Job Description

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s Urban Forestry Unit is responsible for planting and maintaining trees in the 10,200 acre park system, planting and maintaining the 117,000 street trees along city streets, responding to tree emergencies in parks and on city streets, and working with residents to develop and implement community-based forestry projects.

The City Forester is a new position created as part of implementation of the Philly Tree Plan, a 10-year strategic plan for the equitable growth and care of Philadelphia’s urban forest. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Operations, this position will act as a central point of contact for tree-related activities at the City of Philadelphia to improve coordination between City agencies and utilities, streamline communication with residents, and promote community-friendly development. The City Forester will manage the Urban Forestry Unit in the Operations Division of PPR, which includes supervision of park tree crews, street tree contract management, and community forestry. The City Forester will also create and supervise a new team of staff to conduct tree review, inspection, and enforcement during development.

Essential Functions

• Manage the Urban Forestry Unit of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and guide the vision for protection and expansion of the urban forest, prioritizing previously disinvested areas for allocation of resources, services, and programs.
• Interface across municipal and state agencies and authorities, and nonprofit and institutional stakeholders on issues regarding Philadelphia’s urban forest.
• Ensure representation of urban forest interests in City policies and projects.
• Create a new team of arborist inspectors to review development plans for street trees and heritage trees, and to inspect and enforce these requirements. Coordinate closely with Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Department of Licenses & Inspections, and Department of Streets.
• Ensure that the health of the urban forest is represented in policies, codes, and other regulations governing development and street design.
• Oversee operations of the Urban Forestry Unit personnel, fleet, and equipment.
• Determine training needs for Urban Forestry Unit personnel and schedule training to promote staff development, best practices, and crew safety.
• Promote adherence to national tree work and safety standards.
• Work with PPR leadership, Office of Emergency Management, and other City Officials on storm preparedness and response.
• Participate in the City’s annual budget process and manage the urban forestry operating and capital budget.
• Manage the Tree Fund.
• Collect and maintain urban forest data using the Forest Asset Management System.
• Coordinate with other City agencies and utilities to integrate data sets and avoid conflicts in the public right of way.
• Create and act as liaison to a new Urban Forestry Advisory Committee of residents and subject matter experts.
• Implement and track progress toward the goals of the Philly Tree Plan.
• Ensure streamlined communications with residents about City tree services and activities.
• Coordinate with City Council staff on service requests from constituents.
• Process, monitor, and track reports for tree-related legal claims.
• Manage contract process (bidding and rebidding) with Procurement Department.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and entrepreneurial skills, the ability to leverage resources and partnerships, and the vision to build on current programs to achieve a healthier urban forest in the City of Philadelphia.
• Knowledge of the principles of site development and construction.
• Ability to read landscape and tree preservation plans.
• Ability to provide a strategic approach to the delivery of public tree services and urban forestry initiatives, and the implementation of these initiatives.
• Ability to manage data and present key information in an easily understandable manner.
• Proficiency in public speaking and community relations.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise work of subordinate personnel, and work with unionized employees preferred.
• Ability and willingness to be available during evenings and weekends to participate in community meetings, events, and during storms requiring emergency preparations.
• Knowledge of ANSI A-300, Z-133 and Z60.1 standards of practice & operation.
• Knowledge and familiarity with municipal government operations preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions typical to the region including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
• Ability to work indoors in an office environment.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week and include being on call for after-hours emergencies. This position will include a combination of office work and fieldwork.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with tree resource management, tree operations management, or the equivalent in training and experience. Experience working in municipal urban forestry preferred.

1. College Degree

• Experience and commitment to citywide tree canopy equity and working with diverse constituencies.
• Budget and project management experience.
• Experience working with contractors and consultants.
• Experience with creating, bidding, and executing tree planting and maintenance contracts.
• Certification as an Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

_ *The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire_

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx