Community Forester / Arborist

Genesee Conservation District

Position Posting: Community Forester / Arborist

General Summary

Assesses the condition of the community forest and individual trees, implements tree planting and maintenance programs, and promotes public awareness of proper tree care practices. Requires specialized knowledge of trees, the urban forest, arboriculture, tree diseases and defects, forest health management principles, ecological interactions, and cooperating with the community. The ideal candidate has used forestry best practices to create and implement plans, policies, and protocols; has demonstrated experience effectively advocating for forestry efforts with the public and government agencies.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Cooperatively plans, manages, and implements urban forestry and arboricultural operations within the City of Flint with Genesee Conservation District and the City of Flint
• Monitors and manages the condition of trees, tree populations, and tree and sidewalk conflicts in the City
• Inspects trees and related plants for quality, condition, defects, pests, and other risks and determines best protective and corrective action; conducts post-work inspections to ensure proper maintenance
• Coordinates with City departments and County/State/Federal agencies as needed; Assists with the coordination of joint projects in cooperation with outside organizations/agencies
• Utilizes Microsoft Office, Tree Tracker, and mapping software to create maps and maintain databases to track forest management activities
• Exercises proper judgment when dealing with situations that require immediate action
• Oversees contract management and ensures grant deliverables are met
• Provides technical assistance to residents, District and municipality staff, and outside agencies on matters concerning the City’s urban forestry issues
• Requires frequent tactful and diplomatic contact with the public
• Participates in professional development to stay current on urban forestry and related subjects including heat island effects, canopy cover, carbon sequestration, street tree/sidewalk conflict, and other pertinent forestry issues
• Identifies needed areas of change and makes recommendations to improve operations
• Maintains records, prepares reports, and makes presentations as requested
• Organizes work, establishes priorities, meets established guidelines, and follow up on assignments with minimal direction
• This position may be required to work weekends, nights, holidays, standby/on-call, emergency on-call, and/or weather-related emergency on-call
• Performs related tasks as required, and contributes to the team by performing other duties as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or related field and one year of full-time experience in urban forestry or forestry management; OR, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A Master’s degree in one of the above academic disciplines may be substituted for the experience requirement in conjunction with an ISA Certified Arborist certification. ISA Certified Arborist certification is preferred.
• Sufficient technical training to conduct inspections of the City’s urban forest, to identify diseased trees, and those with tree/sidewalk conflicts
• Working knowledge of local trees and common tree diseases, hazard tree identification, arboricultural best management practices and forest health management principles
• Capable of taking initiative, assuming responsibility, and handling confidential information with discretion
• Performs multiple tasks under pressure
• Understanding of chemical and biological measures used in tree insect/disease control work
• Knowledge of dendrology and plant physiology
• Knowledge of standard practices, equipment and tools used in tree maintenance work
• Knowledge of State safety codes relevant to rules and regulations empowered by the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Environmental Protection Agency
• A valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation is required

COMPENSATION

The position is grant-funded at $23-$27 per hour based on qualifications/40 hours per week; continuation beyond one year is contingent upon funding. Benefits include paid federal holidays, paid time off, a small benefit stipend, and access to employee paid health, dental, optical, and other similar insurance benefits. A valid Michigan driver’s license and reliable transportation is required. Mileage is reimbursable at the current IRS rate. The incumbent must submit to and pass a background check.

The Genesee Conservation District is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. Genesee Conservation District is a local unit of government established in 1946. We provide education, technical assistance, and implement conservation practices that protect the environment and enhance natural resources in our community.