City Forester

Society of American Foresters.; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Madison's Urban Forestry work unit seeks a dynamic leader to establish collaborative relationships with staff, officials, community advocates, neighborhood associations, and other stakeholders. The City Forester oversees care, protection, and promotion of Madison’s urban forest and directs planting, removal, and maintenance of public trees.

The role includes budgeting, program development, and coordination with DPW and other agencies, with emphasis on safety and service to residents.

Qualifications

• Four years of experience applying tree care methods, including planting, pruning, removal, treatment, fertilizing, and inspections of shade and ornamental trees.
• Two years of supervisory principles and practices; proficiency with GIS, GPS, MS Office, Kronos, and budget administration.
• Three years of supervisory experience at foreperson level in a forestry organization; Bachelor's degree in forestry, forest management, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Lead a staff of urban forestry personnel and oversee inspections, planting, and tree care in the city.
• Develop and manage the annual budget and programs for the urban forest.
• Coordinate with staff from DPW, elected officials, residents, developers, and community groups.

Skills

Tree care expertise

Supervisory skills

Education

Bachelor's in Forestry

Tools

GIS

GPS

MS Office

Kronos

Job description

General Description

The City of Madison Urban Forestry work unit has a dedicated funding source and enjoys a high level of support from our elected officials and the community. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will establish and maintain collaborative, mutually beneficial working relationships with staff, elected officials, community urban forestry advocates, our strong network of neighborhood associations, and other interested parties.

Starting salary is negotiable within the stated range. Relocation expenses and annual vacation are also negotiable.

The City Forester manages the Urban Forestry work unit within the Streets Division. This position plays a lead role in all initiatives related to the care, protection, and promotion of Madison’s urban forest. This is responsible professional, technical, supervisory, programmatic, and administrative work involving the direction of the maintenance, protection, removal, and planting of all public trees within the City of Madison. The work involves supervising a large staff of highly educated and engaged permanent and hourly employees through lower level supervisors, as well as the direct supervision of administrative staff, involved in the following work: inspections for compliance with Department of Public Works (DPW) specifications, updating street tree inventory, code enforcement, hazard tree inspections, and street tree planting.

This position has significant input in the formation and responsibility of the Forestry annual budget, developing and implementing new programs, overseeing ongoing programs, and coordinating the processing of owner assessments in certain situations. This position monitors and directs tree protection requirements for construction activities impacting right of way trees and is responsible for short- and long-term planning and coordinating projects and work unit activities. Considerable interaction and collaboration with staff from other agencies, as well as engagement with residents, developers, and elected officials is expected. This position reports to the Streets and Urban Forestry Division Manager and carries out its duties and responsibilities with a high degree of independence.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience applying the following:The methods, techniques, equipment, tools, and materials used in planting, pruning, removing, treating, fertilizing, and inspecting shade and ornamental trees.
  Tree species common in Madison’s geographic region.
  Relevant pest and diseases including control measuresOccupational hazards of all phases of tree care relevant to Right of Way tree care including safety protocols and precautions; AND
• Two (2) years of experience applying the following:Use of computer software applicable to the duties of the position including GIS, GPS, MS Office, and Kronos (or similar timesheet/payroll software).
  The full range of supervisory principles and practices.
  Budget creation and administration.
  Efficient personnel and equipment utilization techniques.-OR-
• Three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience in a forestry organization at the level of foreperson or above; AND
  Bachelor's Degree in forestry, forest management, or a related field.