City Forester

The City of Madison Urban Forestry work unit has a dedicated funding source and enjoys a high level of support from our elected officials and the community. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will establish and maintain collaborative, mutually beneficial working relationships with staff, elected officials, community urban forestry advocates, our strong network of neighborhood associations, and other interested parties.

Starting salary is negotiable within the stated range. Relocation expenses and annual vacation are also negotiable.

The City Forester manages the Urban Forestry work unit within the Streets Division. This position plays a lead role in all initiatives related to the care, protection, and promotion of Madison’s urban forest. This is responsible professional, technical, supervisory, programmatic, and administrative work involving the direction of the maintenance, protection, removal, and planting of all public trees within the City of Madison. The work involves supervising a large staff of highly educated and engaged permanent and hourly employees through lower level supervisors, as well as the direct supervision of administrative staff, involved in the following work: inspections for compliance with Department of Public Works (DPW) specifications, updating street tree inventory, code enforcement, hazard tree inspections, and street tree planting.

This position has significant input in the formation and responsibility of the Forestry annual budget, developing and implementing new programs, overseeing ongoing programs, and coordinating the processing of owner assessments in certain situations. This position monitors and directs tree protection requirements for construction activities impacting right of way trees and is responsible for short- and long-term planning and coordinating projects and work unit activities. Considerable interaction and collaboration with staff from other agencies, as well as engagement with residents, developers, and elected officials is expected. This position reports to the Streets and Urban Forestry Division Manager and carries out its duties and responsibilities with a high degree of independence.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Management

• Manage the Forestry work unit within the City’s Streets Division and guide the vision, protection, and expansion of the urban forest to promote public health, environmental equity, sustainability, and quality of life.
• Direct the activities of the Urban Forestry Work Unit management and specialist staff in the planning, organizing and implementation of work unit operations by establishing and analyzing programs, service level assessments, development and monitoring of goals and performance metrics while ensuring work is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Direct and administer, through lower level supervisors, the field operations and programs related to tree management, including small tree and cycle pruning, chemical treatments, storm response and tree protection measures.
• Identify, pilot, and implement new methods and practices that improve safety, reduce costs and improve quality.
• Manage employee relations including recruitment, retention, promotion, training, discipline, grievance resolution and Workers Comp.
• Take proactive action to ensure unit work culture aligns with City’s expectations of providing an inclusive, open and welcoming work place for all.
• Direct and coordinate technical training and research activities for the section.
• Direct workforce development training for new hires. Create and monitor ongoing employee training programs related to crew safety, skills attainment, best practices and maintenance as well as cultural awareness.
• Promote adherence to national tree work and safety standards, including A300 and ANSI Z133.

Administration

• Direct tree protection programs related to construction impacts as well as those from pests or disease.
• Advise on, and execute, citywide tree policy, enforce ordinances, establish tree management priorities and best practices, develop new initiatives, and work with non-profit partners to expand and maintain the City’s tree canopy.
• Provide overall management to any urban forestry contracts, contractors or consultants.
• Research, write and manage RFP’s, RFQ’s and related processes.
• Update Tree Technical Manual biannually.
• Work with the Department of Civil Rights as well as appropriate community partners to ensure city forestry efforts are equity-focused.
• Provide overall management of Forestry’s Asset Management System, TreeKeeper, tracking relevant data as it relates to tree location, age, growth, health, work orders, and other relevant data.
• Participate in the City’s annual budget process and manage the urban forestry operating and capital budget.
• Generate and present reports as necessary.
• Attend and provide presentations at various Board, Committee and Neighborhood meetings as required.
• Ensure required reports, records and data systems are accurate and up to date.

Collaboration

• Interface across municipal and state agencies and authorities, as well as nonprofit and institutional partners, as necessary, on issues regarding Madison’s urban forestry. Work directly with other City department personnel, elected officials, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and State and Federal agencies on tree issues and work that supports the City's forestry program and goals.
• Work with and facilitate effective communication with community groups.
• Work with various City agencies to ensure the care and maintenance of public trees in the city right of way, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, squares, plazas, medians and public building grounds are properly maintained.
• Respond directly or when appropriate work with the City’s public information structure to manage the division's communications processes to include responses to service requests, outreach, engagement and education programs specific to tree planting, monitoring, maintenance and care, as well as to promote the Forestry Program through various media formats and conduct public presentations on the City's program.
• Work with Planning Department and City Engineering to manage the review and response associated with proposed construction and development projects regarding urban tree canopy and landscaping.
• Provide guidance and a strong voice in the development of policies, codes, and other requirements, particularly for street design and new development.
• Provide professional direction in administration of coordinated programs for City-wide conservation and protection of arboreal resources, tree inventories, regulation of owner/developer actions on trees covered by the City Code, and the maintenance, removal, and planting of trees.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Four (4) years of experience applying the following:
  • The methods, techniques, equipment, tools, and materials used in planting, pruning, removing, treating, fertilizing, and inspecting shade and ornamental trees.
  • Tree species common in Madison’s geographic region.
  • Relevant pest and diseases including control measures.
  • Occupational hazards of all phases of tree care relevant to Right of Way tree care including safety protocols and precautions; AND
• Two (2) years of experience applying the following:
  • Use of computer software applicable to the duties of the position including GIS, GPS, MS Office, and Kronos (or similar timesheet/payroll software).
  • The full range of supervisory principles and practices.
  • Budget creation and administration.
  • Efficient personnel and equipment utilization techniques.

-OR-

• Three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience in a forestry organization at the level of foreperson or above; AND
• Bachelor's Degree in forestry, forest management, or a related field.

Other combinations of experience, training, and education which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please reference the City Forester classification specification.

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation within six (6) months of hire.
• May be expected to attend meetings or provide trainings outside regular work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements: Ability to inspect work at a variety of field work sites (e.g., wooded areas, hilly uneven terrain, wetlands, shorelines, etc.).