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Salary– $92,206.08 – $97,071.12 Annually

Description

The Urban Forestry Project Manager is responsible for the coordination of contractors, volunteers, employees, and resources in all aspects of urban forest management for the Parks, Natural Resources, and Right-of-Way (ROW) divisions of the Public Works department. The position performs tree inspections and risk analysis within each division and manages associated tree removal and replacement projects.

The Urban Forestry Project Manager coordinates the planning, permitting, and contracting of city tree pruning and removal; manages multiple projects and assignments concurrently; conducts project-specific community involvement and outreach; oversees bidding, contractor selection, contract execution, and project management; and coordinates all work with city staff, consultants, and contractors. The Urban Forestry Project Manager works cooperatively with other departments, residents, regional groups, boards and commissions, and the City Council.

The Urban Forestry Project Manager receives ongoing supervision, consultation, and performance review from the Parks Operations Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Performs tree inspections (both proactive and reactive) using current industry standards, evaluates tree risk, and recommends appropriate mitigation actions.
• Develops and implements vegetation management programs for streets, trails, parks, and open spaces.
• Scopes all tree work in parks, natural areas, and rights-of-way, creates bid materials and leads bid process.
• Inspects project work to determine whether scope and specifications are being achieved.

• Coordinates with contractors and employees to ensure that project work in completed to specifications, and that deficiencies are corrected.

• Tracks and processes contracts, invoices, and payment forms.
• Assists with master planning processes.
• Acts as a liaison between the City and utility companies regarding periodic tree trimming and removal.
• Evaluates and approves ROW tree cutting permits.
• Uses GIS and other mapping systems to determine if trees are located on public or private property.
• Coordinates tree replacement planting program, including documentation and maintenance.
• Plans and maintains street tree inventory and replacements in Town Center.
• Applies for and administers urban forestry grants.
• Trains and coordinates with Public Works crews for tree pruning and removal.
• Makes presentations to City boards and commissions as necessary.

• Maintains project schedules and status reports with attention to controversial matters, public perception, and far-reaching implications.
• Develops and maintains project budgets.
• Prepares and submits annual application to the Arbor Day Foundation to maintain the City’s Tree City USA designation.
• Has a thorough understanding of City-adopted master plans, right-of-way removal and replacement policies and procedures, and best management practices in the fields of arboriculture and urban forestry.
• Has detailed knowledge of City agreements used for small public works, maintenance services, and professional services.
• Develops posters, flyers, and website postings for projects and installs them at project sites to educate the public about project benefits.
• Responds to concerns and questions from the public about tree work.
• Visits sites where work is occurring on a regular basis.
• Maintains records of work completed, invoices received, and other details as requested by the Parks Operations Manager.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

This employee must be self-directed, responsible, assertive, trustworthy, and able to deal appropriately with contractors, employees, the public, and difficult situations.

Qualification Requirements

Education and Expertise:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a BS degree in horticulture, forestry, natural resource management or a related field, with an MS degree highly desirable.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience experience in the field of arboriculture, forestry, or a related field.
• Three years of experience in tree risk assessment, tree identification and diagnosis, and the care, planting, and maintenance of trees and plant materials.
• Current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and ISA Tree Risk Assessor Qualification. ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors or staff.
• Washington Department of Agriculture Public Operator pesticide license is required within one year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, materials and process of tree care and plant materials used for landscaping of urban areas.
• Must have effective interpersonal and customer service skills, and ability to work effectively as a field representative of the City.
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills in the English language. Must be able to make clear and effective presentations to the City Council and the public.
• Ability to effectively resolve conflict and rapidly analyze technical and/or legal implications in decision making, working with the City Attorney when necessary.
• Must have strong computer skills with experience using Microsoft Office and GIS.
• Knowledge of basic financial management principles is desirable.

Vaccination

• All new hires to the City will be required as a pre-condition of employment to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to their start date. Contact Human Resources with questions or to request an accommodation for this requirement due to a disability or religious reason.

Licensure/Certification:

• Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Specific positions may have other certification requirements.

Working Conditions & Physical Abilities

Work is a combination of administrative tasks and field operations. Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in forested open space which may include steep slopes, uneven terrain, heavy undergrowth, and contact with thorny or irritating plants. Must be able to work outdoors for 4-8 hours in all kinds of weather conditions, navigate using map and compass, lift 20-40 lbs. regularly, and operate a telephone for emergency communications with Public Safety staff. Work activities involve combinations of sitting, standing, walking, and driving. Use of protective clothing such as hard hat, steel-toed boots, safety vest and rain gear may be required. Attendance at evening/weekend meetings and events is required.

Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.