The Parks Department is seeking qualified candidates for the position of County Arborist - Urban Forester. Under general supervision, the County Arborist - Urban Forester is responsible for the long-term care, management, and planning associated with public and private trees within unincorporated areas of the County of San Mateo and San Mateo County Parks; serve as a technical resource, ensuring protection, health and survival of trees within the unincorporated County and developing areas; coordinate and inform activities of the Parks, Planning and Public Works departments related to arboriculture and urban forest management throughout the County; develop and implement actionable management plans, including planting, pruning, protecting, and removal programs for public trees and associated vegetation; help develop and/or implement County ordinances for private trees; interact with the community (both public and private), elected officials, and other agencies; and establish and maintain sustainable urban forests, and contribute to the health and well-being of communities within unincorporated areas of the County of San Mateo.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receive general direction and supervision from the Natural Resource Manager in the Parks Department. Direction will also be provided by the Planning Department related to implementation and enforcement of land development codes and tree ordinance. May direct the work of colleagues and field staff, lead trainings, and oversee contractor work related to tree management.
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a highly motivated self-starter who can work independently with little supervision.
- Have strong interpersonal skills and exercise excellent judgment in decision-making, establishing priorities, and in communicating with colleagues, supervisors, and the public.
- Maintain a cooperative team approach in the performance of duties for both the Parks and Planning Departments.
- Actively contribute to a spirit of collaboration when working with others.
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| Examples Of Duties: |
Duties may include but are not limited to:
- Provide technical expertise and make necessary recommendations in matters related to protection of trees, landscaping and landscape maintenance, construction monitoring and long term condition monitoring when applicable.
- Research and make recommendations on tree insect and disease control; devise methods of detection, eradication, and control of insects and disease. Provide early warnings of potential pest or disease outbreaks to County of San Mateo tree resources.
- Researches, evaluates, develops and implements division policies and procedures; provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range arbor management goals including the County's tree conservation and management regulations.
- Serve as technical expert and advice code enforcement officers regarding private property trees and landscape issues on private property.
- Plan and may oversee the work of field staff or contractors in tree planting, removal and maintenance activities.
- Make presentations to County Board of Supervisors, other County departments, Planning Commission and Parks Commission as needed.
- Develop and review tree selection criteria for County departments as requested and related projects.
- Review and evaluate subdivisions and site plans to ensure compliance with applicable County, State and Federal land development codes and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with Parks, Planning, Public Works, other departments and consultants as needed on urban forest and related vegetation issues related to County properties and projects.
- Conduct hazard tree assessments for County departments to inform immediate and future management needs of individual and stands of trees.
- Participate in the, implementation and enforcement of tree conservation and management regulations related to permits issued by the Planning and Building Department.
- Review private property development proposals and recommend changes as needed to protect trees, maintain landscape design and zoning water runoff best practices for landscape design and zoning ordinance shade tree goals.
- Inspect new construction sites for proper tree protection plan implementation; evaluate and determine compliance with land development codes and tree ordinance.
- Supervise case documentation and incident reports and compilation of supporting documentation in order to document and explain facts and circumstances surrounding the violation(s); present violations to appropriate Planning staff, and collaborate in their resolution.
- Serve as primary contact for the Planning and Building Department and County on environmental communication relating to trees, and urban forests.
- Develop and administer community outreach and education programs.
- Respond to public inquiries or complaints regarding protected tree removal permits.
- Provides information, training and professional advice to the general public, developers, contractors, inspectors and management regarding code, ordinance, hazard or preservation issues.
- Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
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Qualifications:
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Knowledge of:
- Urban forestry and the methods tools and equipment used in the care and maintenance of trees, plants, and shrubs.
- Plant and tree diseases and pests, and their eradication and control.
- Laws, ordinances, codes and regulations of Count planning and zoning with regard to tree ordinances and forestry.
- Current codes and regulatory standards governing natural and tree development
Skill and Ability to:
- Operate and maintain power equipment and tools used in tree work.
- Understand, interpret and follow written and oral instructions.
- Supervise entry and journey level staff, engaged in carrying out related functions.
- Read, interpret and explain County, State, Federal laws, ordinances and regulations applicable to the work.
- Provide plans review oversight and recommend/develop modifications as necessary to ensure overall project compliance with applicable codes and regulatory standards.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, supervisors, co-workers, the general public and all others contacted in the course of performing assigned duties.
- Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing and speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.
- Organize work, establish priorities, meet established deadlines, and follow up on assignments with a minimum of direction
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to lift, move or carry objects up to 50 pounds; utilize feet and legs or hands and arms; maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, or navigating surfaces; bend body downward and forward by bending spine and legs; move about on hands and knees or hands and feet; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and to reach with hands and arms.
- Ability to operate in working conditions that require exposure to fumes, odors, or airborne particles, excessive noise, extreme temperatures, vehicular traffic, dampness/humidity, confrontational persons, animals, and various forms of wildlife.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Education: A four-year degree in forestry, horticulture, or related field.
Experience: At least 3 years of experience in the field of arboriculture, urban forestry, forestry, horticulture, or natural resources.
Licensure/Certification:
- Possession of, and ability to maintain a valid California Driver's License.
- Possession of or ability to obtain ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist (RCA) and/or ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA), ISA Tree Risk Assessment arborist certificate or credentials as Society of American Foresters Certified Forester (CF) or a California Registered Professional Forester (RPF) within 6-months of hire.
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| Application/Examination: |
Anyone may apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.
The examination process will consist of an application evaluation (weight: pass/fail) and a performance test (weight: 100%). The application evaluation will be based solely on the applicants' application materials and responses to the supplemental questions. Because of this process, not all applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are guaranteed advancement through the examination process. Only those applicants whose training and experience most closely match the needs of the department will be invited to the performance test. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. |