City Arborist
Horticultural Division/Parks

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our City Arborist position.

The Overview
The City Arborist provides professional direction in administration of coordinated programs for City-wide conservation and protection of arboreal resources, tree inventories, regulation of owner/developer actions on trees covered by the City Code, and the maintenance, removal, and planting of trees. This work involves the response to service requests submitted by City residents, the enforcement of the City Code provisions that apply to tree protection and maintenance as well as assists with the development of tree planting and maintenance plans including administration of annual planting and maintenance contracts. The City Arborist works with other City staff to implement the recommendations of the Urban Forestry Master Plan. In addition, the City Arborist directs the collection and analysis of biological data and develops recommendations to sustain urban forest health. The employee uses the CityWorks data management system and Microsoft Office Suite to maintain records, prepare correspondence, and create reports. Work is reviewed through the evaluation of the results achieved. General supervision is provided by the Division Chief of Park Operations.

What You Should Bring
You should bring your ability to manage and prioritize multiple assignments and projects; work independently as well as with other City departments, staff and the public. Your knowledge of arboriculture, techniques used in the management of urban forestry, and the assessments of trees will be needed. Your ability to lead and communicate effectively to others orally and in writing is critical. Your commitment to public service, providing outstanding customer experiences and always representing the Department and the City of Alexandria in a positive manner while being responsive, professional, courteous and accountable will be highly valued in this role.

The Opportunity

• Administration of the tree service contracts, including contract development, monitoring of contractor work (to include tree maintenance and planting) and billing, and communication with contractors;
• Develop procedures for surveys or other activities to address insects or other tree pests as needed;
• Develop, implement and monitor the urban forestry budget, including creating purchase orders, using financial software and spreadsheets;
• Direct the tree maintenance and planting programs throughout the City in accordance with the Urban Forestry Master Plan;
• Evaluate City trees to determine the health and stability of individual plants; determines a plan of action or creates a Work Order, as appropriate, for maintenance, removal, or other corrective action an individual tree may require;
• Handle challenging or difficult interpersonal situations in an effective manner;
• Investigate and evaluate service requests submitted by residents or City staff regarding City tree issues and generates Work Orders to address corrective measures as needed;
• Manage storm damage to City street and park trees; participates in emergency response activities; works with staff from other City Departments to respond to storm and emergency events;
• Provide quality customer experiences to citizens, staff, and other City collaborators;
• Regularly assigned to standby duty for after-hours response to emergency calls and responds to after-hours call-back to investigate and/or correct situations in the field as necessary;
• Supervise the Arborist team, conduct performance management, prioritize work, coach staff, and provide accountability for the work plan and operational tasks;
• Utilize the CityWorks data management system to update and track Service Requests and Work Orders in accordance with standard operating procedures;
• Work with City park maintenance staff to address and resolve tree issues;
• Perform related work as assigned.

About the Department
The mission of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is create meaningful experiences through public space, programming and cultural activities. The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities received national accreditation from the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA). National accreditation requires park and recreation agencies to meet 155 standards representing elements of effective and efficient park and recreation operations.

Minimum & Additional Requirements

Completion of college course work in natural and biological sciences such as forestry, arboricultural, horticulture, entomology, environmental science or a related field; and at least one year of experience requiring oversight of related programs; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Possess a valid driver's license issued by state of residence.

Preferred Qualifications

Four-year college degree in natural or biological sciences, such as forestry, arboricultural, horticulture, entomology, environmental science or a related field; at least two years' experience overseeing a tree maintenance program or urban forestry management; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Possess International Society for Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification.

Notes

This position requires a complete criminal record background check and drug screening prior to employment.