Position Information
Arlington County's Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking an Urban Forester to promote, manage, and protect Arlington County's urban forestry initiatives and programs. This professional will work collaboratively with a diverse staff, contractors, and the community. They will have the opportunity to contribute their expertise to DPR's continued success in having a healthy and sustainable urban forestry program.
Specific duties include:
Assessing tree health, making recommendations for tree removal and conservation, and providing management options for trees on County property;
Assisting with the maintenance and implementation of Arlington's Forestry and Natural Resources Plan that includes long-term goals, strategies, and recommendations for assessing, monitoring, or improving tree canopy, forest health, and reforestation, ensuring compliance with state and local ordinances, and maintaining tree inventory through GIS-based technology;
Conducting both large-scale and site-specific assessments of forest health and developing forest management strategies that address environmental needs and County priorities;
Serving as one of the County's primary resources for tree-related issues during the plan review process to ensure compliance with Arlington's Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance, Site Plans, County projects, Environmental Assessments, and local ordinances;
Performing follow-up site inspections to evaluate compliance with tree protection and planting requirements as outlined on approved plans;
Responding to inquiries by residents, staff and developers; and
Making presentations and providing training and educational information that reflect the most current technical knowledge and practices in the cultivation and care of trees and shrubs to a diverse audience that includes neighborhood associations, advisory commissions, developers, staff, and County officials.
The ideal candidate is well organized, communicates well orally and in writing to a variety of audiences, works well in a team environment, and enjoys the diversity of field and office work.
Selection Criteria
Minimum:
Bachelor's degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Natural Resources, Landscape Architecture or a related field; and
Considerable experience in urban tree planning, tree management, or directly related field.
Substitution: Additional education may be substituted for experience. Additional experience may be substituted for education.
Desirable: Preference may be given to candidates with a Master’s Degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Urban or Environmental Planning or a related field and one or more of the following:
Certification as an ISA Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture;
Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification from the International Society of Arboriculture;
Experience or training which provided knowledge of interdisciplinary roles of forestry, arboriculture, landscape architecture, engineering and urban planning for urban forest management; and/or
Computer experience with geographic information systems-based work order software.
Special Requirements
Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.
Driver's License: The applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver's license. The applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain or provide a copy of their official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.
ISA Certification: The applicant must possess or be able to obtain certification as an ISA Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture, within 1 year of their employment date.
Additional Information
The pay ranges listed above are effective July 1, 2024.
The employee will be required to operate a County vehicle to perform assigned duties away from the primary worksite.
Work may be performed outdoors in all types of weather conditions, or indoors depending on the work assignment.
Work Hours: Core work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, however some weekend and evening hours will be required and this employee must be available for callback and holdover in emergency situations
Your responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire are considered part of the selection process. Please do not enter "see resume" as a response to the questions.
Each section of the application must be completed. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for the completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
This position is eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental, vacation and sick leave, commuter transportation subsidies, tuition reimbursement, as well as a generous retirement plan.
For more information on Arlington County’s generous benefits and retirement plan, click here.
Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.
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