City Forester

City of Des Moines; Des Moines (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Des Moines is seeking a City Forester to lead and manage urban forestry efforts within the Public Works Department. The role develops programs, coordinates tree care, and oversees the city’s forestry initiatives to enhance the urban canopy.

You will manage inventories, engage with commissions and collaborate with multiple departments to implement the Urban Forest Master Plan and related tree programs.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develops, manages and leads activities related to the Urban Forest in the City of Des Moines.
• Manages and oversees the Forestry Division of Public Works.
• Oversees all city-owned trees and works with other departments on tree-related matters.
• Develops and maintains the Urban Forest Master Plan.
• Acts as liaison to Boards and Commissions related to trees and urban forestry.
• Performs planning, data collection and reporting including inventory of city trees.
• Makes presentations on care and maintenance of trees and recommends CIP projects.

Skills

Certified Arborist

Education

Bachelor’s degree in arboriculture or closely related field

Job description

Posting number: X3317-09-2026

Department: Public Works

Division: PW245000 - PW Forestry

Job classification: City Forester

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Works, Management, Urban Forestry, Forestry

Summary

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

Examples of duties

• 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.

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.

Supplemental information

• 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.