Summary
The City of Bend, Community and Economic Development Department has an exciting opportunity for one (1) full-time, regular Urban Forester. This position is FLSA exempt (not overtime eligible) and non-represented.
The Urban Forester resides in the Community and Economic Development Department and reports to the Director of the Community and Economic Development Department. This position provides strategic cross-departmental support to other City Departments, including Transportation & Mobility, Water Services, Engineering and Risk & Emergency Management. This position involves developing and implementing urban forestry policies; updating and interpreting tree-related standards, codes, and ordinances; providing consultation related to trees and landscaping for various City departments and private development and public infrastructure projects; and managing the City’s participation/membership in various arborist and forestry programs including the City’s Tree City USA designation, among other related responsibilities.
To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes :
- The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
- Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
- Attached formal Resume (required)
- Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)
Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information click
here .
Applications received by Monday , November 18, 2024 (11/18/2024), 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will receive preference for initial review, but the position will remain open until filled.
Functions, Duties And Responsibilities
Essential Functions Include:
The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this Classification.
Duties And Responsibilities
This classification is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.
- Lead the creation of an urban forest management program. Provide input and subject matter expertise on the development of and updates to City ordinances, design standards, program policies, long-range goals, and departmental work procedures pertaining to the program.
- Lead the creation of a city-wide program with objective criteria on the deployment of resources for purchasing, planting, and maintaining trees from tree fee-in-lieu payments from development.
- Oversee standards for tree preservation measures and coordinate plan review regarding urban forestry issues for private development applications and public improvement contracts with other divisions, departments, agencies, and public utilities. Develop, make recommendations, and implement adopted program improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of tree regulatory processes in development.
- Provide supervision over staff on a continual and project basis. Supervision and leadership over field and administrative staff embedded in various City Departments, divisions, and work units.
- Offer urban design, landscape, and tree input for street cross-sections, special area plans, and other master plan development projects. Collaborate with developers, City project managers, planners, and engineers to integrate tree and landscape considerations into the planning and execution of capital projects.
- Prepare and maintain the City tree inventory and canopy coverage database/mapping. Utilize tree inventory data to inform strategic planning and resource allocation, including to enhance urban canopy coverage, mitigate urban heat island effects, address the equitable distribution of tree canopy across the City, select appropriate tree species for the approved street tree list, monitor threats to urban canopy, and offer expertise on landscape designs that enhance urban aesthetics and environmental benefits.
- Monitor and evaluate the health and condition of trees, respond to emergency situations involving fallen or damaged trees, and coordinate necessary actions for their preservation or removal. Assess the impact of proposed projects on existing trees and landscapes, providing recommendations to minimize negative effects.
- Identify and oversee grant opportunities to support an urban forestry program consistent with City grant and procurement policies.
- Instruct City employees in implementing actions aligned with an urban forestry program, including tree planting and maintenance activities. Train city employees and create educational materials on urban forestry principles for the public and private developers.
- Respond to requests for information generated by the public, deliver presentations on the City’s urban forestry program, and engage with the community to raise awareness about urban forestry principles, including attending open house meetings related to public infrastructure projects.
- Manage and maintain the City of Bend’s status with Tree City USA and other arborist programs. This includes but is not limited to managing the City of Bend Tree City Advisory Committee, planning community activities with community partners, and tracking and submitting required tree-related expenditures and other documentation, as required.
- Work with Bend Beautification Volunteer Program to promote and enhance pollinator and other environmental projects.
- Serve as the central coordinator for urban forestry initiatives by collaborating with City departments, developers, the park district, and other City partners.
- In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
- Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position.
Supervisory Responsibility
This classification is management which encompasses supervisory responsibility, including the following tasks.
- Directly or indirectly supervise all team members, including training, assigning, and directing work, evaluating performance, disciplining as necessary, and addressing employee concerns and grievances.
- Provide team members with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, annual performance reviews, assisting with professional development, and making recommendations for employee separations, promotions, or special assignments.
- Participate in the recruitment of new employees, including interviewing and making hiring recommendations/ decisions and compensation recommendations.
- Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.
Knowledge, Skills And Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities
Individuals or positions assigned to this classification are expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Possess a deep understanding of municipal tree regulations.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of urban forestry, arboriculture, tree risk assessment, horticulture, general landscape architecture, plant taxonomy, ecology, integrated pest management (IPM), urban planning, and engineering design and construction principles.
- Ability to work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others; prioritizing and resolving issues; and completing tasks and duties while working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
- Experience with assessing the impact of construction activities and urbanization on individual trees and forest communities.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including the processes and resources to support them.
- Experience briefing and making recommendations to senior management and representatives of other agencies.
- Good judgment and demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and poise, and the ability to gain management confidence.
- Experience providing scientific and technical advice and assistance on problems relating to the urban forest, including supporting the intent and needs of a street tree program and individual site requirements for tree planting.
- Proficiency with GIS software and the ability to generate maps, charts, and associated reports using these technologies.
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports and giving public presentations.
- Ability to supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
- Ability to make decisions within established policies and procedures that influence the daily operations of the unit and work of subordinate staff.
Education, Experience, Certifications and/or Licenses
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as noted below.
- Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.
- 2 to 3 years’ experience in urban forestry involving extensive experience dealing with multiple government agencies, elected officials, and the public or experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
- 1 year of supervisory experience.
Specific Requirements and/or Qualifications
- Certification as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.
- International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to obtain within 6 months.
- Current and valid Driver’s license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated career progression with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience in managing complex projects, making critical decisions, and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery.
Classification Framework: Urban Forester
- To view the full Classification framework, click here
Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.
