Forestry Programs and Operations Supervisor

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Environmental Science, Plant Science, or a related field with two years of experience in urban or municipal forestry, or closely related field.  Master’s degree in one of these fields or closely related fields of study may be substituted for one year of required work experience.
• Active membership in the International Society of Arboriculture and ISA arborist certification required.
•  Knowledge of arboriculture and forestry as it relates to an urban environment, including all safety issues.
• Proficiency in the use of various computer programs, including Microsoft Office and some experience in GIS required.
• Ability to work with and maintain a high level of professionalism with a diverse group of people throughout the community, including public and elected officials, tree professionals, community leaders, City and Delaware Center for Horticulture employees, garden groups, and local residents.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills required.
• Must also be able to work independently.
• Ability to lift tools and plants weighing up to 50 pounds on and off trucks.

PRIMARY FUNCTION

• Enforces the tree ordinance and provides a level of professional expertise for tree evaluations for nuisance and hazardous trees to protect the urban forest and the health and safety of residents.
• Provides needed expertise for tree protection strategies during construction projects, utility pruning, and transportation projects.
• Provides a necessary clearinghouse of information for tree concerns and coordinates with all stakeholders.
• Supports the planting of trees as storm water best management practice to improve water quality for EPA mandated MS4 permit and the City’s CSO Long Term Control Plan.
• Manages all aspects of tree planting contracts.
• Responsible for conducting health and hazard evaluations for the management of trees in the proper way and coordinates enforcement and planning logistics related to street trees between residents, council members, and several City departments to ensure coordination, enforcement, and alignments of codes to support the tree ordinance.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Updates, implements, and enforces tree ordinance, including tree permits, developing tree protection specifications for contracts, reviewing development plans, performing hazard evaluations, providing technical arboricultural recommendations, and replanting trees.
• Maintains Street Tree Database, processes permits, logs constituent calls, and coordinates all requests.
• Develops and implements a management plan, which includes developing canopy goals, budgeting, and applying for grants.
• Acts as City-community liaison between Trees for Wilmington Coalition, civic associations, and residents to provide assistance with tree issues throughout the city.
• Works with Delmarva Power and other utility companies and contractors to communicate the City’s position on tree protection, including trenching, material storage, and pruning for electrical distribution.
• Assists with Arbor Day, Earth Day, and Tree City USA events.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Handles all other forestry-related projects and issues as required.