Forestry Manager (Management & Executives)

  Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy Inc.

  Buffalo, New York, United States

Position Title: Forestry Manager

Reports To: Director of Park Administration

Supervises: 0 – 5

Requirements:
- City of Buffalo residency
- Valid NYS Driver’s License

The Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Inc.’s Forestry Manager oversees the forestry department in tree establishment, maintenance, training and protection, pesticide application and equipment maintenance. This position will extensively utilize chainsaws, bucket trucks, bobcats, chippers, stump grinders and climbing equipment.  The urban forest maintained by the Conservancy consists of approximately 16,000 trees spread over 6 major parks and 850 acres of parkland within the City of Buffalo.

The workweek includes flexible schedules depending on the workload and area assigned, with some weekend and holiday work. This position may be required to respond to emergency, on-call situations.

The Forestry Manager must set an example and conform to ANSI standards for arboricultural operations, organizational rules, policies and procedures, safety protocols and dress and grooming standards as designated in the Employee Handbook of the Conservancy, and Safety Procedures Manual.                        

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises, plans, trains and directs the forestry team in tree inspections and patrol activities to ensure compliance with city, state and federal regulations.
• Coordinates and oversees tree inspection activities and urban forestry work such as planting, safety and routine trimming, management of invasive species, and tree removal and replacements.
• Develops and prioritizes tasks to implement Forestry Work Plan.
• Administrative duties include updating tree inventory, record keeping, coordination of events and general office tasks.
• Prepares various documentation regarding forestry activities, including monthly reports and drafting and revising codes and ordinances.
• Responds to escalated or complex forestry calls and investigates complaints of code, ordinance, hazardous or otherwise non-compliant conditions on property within the Olmsted park system.

Qualifications and Attributes:

ISA Certified Arborist required.

• Will be mandatory within 3 months of hire.
• Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Horticulture, Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science or related field.
• Or 3 years of equivalent work experience.
• ISA TRAQ Certification or similar tree risk assessment experience.
• Climbing and rigging experience preferred.
• Chainsaw safety and operation training required.
• Possession of NYS Pesticide Applicator’s License or ability to obtain license within 1 year.
• Clean driving record, must possess or have the ability to obtain a CDL license within 3 months.
• Proven leadership experience and track record of quality and effective employee management; desire to be in a senior role with enhanced responsibilities, and to proactively lead a team of employees.
• Knowledge of, and willingness to develop, preferred and professional methods, best practices, techniques and requirements for forestry maintenance and upkeep as to Olmsted standards for facilities, grounds, gardens, features and equipment.
• Ability to instruct with hands-on engagement to direct, motivate and mentor employees for their continued growth and productivity. Willingness to self-improve, learn and increase own performance or related credentials.
• Ability to form and lead a team, make appropriate job assignments, monitor progress, discipline as needed, monitor staff progress, and communicate effectively and respectfully with Senior Staff.
• Capacity to lead by pitching in and to quickly resolve problems and formulate solutions that are equitable, efficient and practical.  Able to make key decisions swiftly, and is consistent at following policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of different tree species’ classification, life history, life and soil requirements, adaptation to new environmental conditions and resistance to disease and insects.
• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor and lift, push and/or pullup to 75 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• Primarily outdoor hands-on work, and may perform under extreme weather conditions. Some office or paperwork; depending.
• These job duties may require an employee to bend, reach, stoop, stand and/or walk for extended periods, as well as lift and/or move heavy objects at times up to 75 lbs.
• These job duties may require an employee to drive distances between park features or locations, and/or operate heavy machinery.
• Must be able to adapt to ever changing resources and limited budget.

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