About the Department

Under general supervision, performs skilled and highly technical tasks associated with design, installation, and maintenance of alternative and traditional landscaping. Assists with the administration of the Land Development Code as it relates to landscaping. Works with city staff, contractors, and property owners regarding tree planting projects and various horticultural issues. Hires, trains, and supervises seasonal pruning, planting, maintenance, and tree care crews. Assists City Forester with all aspects of a municipal forestry program that ensures public safety and the continuity/health of community trees.

Position Duties

Assists in administering a safe, healthy, and continuously progressive municipal forestry program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Promotes awareness and support of proper tree care, xeriscape, and alternative landscaping.
1. Coordinates special events and projects; conducts annual tours for participants and the general public to view traditional and alternative landscape designs;
2. Coordinates and conducts educational sessions and workshops that raise awareness and knowledge of proper tree and landscape care concepts and elements; provides advice and information as needed;
3. Responds to inquiries, requests, and concerns from the general public and various agencies relating to forestry issues;
4. Manages departments Residential Tree Planting Program.
Prepares and administers landscaping standards.
1. Develops tree planting specifications for residential and contract projects, oversees installation, and contract administration;
2. Monitors health of trees and diversity of species throughout the city and updates or changes specifications as needed;
3. Reviews commercial and residential landscape plans including street trees and species to ensure Land Development Code (LDC) requirements are met;
4. Develops and updates informational packets to assist developers and property owners in meeting LDC requirements. Works with Planning, Engineering, and other departments as needed.
Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
1. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
2. Frequently interacts with the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information where the ability to explain concepts is exercised;
3. Routinely interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information;
4. Coordinates, organizes, and supervises tree planting and neighborhood projects as requested;
5. Hires, organizes, supervises, and trains pruning and planting crews and manages seasonal staff.
Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban Forestry or related field with three or more years of supervisory experience in the planting and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and grasses; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above. A valid driver’s license and current International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential are also required.

Knowledge, skills and ability include:

Knowledge of related insect and disease problems;
Knowledge of pesticides and herbicides;
Knowledge of plant establishment, care and performance (extensive);
Knowledge of governmental administrative procedures such as budgeting, purchasing, contract supervision, and ordinances relating to tree management;
Knowledge of principles and concepts of landscape design;
Knowledge of computer technology;
Skill in organization and prioritization of work;
Skill in written English sufficient to read and write reports;
Skill in record keeping;
Skill in public relations;
Skill in written and oral presentation;
Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with team, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Other Qualifications

Work is performed in a normal office environment and outdoors. Work is generally moderate and is performed in all weather conditions. Regular driving is required to assess field conditions and attend meetings. At times there may be intermittent exposure to disagreeable working conditions.

Activities include climbing, stooping, standing, kneeling, digging, reaching, lifting, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Moderate Work: Physical demands are normally those associated with moderate work: Exerting up to 75 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.

Benefits

: The City of Fargo offers a comprehensive benefit package, to include participation in the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System. For more information on our benefits click here.

If you are applying for a Part Time Temporary or Seasonal position, you are not eligible for benefits through the City of Fargo.

Agency Information

Employer: City of Fargo
Address: 225 4th Street N

Fargo, North Dakota, 58102
Phone: (701) 241-1321
Website: http://www.fargond.gov