Lead Urban Forester & City Tree Programs

City of Elkhart, Indiana; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Elkhart, Indiana seeks a City Forester to head the forestry division and oversee maintenance of street trees, the City nursery, and trees on City properties.

Responsibilities include directing staff, planting projects, tree inventory updates via GIS/GPS, and enforcing Tree Board ordinances. Requires BS in Forestry, ISA credentials, and willingness to obtain TRAQ; CDL and urban forestry credentials preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Forestry or closely related field required.
• ISA Arborist credential or willingness to obtain within probation.
• TRAQ credential or willingness to obtain within probation.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and schedules subordinate personnel. Establishes work priorities.
• Develops and implements departmental procedures.
• Identify common trees and shrubs for inventory and work orders.
• Maintains and updates City tree inventory using databases, GIS, and GPS.
• Oversees tree planting projects on City properties.
• Responds to inquiries from City residents concerning street trees and other forestry responsibilities.
• Inspect, maintain, and remove Trees owned by the City, including street trees.
• Plants and transplants trees, shrubs, and other plant material.
• Sits on the Elkhart Tree Board as a non-voting member.
• Enforces the Tree Board ordinance, including blanket permits and tree care permits.
• Available 24/7 to assess/remove fallen trees and limbs.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team leadership

Spanish language

GIS

Education

Bachelor of Science in Forestry or related field

ISA Certified Arborist credential

ISA TRAQ credential

Tools

GIS

Job description

City of Elkhart, Indiana seeks a City Forester to head the forestry division and oversee maintenance of street trees, the City nursery, and trees on City properties.

Responsibilities include directing staff, planting projects, tree inventory updates via GIS/GPS, and enforcing Tree Board ordinances. Requires BS in Forestry, ISA credentials, and willingness to obtain TRAQ; CDL and urban forestry credentials preferred.