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Urban Forestry Policy and Engagement Analyst

Salary: $83,137.60 – $108,056.00 Annually
Location:  Eugene, OR
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 03821
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Parks & Open Space
Opening Date: 02/14/2024
Closing Date: 3/8/2024 5:15 PM Pacific
 
 
 
 

 

General Statement of Duties

 

Are you a green industry professional ready to join one of the Pacific Northwest’s premiere urban forestry programs?
 
Eugene’s Urban Forestry program is part of the Green Infrastructure Section of the Parks and Open Space Division within Public Works. The section’s motto is clean air, clean water, healthy community. Our services are primarily focused in the public right-of-way encompassing street trees, rain gardens, vegetated medians and specialty landscapes. We are steadfast in our purpose to serve the people of Eugene and believe fostering a vibrant and healthy urban forest is an excellent strategy to address the environmental and community challenges. We are the stewards and advocates for this important infrastructure and we take our responsibility seriously. The program values tree preservation, hard work, openness, collaboration, learning, safety, equity, inclusion and respect. If you share these values and a desire to grow tree canopy and maintain the urban forest, we may be the right fit for you.
   
The Urban Forestry program is responsible for approximately 65,000 street trees along 547 miles of city streets. The program is data-informed and maintains an extensive inventory of all street tree assets utilizing ArcGIS applications and manages requests for services through a proprietary Maintenance Management System (MMS). We are tasked with implementing six urban forest goals contained in the City of Eugene’s Climate Action Plan 2.0, including increasing canopy coverage in Eugene from 22% to 30% by 2030, achieving and sustaining a 10-year proactive pruning cycle, and updating the 30+ year old Urban Forestry Management Plan. The team has been working towards a new Vision + Action Plan for the last several years, and once hired, the Analyst will immediately provide a critical role in bringing this plan across the finish line this Fall.
 
The ideal candidate for this position will have the ability to translate vision into plans and inspiration into action through the careful analysis of data-driven insights. Communication, project management and collaboration are key skillsets necessary to navigate the myriad of viewpoints, competing priorities and stakeholder interests engaged in managing the dynamic needs of Eugene’s urban forest. You must be knowledgeable and passionate about the benefits of trees and balanced in your approach to the intersection of a healthy urban forest and strong local development. You should be curious and a natural problem solver – continuously adapting and reaching for innovative solutions that best meet the needs of the green infrastructure system, the community and the organization.
 
Working for the Parks and Open Space Division, you will experience a supportive and stable workplace in which to build a long and lasting career. We foster a culture of safety and of staff wellbeing, where you can achieve a work/life balance that has the potential to be both rewarding and sustainable. You will have the opportunity to apply your expertise not only to the urban forest, but to green infrastructure as a holistic system and to the broader context of developed parks and natural areas to achieve the greatest impact. We are committed to professional growth and do not rest on being merely good enough. Here, you will be invited to explore your full potential.
 
Does this feel like a team you’d like to be part of? If so, we’d love to meet you.

To be considered for this position you must attach to this application a cover letter and a current resume highlighting relevant experience with month(s)/years(s) of employment and relevant duties.
 
Department/DivisionPublic Works Department / Parks and Open Space Division
Salary:  $39.97 – $51.95 / hourly; $83,137.60 – $108.056.00 / annually
Location:   1820 Roosevelt Blvd, Eugene, OR
Work Schedule: Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Living & Working in Eugene 
For more information on living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more, visit this page.

Application Deadline: Friday, March 8, 2024 –  5:00 p.m. 
Accepting on-line applications only.

 

Examples of Duties Performed – Duties may include but are not limited to the following

Develops strategic plans focused on management of the urban forest, including the Urban Forestry Vision + Action Plan and ensures inclusion and oversight of urban forestry program related goals in city-wide plans.
 
Utilizes and manages requests for service, asset management and inventory of all street tree assets.
 
Drafts program and grant proposals, management reports, award nominations, agency accreditation documents, contracts, and specifications for urban forestry activities. Submits annual application for Tree City USA certification (45 years and counting).
 
