Milwaukie, Oregon
Posted: 18-Jun-25
Location: Lake Oswego, Oregon
Type: Full-time
Salary: Annual: $72,345 - $92,230
Categories:
Sector:
Salary Details:
Internal Number: 2025-06-4018
Apply online: https://www.ci.oswego.or.us/jobs
The Department: The Parks Division of the Parks and Recreation Department manages the land and physical facilities of the parks system. The 650+ acres of City-owned land includes: developed park sites, playgrounds, natural areas, special facility areas, 14 acres of athletic fields and golf course. Ongoing task vary from landscape bed maintenance, mowing, irrigation repair, restroom maintenance, facility cleaning and repair and equipment operation. This division also supports and set up for many community events such as the Farmers Market, summer concerts, Festival of the Arts, park dedication ceremonies, tree lighting and many more.
The Position: The Urban forester provides a range of professional services to oversee the management, maintenance, and evaluation of the City’s urban forest in the public right-of-way and on public lands; and implementation of the City’s Urban & Community Forestry Plan. This involves collaboration between various City departments (Parks, Public Works and Planning) and includes the management and development of public tree programs and inventories; coordinating operations involving pruning, treatment, removal and replacement of public trees; providing public education on urban forestry; and long-term planning.
Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Plans, coordinates, and oversees the development of City ordinances, administrative rules, administrative program policies, long-range goals, and departmental work procedures pertaining to the urban forest.
- Coordinates implementation of the City’s Urban & Community Forestry Plan (UCFP) and manages periodic updates to the UCFP and the State of the Urban Forest Report.
- Sets criteria for tree preservation measures and coordinates plan review regarding urban forestry issues for public improvement contracts with other divisions, departments, agencies, and public utilities.
- Designs and manages a tree maintenance and management program, including an inventory of street trees, park trees, and forested land under City ownership; monitors the health of the City’s tree population; and, advises City departments on tree selection and planting.
- Drafts program proposals, management reports, grant proposals, contracts, and specifications for urban forestry activities.
- Instructs City employees in the theory and application of principles of urban forestry to be used in tree maintenance activities.
- Advises the public and private developers on tree care procedures and associated City practices.
- Provides citizen assistance and customer service related to tree issues, including hazard tree inquiries, public complaints, and more.
- Makes presentations on the City's urban forestry program and the urban forestry profession to City staff, City Council and boards and commissions, or the public as required.
- Develops educational and informational materials and programs, and assists with coordination and implementation of community forestry events and activities; encourages schools and community groups to participate in Arbor Month celebrations.
- Coordinates volunteer support, and works with community groups to implement actions of the UCFP and support natural resource stewardship on both public and private lands; and, provide professional advice to the community on tree-related issues.
- Monitors performance of tree-related services provided by City departments to help assure effective and efficient operations, and identify opportunities for improvement.
- Applies pesticides for landscape maintenance, tree care, and invasive species control in accordance with the City's Integrated Pest Management Practices.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
Education and Experience: A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities outlined above is through obtaining a four-year Bachelor’s degree with major course work in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or a related field; and four years of progressively responsible experience in urban forestry or a related field. Candidates may also have an equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the incumbent to perform the essential functions of the position.
Licensing and Other Requirements:
Positions in this classification require the ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and ability to meet the City’s driving standards.
Positions in this classification require certification as an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist or Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist or Board-Certified Master Arborist in good standing.
Positions in this classification require International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification in good standing.
May also be required to obtain a Pesticide Application license. Other certifications or licenses may also be required.
For a complete list of the essential duties, knowledge, skills and abilities required, and physical and mental demands please review the complete job description at www.ci.oswego.or.us/hr.
