ARBORIST 69150
(Competitive)
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The work involves responsibility for directing, overseeing and supervising all urban forestry activities for the City of Syracuse. Work includes responsibility for enforcing ordinances and regulations governing the planting, maintenance, protection and removal of trees on all City streets, parks and other City owned property. Supervision is exercised over a number of laborer and technical personnel assigned to the tree removal, trimming and planting programs. Supervision is received from the Commissioner of Parks and Recreation or his/her representative. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Develops goals and policies related to urban forestry, including protection and expansion of a sustainable urban forest.
Adheres to, and updates as necessary, urban forest master plan and incorporates same into other City and community planning processes.
Develops and enforces design standards for trees in the development process.
Participates in permit review processes.
Develops the annual departmental budget, based on management needs and trends.
Secures funding from additional sources to support and enhance existing programs.
Conducts public outreach to educate City staff, the business community and the general public on the environmental and economic benefits of trees.
Incorporates youth and young adult programming into stewardship activities.
Serves as an advisor to other City departments, and assists in the development of arboricultural and horticultural practices and issues.
Enforces ordinances, policies and regulations governing the planting, maintenance, protection and removal of trees and shrubs on all City streets, parks and other City owned property, as well as private trees that may impact the City right of way.
Oversees tree inspection and maintenance programs performed by City personnel and contractors, including on-site inspection and supervision.
Directs, supervises and trains staff engaged in forestry activities.
Tracks all tree inspections and work through a database management system.
Reviews permits to plant, spray, fertilize, prune, remove, replace or otherwise disturb trees and shrubs located on City-owned property.
Reviews requests from private citizens for planting of new trees and approves or denies request, based on the merits of the request.
Documents compliance with local, State and Federal safety regulations for tree care operations.
Develops and implements a risk management program, utilizing the latest arboricultural best standards and practices.
Supervises City personnel and contractors performing tree planting and care activities.
Conducts staff development and training.
Plans, develops, implements and oversees tree replacement programs, including site assessment and species selection.
Assesses and develops programs for specialized tree maintenance.
Thorough knowledge of urban forestry principles and best arboricultural and horticultural management practices.
Thorough knowledge of construction and engineering practices of other infrastructure and their impact on trees.
Thorough knowledge of planning and policy practices as it relates to infrastructure development, housing, public safety and transportation, and their relationship to urban forestry.
Thorough knowledge of tree physiology and pathology.
Good knowledge of local, State and Federal laws, ordinances, codes and regulations related to urban forestry.
Ability to identify tree species, understand which species grow best in different environments and know how to best place trees in urban settings.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups including elected officials, various levels of City management and members of the public.
Ability to train and supervise both labor class and technical employees.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, including the ability to communicate complex and technical information in a simple, clear and straightforward manner, including the use of graphs and tables as needed.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with tight time constraints.
Strong quantitative analytical abilities, including a thorough understanding of common data analysis tools and programs.
Strong interpersonal skills.
OPEN COMPETITIVE:
(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, arboricultural science or a related field, and five (5) years of professional-level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in an urban forestry or similar program involving planning and management of urban forestry activities, such as planting, inspecting and evaluating trees in the field and urban forestry education, which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,
(B) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree in forestry, horticulture, arboricultural science or a related field, and seven (7) years of professional-level work experience or its part time equivalent, in an urban forestry or similar program involving planning and management of urban forestry activities, such as planting, inspecting and evaluating trees in the field and urban forestry education, five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,
(C) Nine (9) years of professional-level work experience, or its part time equivalent, in an urban forestry or similar program involving planning and management of urban forestry activities, such as planting, inspecting and evaluating trees in the field and urban forestry education, five (5) years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.
Special Necessary Requirement: At time of appointment, must possess current certification as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.
08/2021 Revised