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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Forester
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 14127 Salary Grade: IC7
Approved: July 28, 1998 Last Revised: April 06, 2022

Purpose:
 

Under minimal direction, this position develops, monitors, and/or performs activities related to the conservation, preservation, and proliferation of trees in the City of Austin.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Reviews construction plans, specifications, contracts, etc. for compliance with codes, ordinances, zoning, etc. related to trees.
  2. Monitors and coordinates tree-planting activities for the City of Austin.
  3. Coordinates division/section activities with other divisions/departments, public agencies, and private entities.
  4. Inspects and treats trees for diseases, parasites, etc.
  5. Confers with architects, developers, contractors, etc. to discuss tree preservation techniques.
  6. Drafts/writes and enforces ordinances, policies, etc. relating to arboricultural and urban forestry practices.
  7. Manages and/or coordinates specific tree programs, i.e., Oak Wilt Program, Austin Releaf Program, etc.
  8. Answers citizens’ questions and assists.
  9. Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity.
  10. Researches information as needed or requested.
  11. Compiles and calculates data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  • Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to train others.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or a related field, plus two (2) years of experience developing or coordinating urban forestry programs.
  • Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 

Valid Texas Class "C" Driver License.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.