duties and advises them about problems.Inspects trees for which removal permits are sought to ensure replanting requirements are met.Supervise, plans and coordinates work of subordinates.Inspects work performed in the field to assure standard operating procedures are followed and performance standards are met.Assists in administering City Tree Ordinance and standards.Oversees, monitors and administers the City’s Tree Mitigation Fund.Oversees and administers the Urban Forest Ecological Analysis and ensures that it is updated on a five year schedule.Oversees and administers the Urban Forest Management Plan.Recommends policy on arbor activities and establishes bid procedures and long-term program goals and objectives.Recommends selection, promotion, discharge, and other appropriate personnel actions.Supervises records maintenance of employees’ time and materials used. Authorizes payment of purchase orders for supplies and equipment. Prepares reports reflecting progress costs.Reviews roadway plans and makes recommendations on trees and ecosystem preservation.Performs single family home shade tree inspections, code enforcement inspections and posting of trees removed on city property.Receives complaints from general public regarding trees and other plants, inspects trees, and assigns crews to repair damage.Performs periodic inspections and prepares reports and recommendations concerning conditions and needs of trees.Provides public information on tree care procedures by presenting speeches and preparing informational materials.Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSAssists in preparation of the division budget.Reviews and implements safety practices.Coordinates projects with other departments.May act in absence of supervisor.May be responsible for enforcing the Drug-Free Workplace Program, based on physical location and organizational structure.Performs other related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions.EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCEBachelor degree from an accredited four-year (4-year) college or university with major course work in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, or related subject and three (3) years experience in urban forestry and horticulture including urban forestry operations and tree and landscaping maintenance with supervisory experience preferred.CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSESLicensesValid Driver License required upon appointment. Valid Florida Driver License required within 30 days of start date.CertificationsCertified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESThorough knowledge of arboricultural practices and procedures.Thorough knowledge of the intent and needs of a Street Tree Program.Thorough knowledge of Florida’s trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants, and other plant life.Knowledge and competence in forest management, silviculture, reforestation, watershed management, botany, plant physiology, entomology, landscape design, pathology, and plant and tree anatomy.Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions necessary in arboriculture.Knowledge of governmental budget procedures.Knowledge of computers and relevant software.Knowledge of City laws and ordinances relating to trees.Skill in managing the program and operations of a Street Tree Division including personnel and financial management.Skill in establishing goals and objectives and developing comprehensive plans.Ability to work effectively with elected officials, charter officers, department heads, representatives of other agencies, other city employees, and the general public.Ability to keep records and prepare reports.Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with public relations problems.Ability to plan, schedule, organize, supervise, counsel and discipline subordinates effectively.Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTSNone.WORK ENVIRONMENTWork may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.Note:May Require Assessment(s).May fill multiple positions.May establish an eligibility list.Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.Equal OpportunityThe City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.Veterans' PreferenceVeterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at [e-mail] or by calling 352-334-5077.