City Forester

City of Des Moines; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Des Moines is seeking an experienced professional to develop, manage and lead activities related to the Urban Forest in the City of Des Moines. The role oversees all city-owned trees and coordinates with other departments, boards and partners to implement the Urban Forest Master Plan.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree in arboriculture or a related field, five years of arboriculture experience and ISA certification. A valid driver's license and background checks are also required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in arboriculture or closely related field.
• Five (5) years of arboriculture experience.
• 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.
• 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.

Education

Bachelor's degree in arboriculture or closely related field

Job description

General Statement of Duties

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

Acceptable Experience and Training

• 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.

Required Special Qualifications

• 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.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• 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.