City of Missoula
Missoula, MT, USA
The City of Missoula seeks a highly effective Urban Forester to implement adopted Urban Forest Management Plan, including management of the urban forest as an asset and to prevent against liability. Ability to work well with citizens, developers, and utilities is critical. The position has the opportunity to advance Missoula’s urban forest, while also supporting community goals for active transportation, social equity and green infrastructure.
SALARY: $29.1244—$33.5128 DOE&Q
CLOSING DATE : October 1, 2019 at 12:00 a.m.
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Parks and Recreation Director
STATUS: Regular, full-time, exempt
Primary Objective of Position: Under general direction, implements the adopted Urban Forest Management Plan and manages the Urban Forestry Program. May include oversight and maintenance of dedicated public lands, including commuter trails, horticultural green spaces, and right-of-way medians in the City of Missoula.
Essential Functions : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
Duties are generally performed in an office setting as well as at work sites; may be required to access heights of up to 55 feet and to operate small and heavy equipment. Some duties are performed outdoors where exposure to inclement weather conditions is unavoidable. Incumbent is required to make presentations to committees, boards and neighborhood councils; prepare and administer contracts for services and materials; manage one or more budgets, promote public-private partnerships, provide for public education and outreach; stay up-to-date on Urban forestry and ROW practices, laws, policies and practices.
Tasks :
Coordinate urban forestry and greenways and horticulture related activities with other department supervisors and outside agencies to facilitate efficient, effective, and professional departmental operations; assist with urban interface and conservation lands forestry management and commuter trail systems; represent the Parks & Recreation Department in presentations to, and general dealings with, citizens including media interviews on urban forestry and related programs and activities; prepare a variety of reports and planning documents; assist with strategic planning for department; develop requests for proposals; prepare and administer grants related to urban forestry and assigned public areas or programs; perform other duties as assigned.
Implement and maintain the adopted comprehensive tree plan for the City including criteria for removing dangerous trees, enhancing the health of existing trees, enhancing the beauty of City medians, greenways and streets, enhancing the overall forest through program and diversification, and risk management policies for reducing liability from dead or dangerous trees and ornamental plantings.
Participate in subdivision and current planning reviews and prepare conditions and recommendations, right-of-way and trails in regards to proper boulevard vegetation design and species composition.
Effectively communicate with planning and development communities, labor staff and management team members, elected officials and volunteer organizations.
Develop, implement and monitor the operating and capital budget for unit/division; approve and monitor spending, use of resources and overtime; establish and implement performance standards and benchmarks; develop staff work plans that meet benchmarks and support department strategic plans, goals and objectives; oversee and train staff in performing duties, such as assessing tree condition and health, tree trimming, hazardous tree removal and tree planting; planning, installation and maintenance of horticultural beds and green spaces; safety set up, maintenance and care of right-of-way medians; ensure safe operation of equipment and safety training of employees identify training needs, may evaluate performance of assigned personnel, and work with employees to correct deficiencies and build strengths; develop safety procedures; prepare and submit workers compensation claims; handle complaints.
Coordinate and direct the planning, development, administration and provision of urban forestry services, including tree and forest evaluation, disease diagnosis and prevention, tree maintenance, promotion of urban forestry information and ideas; develop goals and objectives for tree planting, pruning and removal; prepare and manage contracts and bids related to tree management.
