Urban Forester

Help Shape the Future of Our Urban Forests Join our Parks & Natural Resources team as an Urban Forester and play a vital role in creating a greener, safer, and more resilient community. This position combines hands-on fieldwork with technical expertise to restore, expand, and protect our urban canopy in a unique coastal environment. From hurricane preparedness and storm recovery to long-term sustainability initiatives, you'll help ensure our parks, streetscapes, and natural spaces thrive for generations to come. If you're passionate about environmental stewardship, community impact, and building resilient landscapes, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference every day.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This role offers the opportunity to lead impactful urban forestry initiatives that strengthen the County's environmental resilience and quality of life. The Urban Forester will oversee canopy assessment and GIS-based tree inventory programs, develop hazardous tree mitigation strategies focused on hurricane readiness and public safety, and coordinate invasive species monitoring and habitat management efforts. This position also works closely with contractors, grant-funded projects, and community partners to advance sustainable tree integration across County projects. In addition, the role serves as a key educator and advocate for urban forestry through public outreach, presentations, and collaboration with agencies dedicated to protecting Florida's natural resources.

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

Bachelor's Degree Preferred:

Urban Forestry Arboriculture Natural sciences

Ecology Preferred:

One (1) year of experience in urban forestry, environmental conservation or natural resource management. Licenses and/or

Certificates:

Must maintain a valid driver's license. Within twelve (12) months of position assignment: Must maintain the following certifications and licensures: ArcGIS Fundamentals ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional Knowledge of departmental policies, plans, and procedures. Knowledge of modern office practices, plans, and procedures. Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other job-related computer programs and software applications. Knowledge of Florida's native ecosystems including tree species, pests, disease, planting mixtures and fertilization requirements. Knowledge of principles and practices related to urban forestry including tree planting, care and removal. Strong analytical and research skills. Strong written and oral communication skills to include public speaking. Skill in prioritizing and organizing work. Skill in the use of office equipment such as a computer, multi-line telephone system, scanner, fax machine, and copier. Ability to identify common and listed plant species, vegetation communities, and wetlands. Ability to analyze and interpret departmental functions, procedures and policies. Ability to interpret and use aerial photography, GIS, road maps, etc. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks with multiple deadlines. Ability to make recommendations and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems. Ability to ascertain priorities and meet deadlines and objectives. Ability to develop effective proposals. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to traverse about a variety of environments and obstacles. Ability to effectively and safely utilize hand tools and power tools including but not limited to machete, knife, hammer, saw, chainsaw and/or pole saw. Ability to provide internal/external guidance and customer assistance via all forms of communication. Ability to maintain accurate records and reports. Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes. Ability to author reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, service providers, other employees, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, crouching, walking, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception, wading. Frequent lifting of up to 25 pounds; occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed indoors and outdoors and requires tolerance to heat, sun, wind, rain and/or other adverse environmental conditions such as biting/stinging insect's, irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

This position requires moderate exposure or risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety (e.g., exposure to environmentally hazardous materials, heavy equipment, assault and battery, pathogens, etc.).

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. All positions are subject to emergency activation. As such, the terms and conditions of the specification, as outlined below, are subject to modification based on the needs of any emergency activation. In addition, some positions may require a special license, screening clearance, or other credential that may not be specifically listed in the class specification. The employee's inability to obtain, or the loss of, any credential reasonably required to fulfill the essential job functions may disqualify an employee from continued employment. Charlotte County reserves the right to change class specifications, to meet operational needs, without prior notice. All positions with Charlotte County may be subject to drug testing in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Program and/or County policy.