Urban Forest Program Manager

City of Mesa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mesa is seeking an Urban Forest Program Manager to develop and manage services, projects, initiatives, and activities in support of Mesa’s urban forest program. You will lead strategies to increase tree canopy, manage contracts and budgets, pursue grants, and collaborate with city departments, partners, and the public to promote resilient urban forestry.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor's degree in a related field and 3–5 years of program management; a valid AZ driver’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent.
• 3–5 years’ experience managing urban forestry projects or programs.
• Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire date.
• ISA certification within one year of hire or promotion date.
• Bilingual with Spanish written and verbal abilities (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage services, projects, initiatives in support of the urban forest program.
• Increase canopy coverage through strategies and project implementation.
• Coordinate with internal departments, regional agencies, and community partners.
• Prepare professional reports, forecasts, and grant applications.
• Monitor budgets, contracts, and expenditures; promote best management practices.

Skills

Project management

Urban forestry knowledge

Leadership

Spanish language (bilingual)

Public speaking / writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

ISA Certification

Job description

Description/Duties

The first review of all applications will be Monday, August 31, 2026.

The Urban Forest Program Manager is responsible for developing and managing various services, projects, initiatives, and activities in support of the City’s urban forest program. Duties include, but are not limited to, developing and implementing strategies to increase the City’s tree canopy coverage; initiating and managing urban forestry projects, programs, and/or initiatives; conducting research studies and cost/benefit analyses; analyzing data related to urban forestry conditions, irrigation use patterns, and rainfall; monitoring growth, care, and maintenance of urban forestry projects; preparing professional reports and correspondence outlining objectives, findings, recommendations, and goals; preparing forecasts of needed funds; pursuing grant and other funding opportunities that support sustainably increasing and maintaining Mesa’s urban forest; assisting in the preparation of grant applications, forms, and reports; assisting in developing and implementing project budgets and monitoring expenditures; managing complex project contracts; directing, coordinating, and reviewing the work performed by experts from various fields, consultants, contractors, community organizations, governmental organizations, and volunteers; partnering with internal and external stakeholders on urban forestry best management practices; recommending policies, procedures, and regulations to promote resilient urban forestry practices, resource management, and conservation measures; tracking progress on established goals; and producing written public relations materials for City Council, staff, news media, and the general public.

This position will act as the City’s liaison for matters relating to urban forestry and will routinely coordinate with other City departments, regional agencies, community partners, and the general public to promote, implement, and manage City initiatives, projects, and programs.

The Urban Forest Program Manager manages, coordinates, and oversees community urban forest programs, projects, and other related activities. Assignments are often broad in scope and complexity and require the use of independent judgment and initiative. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Director – Environmental and Sustainability who reviews work through conferences, reports, inspections, and results achieved. This class is FLSA exempt-professional.

Please refer to the link below for the full job description and additional information regarding assignments, preferred qualifications, and essential functions.

Link To Job Description

https://apps.mesaaz.gov/jobdescriptions/Documents/JobDescriptions/cs5512.pdf

A Summary of City of Mesa Benefits is linked here.

Qualifications & Requirements

Employee Values

All employees of the City of Mesa are expected to uphold and exhibit the City's shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity.

Minimum Qualifications Required.

Any combination of training, education, and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, Sustainability, or related field. Considerable (3 - 5 years) experience managing projects or programs relating to urban forestry, landscape architecture, or closely related field.

Special Requirements.

Must possess a valid Class D Arizona Driver’s License by hire or promotion date. Must obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification within one (1) year of hire or promotion date.

Preferred/Desirable Qualifications.

A Master’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Landscape Architecture, Resource Management, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Environmental Sciences, or related field. Knowledge of tree appraisals, tree protection ordinances, and tree risk assessments in an urban setting in a desert environment. Experience with community organizing and/or mobilizing and proven qualities in leadership. Bilingual with good Spanish written and verbal abilities. Desirable certifications include those from the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA), American Society for Horticultural Science, Association of Consulting Foresters, Society of American Foresters, or Society of Municipal Arborists.