The Division
The Community Services Department's Urban Forestry Division administers the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan, Tree Permitting, Tree Ordinance Enforcement, 50-50 Programs, Tree Mitigation, Urban Forestry Grants, Tree Maintenance crews, and Tree Contracts. The Division’s primary functions are to promote, preserve, and grow a safe and healthy Urban Forest; Provide outstanding customer service and guidance on Urban Forestry Best Practices to both internal and external customers; To maintain the City’s Tree Inventory, respond to tree emergencies that occur within the right of way, qualify and certify an Approved Tree Contractor list; And, to provide public outreach, education, and support on tree planting and care to maximize the many benefits of the City’s Urban Forest.
Definition
This is a deep class series, which includes Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I, Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II, and Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester. (At the I and II levels, incumbents who do not have professional licensure will use the classification title of Landscape Designer, and work under the direct supervision of the Senior Landscape Architect.)
Under supervision, performs professional-level landscape architectural work related to the design, construction and rehabilitation of landscape and irrigation facilities for parks, landscaped areas and street and urban design projects; performs related work as required.
Class Characteristics
This is a deep classification series with multiple levels that are intended to provide recognition for a range of assignment variety and complexity, increasing professional/technical knowledge and skills, attainment of professional licensure, independence of decision-making and the impact of such decisions upon the long-term and short-term development and character of the City. Incumbents may advance from the entry level to the full working level, based on operational need and assignment by management, as they learn City and departmental practices and procedures. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope and assignments are more varied and are performed under more general supervision. Advancement to each higher-level class requires gaining the knowledge, skill, experience and credentials that meet the qualifications for that class and demonstrating the ability to consistently perform the work of the higher-level class.
City Urban Forester is also a full-professional level class working at the Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I, Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II or Associate Landscape Architect level. However, when placed in this assignment rather than being a registered Landscape Architect the incumbent would be required to be a Certified Arborist or maintain an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) membership. This assignment is characterized by the responsibility to serve as lead staff person for City street tree and private tree permitting and Citywide resource for urban forestry and tree related issues including but not limited to, overseeing the health and wellness of the City urban forest; tree selection; and tree evaluation for hazard, disease and proper care. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating with other City departments and public agencies as well as dealing with property owners, developers, contractors, and the general public.
Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skills in coordinating work with other City departments and public agencies as well as dealing with property owners, developers, contractors and the public.
Essential Functions
Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester:
• In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents perform professional landscape architectural work as project manager in the preparation of landscape design and layout of parks, recreational areas, roadway medians and pedestrian ways.
• Prepares master park development plans, specifications, contracts, cost estimates and working drawings for assigned projects using manual and automated design tools.
• Makes field inspections to insure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Reviews and approves site development plans submitted for development approval for conformance with plans, specifications, and ordinances.
• Uses manual and automated design tools to design and/or administer contracts for the design of landscaping for City property, including parks, medians, and building grounds.
• Administers the tree planting program including maintenance of the street tree master plan, botanical designation, inspection of plantings, and issuance of permits for planting, removal, and pruning.
• Serves as technical adviser to customers, City staff, and officials on park, street tree, and landscape matters.
• Represent the City with agencies, groups, and individuals concerned with parks and open space.
• Responds to customer service requests regarding landscaping of City property.
• Serves on a team of City staff involved in inspecting developments to resolve problems and effect compliance with City requirements.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.
Marginal Functions
• Other duties as assigned.