City Forester

City Forester City of Bethlehem - 2.5 Bethlehem, PA Job Details Full-time $68,000 - $90,000 a year 2 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Employee assistance program Vision insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Environmental regulations Teamwork Forestry Customer service Environmental compliance Supervising experience Bachelor's degree Team management Organizational skills Certified Arborist Productivity software Forestry Landscaping Full Job Description City Forester City of Bethlehem -

Department of Public Works Salary:

Competitive, based on qualifications and experience

Schedule:

Full-Time, Exempt (75 hours bi-weekly)

Location:

Bethlehem, PA Join Our Team The City of [City Name] is seeking a knowledgeable and dedicated Forester to lead and manage the City's urban forestry program. This professional position plays a key role in protecting, maintaining, and expanding the City's urban tree canopy while ensuring compliance with local ordinances and promoting sustainable forestry practices. The successful candidate will work closely with residents, contractors, developers, City staff, and elected officials to preserve and enhance the environmental, aesthetic, and economic benefits of the City's urban forest. What You'll Do Key responsibilities include: Administer and oversee the City's urban forestry program in accordance with City ordinances and regulations. Enforce tree protection regulations and investigate violations. Review development and site plans to ensure compliance with landscaping and tree preservation requirements. Manage tree planting, maintenance, and removal projects, including contractor oversight and inspections. Develop and administer program budgets and monitor expenditures. Issue permits, conduct inspections, and maintain detailed records and reports. Coordinate with contractors, developers, residents, and government agencies regarding urban forestry matters. Develop community outreach, education, and public engagement programs. Prepare cost estimates, project specifications, and grant-related documentation. Serve as the City's technical expert on urban forestry, arboriculture, and tree management.

Qualifications Required:

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, or a closely related field. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban forestry or a related field, including supervisory or management experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential. Strong knowledge of urban forestry practices, tree identification, arboriculture principles, and applicable laws and regulations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred:

Experience working with the public on sensitive or controversial natural resource issues. Grant writing and grant reporting experience. GIS experience. Herbicide certifications. Ideal Candidate The ideal candidate is a collaborative and self-motivated professional who can balance technical expertise with exceptional customer service. They will possess strong organizational skills, exercise sound judgment, and effectively communicate with diverse audiences including residents, elected officials, contractors, and developers. Why Work for the City? This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the community's environmental sustainability and quality of life while working in a collaborative public service environment.

Pay:

$68,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Education:

Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

urban forestry: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

Certified Arborist (Required)

Work Location:

In person