Hourly Wage for CITY OF BOULDER Assistant Forester Salary in the United States

The City of Boulder is a great place to live, work, grow and play.
 
With over 300 miles of dedicated bikeways and more than 150 miles of hiking trails, Boulder values active lifestyles and access to nature. Forty-five thousand acres of land provide open space for parks, a green belt around the city and a cap on urban growth.  With world class restaurants and art and music venues, The City of Boulder values diverse culture.
 
Respect is one of our five City Values (including Customer Service, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation) and we are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion. We celebrate and support our differences across all spectrums, including but not limited to ethnicity, gender, age, disability and sexuality. Through our focus on Racial Equity, our employee benefits, and the many programs resources we offer our staff, we continually strive to weave respect for one another into the fabric of our organization.
 
Add your voice and talents to the City of Boulder and help us grow in service excellence for an inspired future.
 
EMPLOYEE GROUP: BMEA/Non-exempt
 
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Parks & Recreation Department / Parks & Planning Division / Forestry
 
OVERALL JOB OBJECTIVE:
Under general supervision to implement, evaluate, and assist with the development of the Forestry programs plans, policies, projects, and management practices at a professional level, consistent with department goals. Deliver professional field work, technical expertise and contractor management; develop program elements or procedures; to develop broad or highly specialized expert strategies; to provide design, consultation, technical assistance, and maintenance and management of public trees; and to perform related duties as required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

