Urban Forestry Program Lead

The City of Elkhart; Elkhart (IN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Elkhart is seeking the head of the forestry division to lead street trees, the City nursery, and trees on City properties. You will oversee staff, set priorities, and develop procedures while maintaining the City’s tree inventory using databases, GIS, and GPS tools.

Required are a BS in Forestry or related field, and ISA credentials (Arborist/TRAQ) or willingness to obtain them. You will also serve on the Tree Board, enforce ordinances, and respond to residents' inquiries with safety

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Forestry or closely related field.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential, or willingness to obtain one within your probationary period.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or willingness to obtain one within your probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and schedules subordinate personnel. Establishes work priorities.
• Develops and implements departmental procedures.
• Must be able to identify common trees and shrubs for inventory and work orders.
• Maintains and updates City tree inventory using databases, GIS, and GPS equipment.
• Oversees tree planting projects on City properties.
• Responds to inquiries from City residents concerning street trees and other forestry responsibilities.
• Responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and removal of all 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 approval of blanket permits and all work requested under tree care permits.
• Must be available 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week to assess and/or remove fallen trees and limbs from streets and properties.
• Assists the department with snow removal from downtown streets and parking lots.
• May be assigned to assist in Public Buildings & Grounds.
• Maintains equipment and tools.
• Performs other duties as assigned and required.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Leadership of diverse team

Inventory materials & supplies

Safety knowledge

Electrical power line knowledge

Education

BS in Forestry or related field

ISA Arborist credential or willingness to obtain

ISA TRAQ credential or willingness to obtain

Tools

GIS

GPS

Job description

The City of Elkhart is seeking the head of the forestry division to lead street trees, the City nursery, and trees on City properties. You will oversee staff, set priorities, and develop procedures while maintaining the City’s tree inventory using databases, GIS, and GPS tools.

Required are a BS in Forestry or related field, and ISA credentials (Arborist/TRAQ) or willingness to obtain them. You will also serve on the Tree Board, enforce ordinances, and respond to residents' inquiries with safety