City Forester

The City of Madison Urban Forestry work unit has a dedicated funding source and enjoys a high level of support from our elected officials and the community. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will establish and maintain collaborative, mutually beneficial working relationships with staff, elected officials, community urban forestry advocates, our strong network of neighborhood associations, and other interested parties.

Starting salary is negotiable within the stated range. Relocation expenses and annual vacation are also negotiable.

The City Forester manages the Urban Forestry work unit within the Streets Division. This position plays a lead role in all initiatives related to the care, protection, and promotion of Madison’s urban forest. This is responsible professional, technical, supervisory, programmatic, and administrative work involving the direction of the maintenance, protection, removal, and planting of all public trees within the City of Madison. The work involves supervising a large staff of highly educated and engaged permanent and hourly employees through lower level supervisors, as well as the direct supervision of administrative staff, involved in the following work: inspections for compliance with Department of Public Works (DPW) specifications, updating street tree inventory, code enforcement, hazard tree inspections, and street tree planting.

This position has significant input in the formation and responsibility of the Forestry annual budget, developing and implementing new programs, overseeing ongoing programs, and coordinating the processing of owner assessments in certain situations. This position monitors and directs tree protection requirements for construction activities impacting right of way trees and is responsible for short- and long-term planning and coordinating projects and work unit activities. Considerable interaction and collaboration with staff from other agencies, as well as engagement with residents, developers, and elected officials is expected. This position reports to the Streets and Urban Forestry Division Manager and carries out its duties and responsibilities with a high degree of independence.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Management

• Manage the Forestry work unit within the City’s Streets Division and guide the vision, protection, and expansion of the urban forest to promote public health, environmental equity, sustainability, and quality of life.
• Direct the activities of the Urban Forestry Work Unit management and specialist staff in the planning, organizing and implementation of work unit operations by establishing and analyzing programs, service level assessments, development and monitoring of goals and performance metrics while ensuring work is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Direct and administer, through lower level supervisors, the field operations and programs related to tree management, including small tree and cycle pruning, chemical treatments, storm response and tree protection measures.
• Identify, pilot, and implement new methods and practices that improve safety, reduce costs and improve quality.
• Manage employee relations including recruitment, retention, promotion, training, discipline, grievance resolution and Workers Comp.
• Take proactive action to ensure unit work culture aligns with City’s expectations of providing an inclusive, open and welcoming work place for all.
• Direct and coordinate technical training and research activities for the section.
• Direct workforce development training for new hires. Create and monitor ongoing employee training programs related to crew safety, skills attainment, best practices and maintenance as well as cultural awareness.
• Promote adherence to national tree work and safety standards, including A300 and ANSI Z133.

Administration

• Direct tree protection programs related to construction impacts as well as those from pests or disease.
• Advise on, and execute, citywide tree policy, enforce ordinances, establish tree management priorities and best practices, develop new initiatives, and work with non-profit partners to expand and maintain the City’s tree canopy.
• Provide overall management to any urban forestry contracts, cont