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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Division Manager, Community Tree Preservation
FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 10082 Salary Grade: ID1
Approved: Last Revised: June 06, 2019

Purpose:
 

Under nominal direction, this position is responsible for providing leadership and management of the Development Services Community Tree Preservation Division. This position is responsible for development and evaluation of legislation, policies, compliance programs, and regulatory standards for urban forestry and land development.
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. Oversees, plans, develops, and implements City-wide tree and urban forestry policies, procedures, and programs.
  2. Coordinates tree preservation and urban forestry program activities with various Local, Regional, State, and Federal agencies and municipal boards and commissions in order to promote conservation.
  3. Performs budget development, oversees mitigation fund expenditures, execution and management of contracts, and service delivery.
  4. Bears responsibility for the development of long-term strategic goals related to the conservation of Austin’s tree canopy and recommends changes to City codes related to management of the urban forest.
  5. Evaluates the impact that proposed legislation may have on long-term conservation strategies. Negotiates, mediates, and confers with various Federal and State health and environmental agencies to help establish and clarify environmental policies and standards, as necessary.
  6. Serves as the primary liaison with City of Austin stakeholders to structure and facilitate recommendations for proposed standards, trends, and technologies related to the City’s urban forest.
  7. Reviews and analyzes development and environmental data to identify and resolve potential forestry and tree conservation issues.
  8. Reviews and approves the marketing and education strategies and materials for tree conservation programs implemented by the Communications and Public Information Office.
  9. Assists in the promotion of arboriculture development and implementation within interagency and professional/non-profit organizations.
  10. Interprets public input and recommendations to evaluate conservation initiatives.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

Responsible for a full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
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 environmental and urban forestry programs.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  • Knowledge of City principles, practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of environmental science, urban forestry, research techniques, and field monitoring protocols, methods, and equipment.
  • Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
  • Knowledge of complex technical environmental data and its relationship to public health, environmental compliance, and public policy.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Ability to evaluate contract agreements and negotiation.
  • Ability to gather and analyze moderately complex financial data.
  • Ability to lead others.
  • Ability to communicate in a various formats complex policy and technical material to public officials, the general public, and the media.
  • Ability to coordinate a wide variety of policies and programs with various City departments and functions.
  • Ability to identify public policy issues and develop programs to effectively respond to environmental concerns.
  • Ability to negotiate City and public interests with Federal and State agencies and other entities.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental or Natural Science, Engineering, Public or Business Administration, plus five (5) years of experience in a field related to the job, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
  • Graduation with a Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
  None.
Licenses and Certifications Preferred:
 
  • Board Certified Master Arborist – International Society of Arboriculture
  • Registered Consulting Arborist – American Society of Consulting Arborists
  • American Institute of Certified Planners Certification - American Planning Association

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.