Definition
This is advanced urban forestry work for the Department of Public Service.
An employee in this class is responsible for planning, designing, and coordinating urban forestry programs for the City's parks and street systems.
Works under the administrative and policy direction of Management with considerable independent responsibility for planning and for carrying out duties and responsibilities.
Characteristic Work
Plans and monitors pesticide programs of the urban forest and other public properties. Plans, designs, coordinates, and inspects the City's street tree planting programs and urban forest maintenance programs through private contractors and City personnel; determines tree varieties for planting, writes purchase, planting, trimming, and removal specifications and contracts and monitors progress and quality of work. Evaluates hazard trees. Prepares cost appraisals for damages to street trees and landscape plantings in City parks and rights-of-way. Prepares grant applications for urban forestry projects, composes and presents educational articles and programs relative to urban forestry, and consults with a variety of City departments, agencies, firms and the public on plant pests and diseases, as well as environmental issues. Utilizes computerized drafting procedures to prepare and update a variety of detailed drawings, records, maps, and plans. Prepares and maintains records and reports related to urban forestry programs. Operates vehicles and equipment necessary to complete the tasks of the position. Performs related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree in urban forestry or closely related field and a minimum of one year of paid experience above the entrance level in urban forestry maintenance and operations work. College coursework may be substituted by paid experience above the entrance level in urban forestry and maintenance work on a year for year basis. Possession of an Ohio Department of Agriculture Commercial Applicator License and a Certified Arborist designation with the Municipal Specialist endorsement from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or must obtain within 150 days of appointment. Possession of a valid State of Ohio driver’s license.
Thorough professional knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of urban forestry maintenance and operations. Technical knowledge of plant selection with respect to environmental stress tolerance, diseases, and maintenance requirements. Considerable knowledge of manual and computerized drafting procedures, materials, tools, and equipment.
Ability to effectively plan, design, and coordinate urban forestry programs for the City's parks, and street systems. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with consultants, contractors, various City departments, outside governmental agencies, and the public. Ability to effectively maintain computerized records and prepare accurate and concise reports. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. List of essential job functions available upon request.
Competitive Examination Process
The selection process will consist of a competitive examination with credit for education and experience. A passing score must be obtained on the competitive examination in order to receive credit for education and experience. TEST WEIGHTS: Competitive Examination 70%, Education 20%, Experience 10%.
NOTE: The competitive examination may be suspended if shown to be impractical because of an insufficient number of qualified candidates. The candidates will then be ranked in a standard manner based on 70% for qualifying, 20% for education, and 10% for experience.
Since this examination is posted on a combined basis, two separate eligibility lists will be generated with promotional candidates considered before open candidates.
Candidates must meet the qualifications and requirements listed in the announcement at the time of examination and at the time of appointment.
RESIDENCY: Candidates who have been resident citizens within the corporate limits of the City of Akron for at least one year immediately prior to the examination and who continue to reside within the corporate limits of the City of Akron throughout the remainder of the selection process will have 5 points added to their passing grades.
VETERANS: A veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States, honorably discharged from active duty, desiring a bonus of 5 points added to his/her passing grade, must submit proof of discharge in the form of a DD-214 with application.
DRIVER’S LICENSE: An applicant having a valid driver's license from another state will be accepted conditionally provided that, if selected, an Ohio Driver's License must be obtained prior to appointment. Candidates having six or more points on their driving record at the time of appointment will be disqualified from further consideration.
NOTE: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CHECKING YOUR APPLICATION STATUS THROUGHOUT THE STEPS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS BY VIEWING YOUR GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM ACCOUNT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR ARE UNABLE TO CHECK YOUR STATUS ON LINE, YOU MAY CALL THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AT 330-375-2720.
Email correspondence generated from our system will be sent from info@governmentjobs.com. To ensure you receive important communication from our office, be sure to make this address a safe sender.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Akron is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the City realize its full potential. The City benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together. In compliance with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), the City is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. The City adheres to these policies in both our hiring and employment practices.
Applicants are required to meet the minimum qualifications for the position with or without an accommodation. If you are a qualified applicant with a disability, please notify the Department of Human Resources at least one week prior to testing if requesting a reasonable accommodation for the testing process.
