City Forester

Anticipated hiring salary: $86,910.72 - $108, 638.40/year

Full salary range: $86,910.72 - $135,798.00/year

The deadline to submit an application for this position is Sunday, January 26, 2025. However, it is subject to close at any time once a qualified pool of applications is received.

OVERVIEW OF POSITION / DEPARTMENT

It's an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and building our team of talented and valued employees. Here at the City of Aurora we have a set of core beliefs that we use as a touchstone to help guide our decisions and growth, both as individuals and as an organization. We believe in Integrity, Respect, Professionalism and Customer Service and we call these the Core 4. If you also share our values, we welcome you to apply.

The City Forester oversees the management of the city's urban forestry program, focusing on maintaining and enhancing the urban tree canopy. This role involves strategic planning, development review, supervision of staff, and community engagement to promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life for residents.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage the city-wide urban forestry program which is responsible for the maintenance and care of approximately 70,000 public and right-of-way trees, the enforcement of municipal codes pertaining to tree protection and preservation, the review of city-wide development/utility plans regarding trees, and education and outreach programs.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of work plans based on the annual and strategic plans. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives.
• Oversee tree inventories and assessments to maintain a healthy urban forest.
• Oversee tree planting, pruning, removal, and disease management activities.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations concerning urban forestry.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate forestry and PROS staff.
• Provide professional development and training programs to ensure a high-performing team.
• Assign, direct, and schedule work for 20 full time staff and 4 variable hour staff positions, monitor performance, and initiate disciplinary actions as needed.
• Educate the public on the benefits of urban forestry and engage with community organizations.
• Organize and participate in community events, such as tree planting and conservation activities.
• Act as a liaison between the city and the public on matters related to urban forestry.
• Develop and manage budgets for urban forestry operations
• Manage $500,000 annually in contracted services
• Monitor expenditures, manage inventory, and purchase necessary supplies and equipment.
• Seek funding opportunities and grants to support forestry initiatives.
• Develop and enforce policies related to tree preservation and urban forestry.
• Participate in the development review process to ensure compliance with tree preservation ordinances.
• Implement safety protocols and conduct safety inspections for parks and street trees.
• Respond to emergencies, such as storm damage or disease outbreaks, affecting the urban forest.
• Establish good working relationships with other city agencies, both public and private. Works collaboratively with other organizations and departments; confers regularly with other supervisors and managers. Foster collaborative relationships that benefit PROS.
• Maintains records; prepares a variety of operational and business reports and associated correspondence.
• Participate as a member of the management team.
• Assists with special events as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, ornamental horticulture, natural resources, or a related field.

Experience: 

• At least five years of relevant professional experience, with a minimum of three years in a supervisory role.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge in green infrastructure, trees and construction, urban wood utilization, urban heat mitigation and climate-smart management, tree selection, plant health care, emergency management, plan review and ecosystem services.
• Principles and practices of supervision and leadership, including work planning, assignment review, evaluation, discipline, and training.
• Proper horticultural practices related to parks, plants, trees, and shrubs including species identification and disease management.
• Relevant laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Occupational hazards of tree operations and related safety precautions.
• Principles and practices of administrative procedures, recordkeeping, budgeting and financial management.
• Principles and practices of contract and procurement administration.
• Principles and techniques for fostering effective work groups, inter-departmental relations, and community partnerships while providing high-level of customer service.

Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal, decision-making, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Skill in the use of personal computers and typical office software
• Colorado Driver’s license with a good driving record.

Abilities: 

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, all levels of management including executive staff, citizens, and elected officials
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing and synthesize complex information into a useful format for decision-makers
• Establish and fulfill long term goals and objectives
• Direct and effectively supervise a large workforce
• Administer budgets
• Anticipate needs and prioritize/manage multiple complex tasks while maintaining a high level of customer service to internal and external partners

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• ISA Certified Arborist
• Valid driver's license with a good driving history
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (or similar advanced certification) within six months of employment.