1. Works in a collaborative manner to implement Forestry programs.
   • Specific programs may include but are not limited to:
     • Planting: Plans and coordinates tree species selection, sites, and placement initiated through internal and external requests to meet city tree diversity goals. Orders and selects trees from nurseries, inspects and approves tree deliveries; coordinates irrigation and utility locates to avoid conflicts. Coordinates volunteer and memorial plantings. Plants trees with in-house staff.
     • Commercial Trees: Coordinates the inspection, installation, maintenance, and repair of tree grates, guards, irrigation and hardscapes around trees in commercial areas. Development review for public trees in commercial areas.
     • Rotational Pruning: Develops and implements the park and street tree pruning rotation based on annual budget allocations, tree health and public safety; classifies type of pruning work to be performed and provides specific written instructions in preparation for contracted bids. Coordinates traffic control.
     • Tree Risk: Performs tree risk surveys and inspections; identifies structurally unsafe trees, recommends mitigation action; communicates directly with the general public and property owners about the condition of hazard trees, justifies and educates the public on the need for removal.
     • IPM / Emerald Ash Borer: Monitors for insect and disease problems in city parks areas, street rights-of-way and private property to determine potential community impact and makes recommendations for management/suppression. Schedules and inspects contracted pesticide applications. Coordinates outreach activities.
     • Enforcement: Enforces city codes for diseased/infested and dangerous tree removals on private property. Coordinates with BPD and City Attorney's office on legal procedures when necessary to remove trees on private property.
     • Arborist Licensing: Coordinates licensing process for private tree care companies; educates new companies on requirements; coordinates with BPD for enforcement actions.
     • Wood Utilization: Manages Forestry sort yard; researches and solicits partnerships for wood debris management.
     • Asset Management: Uses ArcGIS and asset management software to collect and maintain information and maintenance records for public trees; analyzes composition, distribution, and value of urban trees and to provide historical and statistical information to better manage the urban forest.
     • Tree Protection / Construction oversight: Coordinates directly and provides recommendations to developers, homeowners, and city staff to resolve conflicts and minimize damage to public trees around construction activities; assesses the condition of public trees and provides recommendations on the retention or removal of trees; appraises the value of trees to be removed and submits reports to Planning Department for damage done to public trees.
     • Emergency Response: Emergency response activities related to tree hazards due to weather events, construction impacts and vehicular accidents. Assess priority, corrective action, appropriate equipment and agencies needed to resolve safety issues quickly.
   • Responds daily to both internal (other city staff) and external (residents) service requests.
   • Coordinates and performs Forestry field work to accomplish department goals.
   • Interpret Urban Forest Strategic Plan direction to develop specific implementable projects.
   • Collaborates with other staff to develop and implement identified projects.
   • Works cooperatively to develop and implement best management practices and policies to accomplish work group and department goals.
   • Builds strategic relationships and effective partnerships with other department service areas, city departments, local and state agencies, public interest groups and community groups to ensure timelines, public process requirements and budgetary constraints are met.
   • Develops client relationships and provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers through careful listening and understanding of client issues and by communicating research findings, proposals, specifications, and project statuses to ensure multiple management objectives are being met.
   • Assist with the development of programmatic work plan and budget recommendations and may manage project budgets and business processes associated with the program's annual work plan; may help pursue grant opportunities related to program goals. 
   • Ensure completion of project reports outlining goals, accomplishments, resources, photo documentation, and volunteer/contracted crew hours if applicable. 
   • May have primary responsibility for implementing a developing program or function.
   • May provide project inspection and technical support for contracted projects to ensure contractor compliance with project specifications, quality control, standards, technical accuracy and uniformity. 
2. Coordinates extensively with multiple contractors on tree maintenance contracts including but not limited to pruning, removals, planting, watering, pesticide applications and traffic control.
   • Determines need for pruning or removal of trees based on tree health, structure and safety; provides specific written instructions in preparation for contracted bids. Develops, formats and awards task orders with hundreds of public trees.
   • Coordinates work schedules and traffic control with tree service contractor and inspects work to ensure quality and compliance with contract agreement, city code/licensing/insurance, and industry standards.
   • Ensured compliance with all city, state and federal traffic control standards, gain approval for traffic control plans through Public Works. Contract traffic control when needed.
   • Notify adjacent property owners of upcoming maintenance activities.
   • Coordinate with communications staff on news releases and responds to inquiries from the public or media concerning maintenance activities.
   • Post traffic and parking control devices and signage per city ordinance requirements; coordinate vehicle towing/relocations with Parking Services to ensure a safe work zone.
   • Update contractor specifications to reflect industry best management practices.
   • Maintain accurate maintenance records in Forestry asset management software.
3. Provides advice and technical assistance for management planning, programmatic budgeting, and project designs to implement Forestry program goals within a department-wide context.
   • Responds daily to both internal (other city staff) and external (residents) service requests.
   • Brings forward best practices and objective scientific research available to inform management decisions.
   • Works as part of a team to coordinate staff response to issues related to program disciplines.
   •  Develops and provides technical guidance and strategic advice to the public, other City workgroups, private contractors, and other governmental agencies.
   • Ensure that projects are completed in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established scope, schedule and budget.
   • Evaluates multiple criteria including, but not limited to, the following: tree health, industry best management practices, public use, and public safety to make independent judgement of best solutions and actions.
   • Develops and provides broad or highly specialized technical advice and objectives for inclusion in department plans that support program goals.
   • Provides technical review of department project designs and permits to make recommendations for improvements to better meet program goals.
   • Reviews landscape plans and proposed public development projects through the development review process with planning staff, parks planning staff, engineers, and transportation project managers.
   • Attends meetings to resolve issues with planners, developers, general contractors and other city staff as a Forestry representative.
   • Provides information for Forestry website; writes news releases and handles media inquiries regarding tree care issues.
   • Develops and presents educational tree-related programs to schools, public groups and other city departments.
     • Influences others through experienced professional judgment and well-developed rationale; participates at a professional level in field of expertise.
     • Determine necessary materials, equipment and staff resources needed for projects.  Provide information to help develop yearly work plan and program budgets. 
     • Help resolve public concerns related to program disciplines.
     • Develops educational material, conducts outreach and provides recommendations to the public and landscape professionals.
   • Develops and presents written and oral reports on programs and projects to workgroup, department and city management staff, volunteer and user groups.
   • Provides liaison role to external organizations for program disciplines, as applicable, representing workgroup, department and city goals and integrating with the goals of others. 
4. Lead, coordinate and oversee standard and seasonal employees and volunteers in performing program work in a safe, cost effective and efficient manner to meet department goals.
   • Works with other staff to plan, develop, and relay daily work plans for field crews and volunteers.
   • May perform or coordinate necessary training for crews and volunteers including writing equipment maintenance protocols, safe equipment and tool operations and safety precautions.
   • Assist in the recruitment, screening and interviewing of standard staff and seasonal employees.  Provide feedback to supervisor to assist in personnel actions; including but not limited to hiring, pay increase, termination and performance evaluations. 
   • May guide, direct and oversee standard and seasonal employees and volunteers.
   • May coordinate with field staff and volunteer supervisors to design projects that meet the needs of the department and volunteers.
   • May coordinate volunteer events and interdepartmental projects.
5. Other
   • Performs related duties as required to meet the needs of the city.
   • Promotes a culture of teamwork through collaboration and communication.
   • Maintains a high level of professionalism and integrity; provides excellent customer services to internal and external customers; listens to questions and concerns, evaluates issues and possible solutions, works collaboratively with other city teams to find solutions to challenges that arise; inspires confidence and respect; uses feedback from others to grow and develop.
   • Takes proper safety precautions, anticipates unsafe circumstances, and acts accordingly to prevent accidents.  Responsible for the safety of self, others, materials, and equipment.  Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.  Reports all accidents and damage to city property. Responds quickly and effectively to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
   • Actively supports and upholds the city's stated mission and values.  Optimizes the use of resources; responsible for knowing and complying with all city and department policies; participating in professional trainings and development; and adhering to attendance and workplace attire policies.