Maintain and oversee an inventory of all public trees in street rights-of-way and in developed City parks and greenways; specify and order plant material; develop and implement ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures necessary for a healthy urban forest; manage risk to reduce liability from dead or dangerous trees.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics :
Knowledge of Montana Code Annotated and Missoula Municipal Code relating to trees and vegetation in the parks and rights-of-way;
Knowledge of Parks & Recreation Department policies and procedures;
Knowledge of the principles and practices of plant health care, integrated pest management, personnel management, budgeting, planning, grants and administration;
Knowledge of the principles and practices of risk management, and employee supervision and training; particularly as it relates to the Urban Forest;
Knowledge of principles and practices of collective bargaining;
Knowledge of ANSI-A300 Standards and how to apply them
Knowledge of tree trimming and planting safety considerations and OSHA standards and guidelines;
Knowledge and ability to promote safe work practices, ANSI-Z133-2012 Arboricultural Safety Standards, MUTCD Traffic Control Standards and ensure compliance with City safety policies;
Knowledge of basic water management;
Knowledge of turf, dryland grass, ornamental and native plant management;
Knowledge of best practices in implementing green infrastructure;
Skill in implementing strategies to achieve various goals through the Urban forest including social and health equity and traffic calming;
Skill in managing the day-to-day operations of a community forestry and greenways program;
Skill in managing the day-to-day operations of maintenance of a variety of parks, trails and public lands, right-of-way and ornamental medians;
Skill in understanding and interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines;
Skill in supervising and training employees;
Skill in promoting safe work practices and ensuring compliance with City safety policies, including State right-of-way safety policies;
Skill in writing safe work zone plans and designs to be prepared for State Department of Transportation;
Skill in managing employees in a union environment;
Skill in planning, developing and implementing forestry resource, flowerbed, ornamental planting areas, trail and median/right-of-way management plans, and educational events;
Skill in utilizing personal computers, including standard word processing, spreadsheet and database applications;
Skill in communicating, in person and in writing;
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, local businesses, schools, community service organizations, city employees, and citizens.
Qualifications :
The City’s priority focus is implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan through a robust program, including partnerships, volunteerism, contracting, and development. Having experience in supervision of crews and ability to provide for the oversight and maintenance of a variety of parklands and facilities is desired.
A bachelor's degree in urban forestry, or related field and three years of full-time urban forest program management experience OR five years full-time urban forest management experience, including working with developers as well as citizen volunteers and advocates. Qualified individuals with at least three years of supervisory experience are desired. Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist, ISA Municipal Specialist preferred. Able to obtain qualification as a Tree Risk Assessor within six (6) months of hire. Montana commercial driver's license and pesticide applicator's license are required within 30 days of hire.
Application Instructions:
Apply online at http:// www.ci.missoula.mt.us/jobs
CITY OF MISSOULA HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
435 RYMAN STREET (2ND FLOOR OF CITY HALL)
MISSOULA, MT 59802
PHONE: (406) 552-6130
FAX: (406) 327-2151
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
The City of Missoula seeks a highly effective Urban Forester to implement adopted Urban Forest Management Plan, including management of the urban forest as an asset and to prevent against liability. Ability to work well with citizens, developers, and utilities is critical. The position has the opportunity to advance Missoula’s urban forest, while also supporting community goals for active transportation, social equity and green infrastructure.
SALARY: $29.1244—$33.5128 DOE&Q
CLOSING DATE : October 1, 2019 at 12:00 a.m.
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Parks and Recreation Director
STATUS: Regular, full-time, exempt
Primary Objective of Position: Under general direction, implements the adopted Urban Forest Management Plan and manages the Urban Forestry Program. May include oversight and maintenance of dedicated public lands, including commuter trails, horticultural green spaces, and right-of-way medians in the City of Missoula.
Essential Functions : Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.
Duties are generally performed in an office setting as well as at work sites; may be required to access heights of up to 55 feet and to operate small and heavy equipment. Some duties are performed outdoors where exposure to inclement weather conditions is unavoidable. Incumbent is required to make presentations to committees, boards and neighborhood councils; prepare and administer contracts for services and materials; manage one or more budgets, promote public-private partnerships, provide for public education and outreach; stay up-to-date on Urban forestry and ROW practices, laws, policies and practices.
Tasks :
Coordinate urban forestry and greenways and horticulture related activities with other department supervisors and outside agencies to facilitate efficient, effective, and professional departmental operations; assist with urban interface and conservation lands forestry management and commuter trail systems; represent the Parks & Recreation Department in presentations to, and general dealings with, citizens including media interviews on urban forestry and related programs and activities; prepare a variety of reports and planning documents; assist with strategic planning for department; develop requests for proposals; prepare and administer grants related to urban forestry and assigned public areas or programs; perform other duties as assigned.
Implement and maintain the adopted comprehensive tree plan for the City including criteria for removing dangerous trees, enhancing the health of existing trees, enhancing the beauty of City medians, greenways and streets, enhancing the overall forest through program and diversification, and risk management policies for reducing liability from dead or dangerous trees and ornamental plantings.
Participate in subdivision and current planning reviews and prepare conditions and recommendations, right-of-way and trails in regards to proper boulevard vegetation design and species composition.
