Urban Forester

Urban Forester Class Title Urban Forester Class Code 5031 Salary $132,844.00

• $161,472.

71 Annually

DEFINITION

BENEFITS Definition Under supervision, performs professional-level urban forestry work related to the planning, management, regulation, and preservation of the City's urban forest, including street trees and trees on public and private property as regulated by City ordinance; administers tree permitting programs; provides technical expertise regarding tree health, selection, and maintenance; and performs related work as required. Class Characteristics The Urban Forester reports to the Urban Forestry Manager and is a professional-level classification responsible for serving as the Citywide subject matter expert on urban forestry and tree-related issues. This class is distinguished from landscape architectural classifications in that its primary focus is the stewardship, regulation, and management of the City's urban forest rather than landscape design or capital project delivery. Incumbents serve as the lead staff person for City street tree and private tree permitting and as a Citywide resource for urban forestry matters, including but not limited to overseeing the health and wellness of the City's urban forest; tree selection; and tree evaluation for hazard, disease, and proper care. When assigned to this classification, incumbents are not required to be licensed Landscape Architects but must meet professional arboriculture certification requirements. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skills in coordinating work with other City departments and public agencies as well as dealing with property owners, developers, contractors and the public. Essential Functions Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Administers the City's tree planting program, including maintenance of the street tree master plan, botanical designation, inspection of plantings, and issuance of permits for tree planting, removal, and pruning. Serves as technical adviser to customers, City staff, and officials on street tree and urban forestry matters. Represents the City with agencies, groups, and individuals with urban forestry, parks, and open space as related to tree preservation and management. Responds to customer service requests regarding street trees, tree permitting, and tree-related conditions affecting City property and private development. Serves on a team of City staff involved in inspecting development projects to resolve tree-related issues and to effect compliance with City requirements and applicable ordinances. Maintains records and prepares reports related to urban forestry programs, tree inventories, permitting activity, and regulatory compliance. Maintains records and prepares reports. Marginal Functions Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of urban forestry and arboriculture; native and exotic tree species and plant materials best adapted to the Fremont area; tree health assessment, hazard evaluation, disease and pest identification, and proper tree care practices; applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances related to trees and urban forestry; basic principles of irrigation and drainage as related to tree health; and methods and practices of public agency permitting and inspection.

Skill in:

Interpreting and applying tree-related codes, policies, and standards; evaluating tree conditions and making professional recommendations; preparing technical reports and correspondence; communicating technical information clearly to a wide range of audiences; and using standard computer applications for recordkeeping, reporting, and data management.

Ability to:

Work independently and exercise sound professional judgment; coordinate effectively with other City departments and public agencies; interact tactfully and effectively with property owners, developers, contractors, and the public; communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing; maintain accurate records; learn and apply City policies, procedures, and codes; and develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position. Education/Experience Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Park Planning, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree management, or a closely related field, including experience with tree assessment, permitting, or regulatory compliance. Special Requirements Incumbents assigned as the City Urban Forester must satisfy one of the following requirements within twelve (12) months of hire date: Certification as a Certified Arborist through the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA); or Membership in the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of the City limits to perform assigned duties and responsibilities. Therefore, incumbents must possess a valid Class C California Driver's License at the time of appointment and maintain a satisfactory driving record. Failure to possess or maintain the required licenses may result in discipline up to and including termination of employment. Physical and Environmental Demands Rare = 66%

Sitting:

Constant

Walking:

Occasional

Standing:

Rare Bending (neck): Occasional Bending (waist): Rare

Squatting:

Rare

Climbing:

Rare

Kneeling:

Rare

Crawling:

Never

Jumping:

Never

Balancing:

Never Twisting (neck): Occasional Twisting (waist): Never Grasp

• light (dominant hand): Occasional Grasp
• light (non-dominant): Occasional Grasp
• firm (dominant hand): Rare Grasp
• firm (non-dominant): Rare Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Frequent Reach
• at/below shoulder: Rare Reach
• above shoulder level:

Rare Push/pull:

Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Never 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs.

Never Lifting:

Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs.

Never Carrying:

Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs.

Never Coordination:

Eye-hand:

Required Eye-hand-foot:

Required Driving:

Required Vision:

Acuity, near: Required Acuity, far: Required Depth perception:

Required Accommodation:

Required Color vision: Required Field of vision:

Required Talking:

Face-to-face contact: Required Verbal contact w/others:

Required Public:

Required Hearing:

Normal conversation: Required Telephone communication: Required Earplugs required: Not required Work environment: Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery, exposure to dust, fumes smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, works around others, works alone, works with others.

Supplemental Information Class Code:

5031

FLSA:

Non-Exempt EEOC Code:

2 Barg.

Unit:

CFEA Probation:

12 months for each level Rev. 3/26