Arborist

Location:

Urbana, IL
Salary: Starting Salary Range $85,984.42 - $ annually

$85,984.42 - $ annually

Public Works

Administration

Under general direction of the Public Works Director, the City Arborist oversees capital projects and administrative programs related to public arbor, horticulture, and landscape recycling. This is an exciting opportunity that combines technical arboriculture expertise, public service, and sound business and project management skills application. This position administers the City’s Tree Ordinance; serves as the City’s public consultant and primary point of contact for assigned areas of responsibility;

manages and oversees business operations of the City’s Landscape Recycling Center; provides subject matter expertise and administers arboriculture, horticulture, and business management best practices in the performance of assigned duties.

• Serves as the City’s public consultant and primary point of contact for community trees and landscapes; responds to related citizen concerns and complaints; resolves tree ownership/jurisdiction concerns.
• Assists in planning, coordinating, and facilitating annual Arbor Day event and other special events as necessary.
• Administers and enforces the City’s Tree Ordinance; provides technical assistance to City staff related to other ordinances (e.g., vegetation ordinance).
• Assists with reviewing and overseeing contractual and permitted work authorized by the City that impacts arbor and landscape assets, assists with enforcement when work violates city codes and regulations related to area(s) of responsibility.
• Monitors activities of utility companies, contractors, and private citizens as required in relation to arbor and landscape work being performed on City property.
• Reviews construction plans for residential and commercial developments to ensure compliance with applicable City ordinances, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Coordinates and/or manages capital projects related to arbor and landscape assets.
• Administers and coordinates City tree planting programs (Cooperative, Legacy, etc.).
• Coordinates with governmental and partner agencies to promote public interest and participation in tree planting and protection.
• Develops and administers efforts related to public promotion of landscape recycling, arboriculture, and horticulture; serves as subject matter expert for inquiries related to areas of responsibility and oversight.
• Develops recommendations to policies and procedures pertaining to arbor and landscape asset best management practices; presents recommendations to department head; implements approved policy recommendations as needed.
• Reviews and amends the City’s arboricultural specifications manual as necessary.
• Serves as lead staff on the City’s Tree Commission.
• Manages business operations of the City’s Landscape Recycling Center (LRC), including, but not limited to budgeting, marketing and providing public information; assessing market supply and demand; establishing product pricing adjustments; establishing and maintaining business procedures; administration of related contracts and agreements, including intergovernmental agreement; and collaborating with Operations management staff on staffing and logistical operations of the site.

• Completion of an associate’s degree in forestry, horticulture, landscape architecture, or relevant biological or environmental science.
• Three (3) years of professional tree/urban forestry management experience or professional experience in a closely related field that would provide the requisite knowledge. Five (5) years of related experience may substitute for the degree requirement.
• At least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in business or project management, including planning, coordinating, overseeing, and/or supervising projects, operations, and/or staff.
• Must possess or obtain within fifteen (15) days of employment a valid State of Illinois driver’s license and maintain a safe driving record.
• Must possess International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)…