Urban Forester



Urban Forester

Salary

$42,000.00 - $57,000.00 Annually

Location

Jacksonville, FL

Job Type

Civil Service

Job Number

2017-02444

Department

PUBLIC WORKS

Opening Date

08/08/2017

Closing Date

9/17/2017 12:00 AM Eastern

Job Description

This is professional forestry work at the supervisory level in planning, organizing, and directing urban forestry activities as it related to tree maintenance. The work requires thorough knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, botany, and horticultural principles and practices, and use of specialized skills in recommending, developing and administering urban forestry maintenance plans, policies and procedures, which is acquired through a combination of education, training and on the job experience.  Plans, assigns, schedules, monitors, directs, reviews and evaluates the work of assigned staff, field crews and contractors engaged in maintenance,  care and removal.  Contacts require skill in understanding and influencing people and are important in disseminating technical information and advice to public officials and the general public regarding forestry-related regulations, proper forestry techniques and forestry-related projects.  The forestry work is standardized in that tasks are covered by substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards, and because of the changing priorities, or different situations, incumbents have the latitude to consider which of the many procedures or standards should be followed and in what sequence.  The work involves differing situations requiring use of judgment in search for solutions or new applications within ones' known experiences.  Work is performed in both an office and field environment where risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable.  Operates a utility vehicle and standard office equipment such as computer, calculator and copier.  Physical demands consist mainly of visually inspecting trees, using equipment and occasionally lifting objects weighing up to 40 pounds.  Work is performed under limited supervision where work assignments are subject to established procedures, practices or well-defined policies and is reviewed, usually after the fact, in terms of quality, timeliness, and adherence to methods, standards and policies.  

Examples of Work

  • Administers county-wide tree maintenance contract.
  • Plans, assigns, schedules, monitors, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff, crews and contractors engaged in tree maintenance
  • Estimates costs, materials, labor, and time for tree maintenance.
  • Recommends, develops and administers urban forestry maintenance plans, policies and procedures.
  • Responds to and administers citizen driven maintenance requests.
  • Helps maintain a database and inventory of the City's trees.
  • Assists in preparation of an annual report on the City's tree maintenance program to the City Council.
  • Communicates clear direction, manages for results and leads organizational change.
  • Assigns responsibility, takes corrective action, demonstrates leadership in evaluating, developing, and motivating employees.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville Core Competencies.
  • Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Knowledge of botany, arboriculture and horticultural principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of urban forestry practices, including planting.
  • Knowledge of laws, policies, rules and regulations governing urban forestry operations.
  • Knowledge of urban forestry practices in the southern United States preferred.
  • Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in urban forestry operations.
  • Knowledge of basic species of trees and of their growth, maintenance conditions, and needs.
  • Knowledge of soils, fertilizers and methods of plant cultivation compatible with local environmental conditions.
  • Knowledge of research and statistical methods and techniques.
  • Skill in word processing and data base management.
  • Ability to  plan, assign, schedule, monitor, direct review and evaluate the work of assigned staff, crews and contractors engaged in tree planting, maintenance, trimming, removal, restoration and application of pesticides.
  • Ability to recommend, develop and administer urban forestry plans, policies and procedures.
  • Ability to estimate costs, materials, labor, and time for selection, purchasing and planting of trees.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to operate a utility vehicle and standard office equipment such as computer, calculator and copier utilizing word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Open Requirements/Supplemental Information

  • A six year combination of education and professional experience in urban forestry or directly related field which includes successful completion of 24 semester hours of course work in arboriculture, horticulture or environmental science or related subject.
  • A Bachelor's degree in forestry or a related field preferred. 
LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:  
  • A valid Florida Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class. 
  • Must qualify prior to appointment, obtain, and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver. 
  • Must possess certification from the International Society of Arboriculture as an ISA Certified Arborist.

ONLINE APPLICATION REQUIRED.  Apply at www.coj.net/jobs.  NEOGOV works best with Google Chrome, Firefox and Internet Explorer version 11 or higher browsers.  Please try to apply using one of these browsers.  You may have to cut and paste the link into the browser's search area. Be sure to add coj.net to your address book to ensure you receive email notifications. You may also check your application status at any time by logging into your account.
 
