Arborist/ Horticulturalist Jobs

Description of Work

Positions in this professional-level class, under limited supervision, manage, develop, and coordinate City Park and Public Spaces tree and landscape programs and policies; design plans and specifications for landscaping, oversee design and construction of Parks and Public spaces tree landscape projects; Develop and carry out a Horticultural Strategic Plan for Norwalk’s Parks and Public Spaces.

This position will assist the Superintendent of Parks and Public spaces working with the Tree Consultants on the Tree Inventory Assessment; Tree Management Plan and the Tree Planting Plan and Implement the Volunteer plan and program and train volunteers on planting and watering new trees. And implementing the first stages of the Tree Master Plan developed by the Consultant.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class: The Arborist class requires an advanced professional knowledge of the theory, principles and practices of urban landscape design, and experience in the planning and administration of large-scale tree and landscape programs. In addition, the work requires a technical knowledge of plant selection with respect to environmental stress tolerance, diseases, and plant maintenance requirements.

General Duties:

• Develops long term programs for City tree planting and related landscape projects in Parks and City public Spaces.
• Monitors activities of landscape maintenance crews to ensure proper care and maintenance of City-owned plant materials; coordinates and conducts training programs for City landscape maintenance personnel.
• Prepares promotional information relating to Park and Public Spaces tree programs.
• Works with GIS software to maintain and update tree inventory and assists with the technical planning and project research design in coordination with department employees and others as needed.
• Plans comprehensive vegetation management plans for parks and open spaces maintenance crews.
• Conducts field inspections of landscape projects to determine compliance with designs, plans, and bid specifications. Analyzes and evaluates data, using various collection applications and statistical and analytical procedures, to recommend a course[s] of action for projects. Assisting consultants, and contractors in a comprehensive tree management project for urban canopy (tree) restoration.
• Makes recommendations for programs providing pesticide, or organic land management strategies.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates assigned staff and volunteers to work in open spaces and natural areas, and the planting and watering of tree and shrubs. Establishes goals and priorities to develop and be responsible for new vegetation management projects from the planning stages through implementation.
• Makes presentations to citizens, outside agencies and community groups; provides advocacy to preserve urban forests.
• Prepares schedules and programs for development and progressive maintenance of landscaped areas, including landscape restoration projects.
• Schedules the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and annual and perennial flowers for use on City properties.
• This position establishes work maintenance plans for staff working with organic fertilizers, turf, flowers, and trees (may include some use of chemicals, based on exceptions to the Pesticide ordinance) and monitors vegetation and trees area for pests and disease with on-site inspections and evaluations.

Additional Duties: Attends the Interdepartmental Pest Management Team monthly meeting. Assists in the preparation of preliminary horticultural budget and budget for assigned areas and monitors expenditures against budget allotments.

Supervised By: Receives general supervision from the Superintendent of Public Property and Parks.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of horticulture, floriculture, arboricultural, agriculture, and agronomic skills and practices. Knowledge of principles and practices applicable to the administration, management, planning, and maintenance of horticultural planting operations. Knowledge of materials, methods, and equipment used in horticultural operations/services. Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision.
Ability to establish and maintain effective public relationships with co-workers, supervisors, volunteers and the general public. Ability to carry out scientific and statistical analysis of horticultural problems. Ability to maintain accurate records and make comprehensive reports via information technology platforms. Ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Ability to perform all physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations. Working conditions are both in an indoor and outdoor environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture or a related degree and five years (5) years’ experience in horticulture or related field or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience as described above.

Special Licenses/Certifications AND/OR Supplemental Information

Must be a licensed Arborist and licensed certified Pesticide Supervisor. If not with the State of Connecticut, then must obtain the Connecticut license and certificate within three months of employment. Certified Horticulturist is preferred.

Note: Familiarity with information technology platforms regarding tree inventory and tree management systems is preferred. The above is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and responsibility. This is a 24-month, 40 hour per week position.