District Forester (West)

City of Cleveland; Lancaster (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cleveland is seeking a District Forester (West) to oversee the urban forest within the assigned district and supervise forestry staff and contractors. You will ensure tree care operations, safety compliance, training, and responsive public service.

The role emphasizes scheduling, tree inspections, and maintenance records, with on-call emergency response. Requires ISA Arborist, Ohio driver license, and ability to lift 40 pounds; experience guiding stakeholders in tree care decisions is

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience in tree care operations.
• ISA Certified Arborist required at the time of hire.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver’s License.
• Ability to lift up 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead urban forestry operations within the assigned area and supervise staff and contractors.
• Develop and update maintenance schedules and prepare daily work orders.
• Inspect trees to determine maintenance needs and respond to complaints.
• Maintain daily records of work performed, materials used, and equipment utilized; requisition supplies.
• Serve on call during storms and emergencies and operate power equipment as needed.
• Coordinate vendor activities and monitor performance.
• Provide safety leadership and training across teams.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Supervisory experience

Scheduling

Customer service

Arborist safety

Lead teams

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.