REQUIRED CANDIDATE COMPETENCIES:

• Conflict Management – Reads situations quickly and readily addresses conflicts through focused listening and settling disputes equitably.
• Drive for Results - Steadfastly pushes self and others for results; skill at consistently delivering results; gets things done on time without alienating co-workers.
• Decision Quality – Skilled at making good decisions based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; seeks help from others to get even better quality results.
• Composure – Stays cool under pressure and does not become defensive or irritated; is a settling influence during a crisis.
• Functional / Technical Skills – Effectively applies technical knowledge to solve a range of problems related to program disciplines; keeps informed about cutting-edge technology and practices in assigned technical area. 
• Timely Decision Making – Keeps self and team members on task; makes decisions in a timely manner sometimes with incomplete information and under tight deadlines.
• Teamwork – Works effectively as a member of formal and informal teams; understands the interests and concerns of others and is able and willing to share and receive information; cooperates within and across groups and supports group decisions.
• Organization – can put together resources to get assignments done; uses resources effectively and efficiently.
• Written and Oral Communication – Expresses ideas effectively, organizes and delivers information appropriately; actively listens to concerns and is open to the ideas of colleagues and customers. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills.
• Action Oriented – Maintains a high level of productivity and self-direction; takes personal responsibility for job performance; completes work in a timely and consistent manner; positive influence on others and supports them in achieving annual work plans.
• Customer Service – Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Critical Thinking – Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

ORGANIZATION STRUCTURE:
(1) TITLE OF IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: City Forester
(2) TITLE(S) OF POSITION(S) OVER WHICH THIS POSITION HAS DIRECT SUPERVISION: guide and direct volunteers; lead and direct standard staff and seasonal/temporary employees.
 
REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Arboriculture or Natural Resources plus minimum of three years of work experience in Forestry, Arboriculture or directly related field.  Demonstrated ability to schedule and organize work using latitude in determining approach.  Working knowledge of urban tree species identification and insect and disease diagnosis.  Experience with tree care maintenance practices, tree risk assessment, Integrated Pest Management and plant health care programs.  International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certification or ability to achieve certification within nine months of hire. ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. Traffic control technician certification or ability to obtain within 1 year of hire. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, departments, governmental agencies, and the public.  Ability to prepare effective written reports, and to work and communicate effectively with diverse groups of people, including the ability to deal courteously with the public and land users.  Demonstrated analytical and organizational skills.  Ability to provide feedback to coworkers, volunteers and seasonal employees for the continuous improvement of operations.  Working knowledge of Microsoft Office, ArcMap and/or tree asset management software programs. .  Physical ability and willingness to work in adverse weather and field conditions.  Ability to use all safety equipment.  Valid driver's license.  Have and maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record.
 
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS – In addition to the required minimum qualifications:
Prior experience leading or supervising field technicians, contractors, and/or volunteers.    Ability to review and evaluate engineering designs and drawings. Experience with tree pruning/removals utilizing both rope and saddle equipment and bucket trucks.  Variety of equipment operation and maintenance experience related to arboriculture.
 
WORKING CONDITIONS - Required Physical and Mental Effort, and Environmental Conditions:
Physical Demands and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment.  Physical ability to stand, bend, walk, and kneel.  Ability to carry up to 40 pounds while hiking on rough terrain.  Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities that permits the employee to communicate effectively on the telephone and in person.  Sufficient vision or other powers of observation that permits the employee to review, evaluate and prepare a variety of written documents and materials.  Sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate computer equipment and other office equipment.  Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer video monitor and/ or operating a keyboard.  Ability to work under stress from demanding deadlines, public contact, and changing priorities and conditions.
Work Environment: Works in a clean, comfortable environment, and also works in an outdoor environment year-round.  Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), toxic chemicals (e.g., pesticides), and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning).
Machines and equipment used include but are not limited to the following: Frequently uses standard office equipment including personal computers, calculators, cell phones, and copy machines; vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles; a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment.
 
ACCOMMODATIONS:  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
 
The City of Boulder provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.