Urban Forestry Program Manager

City of Newark; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

City of Newark seeks an Urban Forestry Program Manager to lead Tree Operations, planning, and preservation across the city. You will supervise field staff, coordinate with contractors, and advance community forest initiatives to expand canopy and climate resilience.

The role requires a Bachelor's in a related field with 3+ years in urban forestry, plus ISA certification within 6 months. Experience with GIS and grant administration is a plus. Excellent benefits accompany civil service employment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Landscape Management, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree inspection, or municipal tree management
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• ISA Certified Arborist required within six (6) months of appointment if not currently held

Responsibilities

• Oversee Tree Operations Unit including field personnel, contractors, consultants, and seasonal staff.
• Develop and implement Tree Work Plan, and performance metrics.
• Administer permitting, compliance, and development review for public trees.
• Develop project scopes, RFPs, and manage contracts and grants.
• Maintain tree inventories and use GIS, GPS, i-Tree for planning and reporting.
• Engage community, partner with agencies, and represent City at meetings.

Skills

Arboriculture

Urban forestry

Project management

Leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture or related field

Master's degree in Forestry / Urban Forestry (preferred)

ISA Certified Arborist (required within 6 months)

Tools

GIS

GPS technology

i-Tree

Asset management software

Job description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Urban Forestry Program Administration

• Oversee the City's Tree Operations Unit, including field personnel, contractors, consultants, and seasonal staff.
• Develop and implement Newark's Community Forest Management Plan and Community Forestry Master Plan.
• Establish short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to expand and preserve the City's tree canopy while supporting climate resilience, stormwater management, air quality improvement, and environmental justice goals.
• Develop annual work plans, performance metrics, and operational priorities.
• Requisition, procure, and oversee equipment, materials, and supplies required for urban forestry operations.

Tree Planting, Preservation, and Maintenance

• Plan and oversee citywide tree planting initiatives, including the selection of appropriate species based on site conditions, biodiversity, infrastructure compatibility, climate resilience, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance needs.
• Coordinate all phases of tree planting projects, including site selection, design, planting, establishment, and maintenance.
• Direct and supervise tree pruning, removal, planting, transplanting, fertilization, watering, cabling, pest management, and other arboricultural activities.
• Conduct and oversee inspections to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, insect and disease issues, and public safety concerns.
• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and risk mitigation strategies.
• Respond to hazardous tree conditions and coordinate emergency response following storms and other natural events.
• Supervise utility tree clearance activities and coordinate with utility providers to ensure compliance with industry standards and municipal requirements.

Tree Permitting, Compliance, and Development Review

• Administer the City's Tree Work Permit Program.
• Review and approve permits for tree pruning, removal, construction activities, and development projects affecting public trees.
• Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Parks, Code Enforcement, and other departments to ensure tree preservation standards are incorporated into
• Assist in the development and implementation of municipal tree ordinances, policies, standards, and best management practices.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing urban forestry activities.

Project Management, Grants, and Contract Administration

• Develop project scopes, specifications, requests for proposals, and bid documents.
• Manage consultant and contractor performance through inspections, quality assurance, and contract compliance.
• Review invoices and authorize contractor payments.
• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities to expand Newark's forestry initiatives.
• Administer federal, state, and private grants, including budgeting, reporting, compliance, reimbursement requests, and performance tracking.
• Monitor project schedules, deliverables, expenditures, and program outcomes.

Data Management and Technology

• Maintain comprehensive tree inventories and asset management systems.
• Utilize GIS, GPS, i-Tree, and other urban forestry software to support planning, inventory management, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare reports, dashboards, maps, presentations, and performance metrics.
• Analyze canopy coverage, planting priorities, tree health trends, and program

Community Engagement and Education

• Develop and implement public education programs promoting tree stewardship and urban forestry best practices.
• Coordinate volunteer tree planting events and community engagement initiatives.
• Build partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, utilities, neighborhood organizations, and governmental agencies.
• Represent the City at public meetings, community events, conferences, and professional organizations.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, and stakeholders regarding urban forestry programs.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for Tree Operations Unit staff.
• Establish work priorities, assign projects, and monitor operational performance.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer-service-oriented work environment.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, industry standards, and City

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare correspondence, technical reports, budget documents, and presentations.
• Maintain accurate records, files, and operational documentation.
• Support emergency management operations as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Landscape Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of three years of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree inspection, or municipal tree management
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• ISA Certified Arborist required within six (6) months of appointment if not currently held

Preferred Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban forestry, municipal forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Master's degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Public Administration, Environmental Management, or related field
• Experience managing municipal tree inventories using GIS and asset management software
• Experience administering federal or state grants
• Experience with public procurement and contract administration

Preferred Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses

• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• ISA Municipal Specialist
• Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of tree biology, species identification, pests, diseases, and structural defects common to the northeastern United States.
• Knowledge of urban forestry practices, tree planting, pruning, removal, preservation, pest management, and risk assessment.
• Familiarity with New Jersey tree regulations and municipal operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of applicable OSHA standards, ANSI A300 standards, Z133 safety standards, and relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, purchasing, procurement, and contract administration.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience supervising field operations and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to interpret engineering, construction, and landscape plans.
• Ability to analyze technical issues and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS software, GPS technology, i-Tree, and other forestry management software.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, contractors, community organizations, and residents.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. The position may involve walking long distances over uneven terrain, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating a motor vehicle throughout the City. The position regularly requires exposure to varying weather conditions, construction sites, traffic, noise, dust, chemicals, heavy equipment, and uneven terrain. The Urban Forestry Program Manager may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response assignments during severe weather events or other emergencies.

Excellent benefits package in accordance with City of Newark policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements.

This is a Civil Service Job and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.

Please note that this role is subject to Newark residency requirements within six months of beginning the position.

The position will be open until it is filled.