Effectively communicate with planning and development communities, labor staff and management team members, elected officials and volunteer organizations.
Develop, implement and monitor the operating and capital budget for unit/division; approve and monitor spending, use of resources and overtime; establish and implement performance standards and benchmarks; develop staff work plans that meet benchmarks and support department strategic plans, goals and objectives; oversee and train staff in performing duties, such as assessing tree condition and health, tree trimming, hazardous tree removal and tree planting; planning, installation and maintenance of horticultural beds and green spaces; safety set up, maintenance and care of right-of-way medians; ensure safe operation of equipment and safety training of employees identify training needs, may evaluate performance of assigned personnel, and work with employees to correct deficiencies and build strengths; develop safety procedures; prepare and submit workers compensation claims; handle complaints.
Coordinate and direct the planning, development, administration and provision of urban forestry services, including tree and forest evaluation, disease diagnosis and prevention, tree maintenance, promotion of urban forestry information and ideas; develop goals and objectives for tree planting, pruning and removal; prepare and manage contracts and bids related to tree management.
Maintain and oversee an inventory of all public trees in street rights-of-way and in developed City parks and greenways; specify and order plant material; develop and implement ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures necessary for a healthy urban forest; manage risk to reduce liability from dead or dangerous trees.
Knowledge, Skills, and Other Characteristics :
Knowledge of Montana Code Annotated and Missoula Municipal Code relating to trees and vegetation in the parks and rights-of-way;
Knowledge of Parks & Recreation Department policies and procedures;
Knowledge of the principles and practices of plant health care, integrated pest management, personnel management, budgeting, planning, grants and administration;
Knowledge of the principles and practices of risk management, and employee supervision and training; particularly as it relates to the Urban Forest;
Knowledge of principles and practices of collective bargaining;
Knowledge of ANSI-A300 Standards and how to apply them
Knowledge of tree trimming and planting safety considerations and OSHA standards and guidelines;
Knowledge and ability to promote safe work practices, ANSI-Z133-2012 Arboricultural Safety Standards, MUTCD Traffic Control Standards and ensure compliance with City safety policies;
Knowledge of basic water management;
Knowledge of turf, dryland grass, ornamental and native plant management;
Knowledge of best practices in implementing green infrastructure;
Skill in implementing strategies to achieve various goals through the Urban forest including social and health equity and traffic calming;
Skill in managing the day-to-day operations of a community forestry and greenways program;
Skill in managing the day-to-day operations of maintenance of a variety of parks, trails and public lands, right-of-way and ornamental medians;
Skill in understanding and interpreting complex laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines;
Skill in supervising and training employees;
Skill in promoting safe work practices and ensuring compliance with City safety policies, including State right-of-way safety policies;
Skill in writing safe work zone plans and designs to be prepared for State Department of Transportation;
Skill in managing employees in a union environment;
Skill in planning, developing and implementing forestry resource, flowerbed, ornamental planting areas, trail and median/right-of-way management plans, and educational events;
Skill in utilizing personal computers, including standard word processing, spreadsheet and database applications;
Skill in communicating, in person and in writing;
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective relationships with elected officials, local businesses, schools, community service organizations, city employees, and citizens.
Qualifications :
The City’s priority focus is implementation of the Urban Forest Management Plan through a robust program, including partnerships, volunteerism, contracting, and development. Having experience in supervision of crews and ability to provide for the oversight and maintenance of a variety of parklands and facilities is desired.
A bachelor's degree in urban forestry, or related field and three years of full-time urban forest program management experience OR five years full-time urban forest management experience, including working with developers as well as citizen volunteers and advocates. Qualified individuals with at least three years of supervisory experience are desired. Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist, ISA Municipal Specialist preferred. Able to obtain qualification as a Tree Risk Assessor within six (6) months of hire. Montana commercial driver's license and pesticide applicator's license are required within 30 days of hire.
Application Instructions:
Apply online at http:// www.ci.missoula.mt.us/jobs
CITY OF MISSOULA HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT
435 RYMAN STREET (2ND FLOOR OF CITY HALL)
MISSOULA, MT 59802
PHONE: (406) 552-6130
FAX: (406) 327-2151
OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, 8:00 A.M. TO 5:00 P.M.
