Senior Forester - Field Operations & Leadership

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Detroit General Services Department seeks a Senior Associate Forester to plan, supervise, and coordinate forestry, horticulture, and maintenance work city-wide. You will issue work orders, review plans, inspect progress, and manage contracted vendors to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field and several years in forestry with supervisory experience, plus essential certifications.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of municipal forestry and landscaping principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of tree and plant life and propagation methods.
• Ability to plan and coordinate landscaping and forestry activities.
• Good powers of observation and tact in dealing with others.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and supervise forestry operations by issuing work orders.
• Review subordinate reports and advise on plans and policies.
• Inspect field work ensuring progress aligns with plans.
• Coordinate and manage contracted forestry vendors.
• Ensure pesticides comply with safety regulations.
• Confer with departments and outside parties on problems.
• Assist in budgeting, equipment purchases, and expense control.
• Prepare reports on proposed landscape projects and vendor invoices.
• Investigate complaints and evaluate performance of personnel.
• Attend meetings and represent the division; engage with groups.

Skills

Municipal forestry

Landscape design

Observation skills

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Education

Bachelors in Forestry/related

Tools

CDL Group B

ISA Arborist

Pesticide Applicator

Job description

City of Detroit General Services Department seeks a Senior Associate Forester to plan, supervise, and coordinate forestry, horticulture, and maintenance work city-wide. You will issue work orders, review plans, inspect progress, and manage contracted vendors to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations.

The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or related field and several years in forestry with supervisory experience, plus essential certifications.