Urban Forester I

Job Announcement

Under the supervision of a Forest Conservation Urban Forester III within the Urban Forest Management Division, DPWES, inspects construction sites for compliance with requirements on approved site plans relating to landscaping, screening, tree preservation and vegetation related proffers and development conditions; assists in final bond and escrow release inspections and under direction prepares needed deficiency lists, correspondence and project documentation; participates in on-site conferences and preconstruction meetings held on construction sites to resolve issues and ensure contractor compliance with county code requirements. Answers technical questions from the public, engineers, architects, landscapers, the development community, and other Fairfax County agencies. Performs related duties as required.

Note: Multiple positions will be filled from this advertisement.

Employment Standards

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in urban forestry, forestry, horticulture, environmental science, landscape architecture, agriculture or related field.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• A valid driver's license.
• Certified Arborist Certification (International Society of Arboriculture) within 12 months of hire.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and a driver's license check to the satisfaction of the employer.

The appointee to this position will be required to be available twenty-four hours a day/seven days a week (24/7) to respond to snow, flooding, and other designated emergencies on an as-needed basis

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the last required dose) as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date. Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs may be subject to a weekly testing requirement. Vaccinated employees and employees with a medical or religious exemption will complete the attestation online on their first day of employment or shortly thereafter.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge and understanding of the Tree Conservation Ordinance, (Chapter 122 of the Code) the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance and the Public Facilities Manual.
• Ability and experience (minimum of 6 months) in performing urban forestry field work including pre-construction meetings, final inspections, and ability to read and interpret construction plans and documents.
• Working knowledge of horticulture including trees, shrubs and vines as applied to the urban environment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. Ability to be physically active for three hours at a time. Ability to stand for 2 hours at a time. Ability to bend, stoop, crawl and work in tiring and uncomfortable positions. Ability to work in hot and cold temperatures. Visual acuity to review detailed drawings, plans and documents. Ability to access tight spaces, crawl, reach, and stoop. Ability to use hand tools. Ability to walk, negotiate or traverse property sites that may be undergoing construction or having terrain that is not level. Work requires performing tasks in adverse weather conditions. Ability to drive a motor vehicle. Physically and mentally able to use all applicable personal protective equipment in an outdoor environment, including hardhat, eye protection, hearing protection, safety footwear, long pants, and sleeved shirt. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview and may include exercise.

Fairfax County Government prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.