Urban Forester Jobs

Summary
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. In 2014, our community was named “The #1 Best Place to Live in America.” Although proud of that honor, everyone on our team is committed to making McKinney an even better place to live, work and raise a family. That’s why we exist.
OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-generated values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization (HPO).
Summary Of Position
Under general supervision, the Urban Forester is responsible for planning, making recommendations and overseeing the City’s tree preservation priorities and in the City of McKinney. This includes administering the City’s Tree Preservation Ordinance and portions of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance related to screening and buffering. Administration of these requirements includes the review of development plans, enforcement of residential and commercial site requirements, field inspections, and complaint investigation relating to tree preservation. Additional duties include internal coordination and technical assistance on public projects, public education and outreach, participation in pre-construction meetings, approval of tree preservation plans, administration of the Tree Reforestation Fund, and support to City departments as needed.
Essential Functions/Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Creates, implements, and manages the City of McKinney’s Tree Preservation outreach and education activities through inter-city and departmental coordination.
• Complies with all written City policies and procedures.
• Coordinates the City of McKinney’s Share the Shade event, Tree City USA, Scenic City, and volunteer opportunities.
• Assists other team members within the division and department, as needed.
• Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in City and department attendance policies and procedures.
• Monitors the effectiveness of all landscape and tree ordinances and advises supervisors, Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council regarding proposed amendments as needed.
• Interprets, explains, and ensures compliance with provisions of all applicable laws, codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, or other guidelines pertaining to landscape architecture, tree preservation or related areas.
• Attends department, public, boards and commissions, and City Council meetings, as needed.
• Reviews subdivision and commercial plans for approval to confirm compliance with local, state, and federal codes and regulations. Reviews development plans in relation to tree preservation requirements; prepares and presents staff reports and recommendations for staff, Planning & Zoning Commission, and City Council.
• Monitors, evaluates and administers the City of McKinney Reforestation Fund.
• Assists the Development Review team with development projects pertaining to tree preservation or related areas.
• Maintains department and project files and documents.
• Provides technical assistance and expertise for City and TxDOT projects including design, cost estimates, and installation in coordination with the Engineering Department.
• Reviews and approves tree permits prior to project release, inspects sites pre and post-construction for compliance with approved site plans to ensure compliance prior to Certificate of Occupancy issuance by Building Inspections.
• Participates in special team projects both within and between departments.
• Provides excellent and timely customer service.
• Investigates complaints related to tree preservation requirements and initiates any enforcement actions necessary to correct deviations or violations. Documents all complaints, follow-up activities, and remedial/enforcement measures.

Other Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Behaviors

• Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
• Ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Skill in analyzing and interpreting complex statistical data.
• Knowledge of pertinent local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to tree preservation and landscape architecture.
• Knowledge of tree/shrub identification.
• Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
• Knowledge of principles and practices of landscape architecture, and water conservation techniques related to landscape and air and water quality.
• Ability to establish and maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other governmental officials, community groups, and the general public.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess a variety of sources of information related to the urban canopy and landscape to resolve specific problems and identify potential solutions.
• Skill in assembling and preparing data for report presentations.
• Ability to pass a drug screen and a background check.
• Knowledge of database management using computer software.
• Skill in oral and written communication with citizens, contractors, developers, and professionals as related to tree preservation and landscape architecture.
• Ability to interpret and explain City policies and procedures related to tree preservation and landscape architecture.

Required Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the below specified education and experience requirements.
A bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, or closely related field and two (2) years’ related experience that includes land development, planning, forestry, tree preservation and site plan review.
Preferred Qualifications

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands/Supplemental
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Tasks require the ability to exert moderate, though not constant physical effort, typically involving combination of sitting, talking and hearing, and reaching with hands and arms. Tasks may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds).
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Dynamic environment that requires sensitivity to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.