District Forester (West)

City of Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cleveland seeks a District Forester (West) to manage the urban forest within an assigned district, supervise forestry staff and contractors, and oversee tree care operations for public safety and disease prevention.

The role emphasizes scheduling, inspections, safety leadership, and on-call emergency response, with a strong focus on public service and stakeholder guidance through data-driven decisions.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in tree care operations is required.
• ISA Certified Arborist is required at the time of hire.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.
• Ability to lift to 40 pounds and work in warehouse environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems to document workflow.
• Experience with scheduling and developing production arborists to meet quota goals.
• Experience with customer service and guiding stakeholders in tree care decisions.
• Must have experience safely operating chainsaws during emergency situations.
• Experience supervising or leading tree crews as a foreman or project manager, preferred.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is preferred.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads urban forestry operations within assigned area in comprehensive urban tree care maintenance.
• Coordinates and monitors vendor activities.
• Provides guidance and leadership to office and field teams regarding safety regulations, training programs, and workplace safety standards.
• Develops and updates systematic tree maintenance schedules and prepares daily work orders.
• Inspects trees to determine maintenance needs and responses to complaints.
• Maintains daily records of work performed, materials used, and equipment utilized; requisitions supplies.
• Serves on call during storms and emergencies and may operate chainsaws and/or other power equipment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

ISA Certified Arborist

Chainsaw operation

Driver's license

Customer service

Tree care planning

Safety compliance

Scheduling

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

District Forester (West)

Under general direction, manages the maintenance and care of the City’s urban forest within an assigned district or branch. Supervises forestry staff and contractors and responsible for tree care operations, safety compliance, training, work planning, and responsive public service.

TYPICAL TASKS (percentages are estimates):

1. Branch Leadership and Supervision (25%) -Leads urban forestry operations within assigned area in comprehensive urban tree care maintenance.
2. Vendor Coordination (5%)– Coordinates and monitors vendor activities.
3. Safety Leadership (5%) - Provides guidance and leadership to office and field teams regarding safety regulations, training programs, and workplace safety standards.
4. Scheduling (10%)- Develops and updates systematic tree maintenance schedules and preparing daily work orders
5. Tree Inspections (45%) -Inspects trees to determine appropriate maintenance needs, investigates complaints received by the Urban Forestry Section, and determines appropriate actions and response timelines.
6. Daily Maintenance Records (5%)- Maintains daily records of work performed, materials used, and equipment utilized; requisitions supplies; and evaluates performance of employees and contractors.
7. Emergency Response (5%)- Serves on call during storms and emergencies and may operate chainsaws and/or other power equipment when necessary to support public safety.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience in tree care operations is required.
• ISA Certified Arborist is required at the time of hire.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.
• Ability to lift to 40 pounds and work in warehouse environment.
• Proficiency with computer systems to document workflow.
• Experience with scheduling and developing production arborists to meet quota goals.
• Experience with customer service and guiding stakeholders in tree care decisions.
• Must have experience safely operating chainsaws during emergency situations.
• Experience supervising or leading tree crews as a foreman or project manager, preferred.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is preferred.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) is preferred.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience supervising tree crews as a foreman or project manager
• Safe chainsaw handling during emergency situations
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is preferred
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) is preferred

https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources/total-rewards

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.