Urban Forestry Operations Lead

City of Savannah; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Savannah is seeking an Urban Forestry Operations Crew Chief to lead a team in tree care, removal, and planting efforts across the city. You will coordinate schedules, inspect work, and ensure safety standards while operating heavy equipment and guiding staff through daily operations.

The role requires strong knowledge of tree care, equipment operation, and emergency responsiveness, with supervisory experience preferred and a valid commercial driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Requires High School Diploma or GED equivalent; aerial lift truck training with four (4) years of tree maintenance; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Some supervisory experience preferred.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state commercial driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.
• Knowledge of tree care, removal procedures, and safety techniques.
• Knowledge of tree species.
• Knowledge of the city’s emergency response plan as it relates to the assigned area.
• Knowledge of city personnel policies.
• Skill in the operation of chainsaws, pole saws, bucket trucks, chippers, stump grinders, and other job-related equipment.
• Skill in the maintenance and repair of assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Operates heavy equipment, including log loader, aerial lift truck, brush chipper, stump grinder, and dump truck.
• Installs ropes and rigging devices in trees to facilitate safe removal.
• Inspects and maintains assigned equipment.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies as needed.
• Oversees and participates in the planting of trees.
• Grinds stumps.
• Completes required reports.
• Controls traffic at work sites.
• Oversees and participates in site cleanup.
• Serves on the City’s critical response team.

Skills

Tree care knowledge

Removal procedures

Safety techniques

Tree species knowledge

Emergency response plan knowledge

City personnel policies

Chainsaw operation

Pole saws operation

Bucket trucks operation

Chippers operation

Stump grinder operation

Vehicle maintenance

Oral and written communication

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Aerial lift truck training

Supervisory experience (preferred)

Tools

Log loader

Aerial lift truck

Brush chipper

Stump grinder

Dump truck

Job description

City of Savannah is seeking an Urban Forestry Operations Crew Chief to lead a team in tree care, removal, and planting efforts across the city. You will coordinate schedules, inspect work, and ensure safety standards while operating heavy equipment and guiding staff through daily operations.

The role requires strong knowledge of tree care, equipment operation, and emergency responsiveness, with supervisory experience preferred and a valid commercial driver’s license.