Job Detail
Urban Forester
Location: Meridian, MS
Salary: Up to maximum of $59,989
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Oversees the maintenance of city trees and other plant material along streets, in parks, and public areas as required; inventories city trees; investigates citizen complaints; provides advice on the proper care and maintenance of trees, evaluates and prioritizes the maintenance of city trees; inspects and determines condition and/or risk associated with city trees; enters a variety of data into software that documents tree maintenance activities; and issues work orders and/or permits for tree maintenance. Administers construction contracts related to landscaping projects with private contractors; supervises city crews on in-house construction of landscape beautification and infrastructure repair; ensures projects are completed within specified time frames and according to specifications. Researches and prepares federal, state, and private foundation grant applications, manages grant programs, and administers projects funded by grants as required. Prepares and/or oversees operational work/project plans and budgets related to green infrastructure and capital improvement projects; inspects projects related to tree protection, preservation, and care of trees and green spaces; prepares maintenance contracts and purchases of equipment for projects as assigned; monitors and/or approves expenditures and purchases; consults with supervisor regarding recommendations and/or changes to the existing budget. Coordinates annual Arbor Day celebration and other tree planting initiatives to include preparing specifications and project administration, with City staff, private contractors, and external partners. Manages and implements standards and guidelines for the protection, preservation, and care of trees, plant material, and green spaces throughout the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan to maintain the urban tree canopy. Enforces the city tree ordinance; conducts tree appraisals for ordinance violations; and investigates tree claims for the Risk Manager. Provides technical review of development plans, including site plans, as they pertain to the tree ordinance and urban forestry regulations; inspects and assesses the impact of construction activities on urban trees and the natural environment; advises on the planning and management of city programs related to urban forestry, horticulture, sustainability, stormwater management, and the environment. Provides technical and administrative support to the Meridian Commission, community and neighborhood groups, utility representatives, and external partners and stakeholders as needed; provides community outreach and education in urban forestry, sustainability, and other environmental programs; and applies for the annual Tree City USA award. Draft and prepare presentations, letters, memoranda, mail-outs, monthly reports, and other documents and reports as required; proofread items for accuracy and completeness; approve and/or submit for approval; make copies and files for future reference and use; prepare agenda items and presents to City Council and administration. Attends meetings, conferences, seminars, workshops, and training classes to stay apprised of changes in legislation and current trends within the industry; applies current information to daily work routine; provides feedback to staff regarding new information and training sessions; ensures compliance by other staff. Performs other related duties as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree; Urban Forestry, Forestry, Horticulture, Botany, Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, or related field. Three (3) years of related experience and/or training in arboriculture, forestry, or landscape architecture, relating to urban forest management planning. Required to obtain ISA Certified Arborist or ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist certification within eighteen (18) months of being hired. Possession of a valid Mississippi State Driver’s License is required.
EXAMINATION: The examination will consist of satisfactory proof of completion of Minimum Qualifications as stated above constituting 70% examination and 30% interview, totaling 100%. Eligibility shall be for up to one (1) year from the date of certification. Persons should not apply unless they clearly meet the qualifications set forth in this announcement. False statements are grounds for rejection or discharge from employment. All position classifications will require a criminal background report and work history. Failure to complete the background investigation phase shall constitute a failure in the examination. Certification of Eligibility for this position is contingent upon verification of information submitted on the Civil Service Application.
As a prerequisite for employment with the City of Meridian, all job applicants offered employment must submit to a drug and alcohol test. Any job applicant who tests positive for drugs or alcohol will not be considered for employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The City of Meridian does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT PROHIBITS EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE DISABLED. However, as a legitimate
business necessity applicants must be capable of performing all essential functions of this position, which are considered as bona fide occupational qualifications. Indicate special needs.
For Civil Service Application and further information contact:
Civil Service Commission, First Floor, City Hall, Meridian, Mississippi, or telephone (601) 485-1931. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
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