If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge.  You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here:  http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference
 
 
If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran's preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within 60 calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:
 
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Division of Benefits and Assistance
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., Room 214
St. Petersburg, FL  33708

The City of Jacksonville provides a wide array of benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Our comprehensive benefit programs include medical, dental and vision plans; life insurance coverage for you and your dependents; flexible spending plans for medical reimbursement, dependent care, parking, and transit expenses; an employee assistance program for you and your dependents; a 457(b) tax-deferred compensation plan to supplement your retirement, and a ROTH IRA plan. We also provide an extensive wellness program that includes a health intervention program if qualified, lunch and learns, health fairs, and discounted gym memberships. Please visit the Employee Benefits website for details on all the plans we offer.

www.coj.net/benefits

01
Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Copying and pasting your resume or stating "see resume" does NOT fulfill the requirements of the question. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and certify that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?
  • Yes
  • No
02
Do you understand that this position requires relocation to the Jacksonville Florida area within 30 days and that the City of Jacksonville does not provide relocation assistance?
  • Yes, I already live in the area.
  • Yes, I am willing to relocate to the Jacksonville area within 30 days.
  • No, I am not interested in relocating to Jacksonville at this time.
03
Do you have at least a six year combination of education and professional experience in urban forestry or directly related field?
  • Yes
  • No
04
If you stated you have experience in a related field, please state what the related field is and explain how this is related to the required areas listed above.
05
Indicate the organization(s) you worked for where you gained this experience in question #3.
06
Provide a detailed description (at least 3-4 complete sentences) of your experience in question #3.
07
Do you have at least 24 college semester hours of successfully completed (grade C or better) course work in arboriculture, horticulture, environmental science or related subject? If yes, you MUST attach a copy of your college transcripts.
  • Yes
  • No
08
Do you possess certification from the International Society of Arboriculture as an ISA Certified Arborist? Please note: This is REQUIRED. If you do not possess this certification, you will not be considered for this position.
  • Yes
  • No
09
Do you have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university? If yes, you MUST attach a copy of your college transcripts to your application.
  • Yes
  • No
10
If you have a degree, indicate which degree you have and include any major/minor. If basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript is required.
11
Do you have a valid motor vehicle operator license that is not under suspension/revocation or restricted under any pending or current citations/court proceedings? Please indicate which license you possess.
  • Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • Class B Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • Class C Commercial Driver License (CDL)
  • Class E Driver License
  • License from another State.
  • Learner Permit
  • My license is currently invalid.
  • I do not possess any type of Driver's License.
12
Have you been cited for more than three (3) moving violations, or two (2) at fault accidents within the past 12 months from current date?
  • Yes
  • No
13
Have you been considered a "Habitual Traffic Offender" (HTO) within the past 12 months from current date?
  • Yes
  • No
14
Have you been convicted of Driving-Under-the-Influence (DUI) in any state during the last 36 months from current date?
  • Yes
  • No
15
Select the state where you currently hold a Driver's License.
  • State of Florida Driver's License
  • State of Georgia Driver's License
  • Driver's License from another state.
  • I do not possess a driver's license at this time.
16
Provide your full Driver's License number. If a correct number is not provided, your application will be considered incomplete and may result in disqualification from the selection process.
17
If you are requesting veterans preference, you MUST download the appropriate state of Florida form and attach it to our application. Failure to do so will delay your veterans preference status. Please download the forms at http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference
  • Yes, I am claiming veterans preference and I understand that I MUST download the appropriate form and attach it to my application.
  • No, I am not claiming veterans preference and this does not apply to me.
18
A copy of your college transcript AND a copy of your Arborist Certification is required with your application. College transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the name of the school, type of degree, and date received. Transcripts from colleges outside of the U.S. must be converted to U.S. Standards. If required documents are not provided your application will be considered incomplete and may result in disqualification from the selection process.
  • I have read and understand the above statement.

Required Question

Agency
City of Jacksonville
Address
117 W. Duval St.
Suite 100
Jacksonville, Florida, 32202