Ensures environmental and social justice considerations are factored into program service delivery and planning strategies.
 
Conducts complex analysis of policies, procedures, and best management practices related to the field of green infrastructure and urban forestry management. Provides professional and analytical assistance to the Urban Forestry Supervisor, Green Infrastructure Section Manager and Division Director.
 
Develops a holistic approach to the impending arrival of Emerald Ash Borer to Eugene’s urban forest. Collaborates with internal stakeholders in ecology, natural areas, and developed parks as well as statewide forestry partners and other agencies. Communicates actions and recommendations to the regional community.
 
Investigates public complaints; provides enforcement action as required.
 
Responds to requests for information generated by the public; gives media interviews, makes presentations on the City’s urban forestry program and profession.
 
Develops educational and informational materials and programs for the public and private developers; coordinates volunteer support, works with community groups and provides professional advice to the community on tree-related issues.

Reviews and recommends revisions to tree preservation and planting plans related to subdivisions, PUDs, PEPI and building permit development proposals.

Researches and stays current with green infrastructure, urban forestry research, disease/pest management, stormwater treatment and evolving technology.

Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

The City will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
 
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education
Bachelor’s degree with course work in relevant green industries including Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Forestry, Civil Engineering, Environmental Planning, Natural Resource Management, Landscape Architecture, Natural Resource Planning, Urban Planning, or related field(s).
 
License or Certificate
A valid Oregon driver’s license or, the ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).
 
Experience
Two years of professional experience in urban forestry, natural resources, parks planning, urban planning, or related environmental regulatory management. Experience should include project management and administration.

The Ideal Candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Federal, State, local law, codes and regulations that impact the work programs.
 
Theory, practices, and principles of urban forestry management, data analysis, program development and strategic planning.

Principles and practices of land use planning, including general knowledge of State planning laws and requirements.
 
Technical writing, correspondence and report preparation and presentation.

Safe work practices.

Skill in:
Establishing and maintaining positive collaborative relationships with City departments, other agencies, engineers, landscape architects, developers, contractors, property owners, local utilities, neighborhood leaders, elected officials and the public.
 
Interpreting maps, aerial photos, engineering construction plans, and landscape planting plans for public capital improvements, rehabilitation, and private development proposals related to green infrastructure.
 
Interpreting and enforcing specifications, municipal codes, the City’s municipal stormwater permit, and departmental policies.
 
Negotiating solutions to complex issues involving the development community.

Producing correspondence; preparing plans, studies, recommendations, technical and performance reports, and policy and procedure documents; presenting analytical and technical information to internal and regulatory agency staff.
 
Effective use of ArcGIS programs and data management software.

Ability to:
Effectively focus on strategic planning, plan review, and permit issuance.
 
Meet project deadlines.
 
Work in a fast-paced environment with a passionate team who desire to bring meaningful change to Eugene’s urban forest and community.
 
Identify code/permit violations and provide effective enforcement to compel compliance.
 
Analyze and provide technical advice and assistance on problems relating to green infrastructure.
 
Prepare and deliver presentations to the general public, professional groups, neighborhood leaders and elected officials; as well as represent Green Infrastructure issues in both formal and informal meetings.  
 
Interpret construction plans, site drawings and permits.

Use GIS, tree plotter canopy, MMS and other emerging technology, software and data as it is made available to perform analytics and produce reporting.

Work independently, carry out position responsibilities, and make decisions with minimal supervision; be available for evening meetings, presentations, and functions; willingness to work long hours during storm events or other Public Works emergencies as required.

 

Supplemental Information

What to Expect from our Selection Process:  Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes. In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required. Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment. Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations. PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 4-6 weeks to complete.    
 
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.  
  
The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.  
  
In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

 

Agency
City of Eugene
Address
City of Eugene, Employee Resource Center
100 W. 10th Ave. Ste. 400
Eugene, Oregon, 97401
Phone
(541) 682-5061