City Forester

City of Des Moines, IA; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Des Moines, IA is seeking an experienced City Forester to lead and manage the urban forest program.

The role requires a bachelor's degree in arboriculture or related field, five years in arboriculture, and a Certified Arborist credential; a driver's license is required.

You will oversee the Forestry Division, manage city trees, develop plans, work with boards, and coordinate with multiple departments and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arboriculture or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in arboriculture.
• Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture is required.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Forestry Division of the Public Works Department.
• Responsible for all city owned trees.
• Develops, leads and maintains the Urban Forest Master Plan.
• Acts as a liaison to boards and commissions (DNR, Trees Forever, Tree City USA/Arbor Day, ISU-Forestry, Parks Board, Planning and Zoning).
• Performs planning, data collection and reporting including a complete inventory of city trees.
• Makes presentations on tree care and maintenance to civic and professional groups.
• Reviews plans and contracts for compliance with tree-related codes and standards.
• Enforces City tree ordinances and design standards; proposes changes through approval processes.
• Develops and implements plans to conserve and proliferate trees and urban forests.

Skills

Arboriculture

Leadership

Public works coordination

Communication

Education

B.S. in Arboriculture

Job description

Develops, manages and leads activities related to the Urban Forest in the City of Des Moines.

Class Specifications | City Forester | Class Spec Details

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in arboriculture or closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of experience in arboriculture; and
• Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture is required.

• Possession of valid driver's license.
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination, and drug screen.
• Registered Consulting Arborist with the American Society of Consulting Arborists or Board Certified Master Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture preferred.

• Manages the Forestry Division of the Public Works Department.

• Responsible for all city owned trees.
• Works with other city departments on tree related matters.
• Develops, leads and maintains the Urban Forest Master Plan.
• Acts as a liaison to varying Boards and Commissions, including the DNR, Trees Forever, Tree City USA/Arbor Day, ISU-Forestry Department, Parks Board, Planning and Zoning and Des Moines neighborhood Groups.
• Performs planning, data collection and reporting activities including a complete inventory of all city owned trees.
• Makes presentations to various civic, professional and other related groups on the care and maintenance of trees.
• Recommends Capital Improvement Program projects and prepares, monitors and recommends related expenditures.
• Reviews site plans, specifications, contracts, etc. for compliance with codes, ordinances, zoning, etc. related to trees.
• Oversees the City's Tree Mitigation Ordinance and Policy.
• Enforces City tree ordinances, design, design standards and municipal specifications; recommends changes to such when necessary through the appropriate approval process.
• Inspects and reports on the need to treat trees for diseases, parasites, etc.
• Manages and/or coordinates specific tree programs, i.e. Oak Wilt Program, Emerald Ash Borer program, etc.
• Develops and implements plans, strategies, and programs to conserve, preserve and proliferate trees and urban forests.