Salary: $91,958.00 - $123,234.00 Annually
Location : Parks, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 20250221-01
Department: Parks and Recreation
Division: Land Management
Opening Date: 02/21/2025
Closing Date: 3/7/2025 11:59 PM Central

CLASSIFICATION DESCRIPTION

The City Forester is responsible for managing and preserving Elgin's urban trees and natural areas, ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of the city's green infrastructure. This role oversees all forestry operations, including $700,000+ in tree trimming and removal contracts and a $240,000 annual tree planting program. The Forester will lead forestry staff, coordinate with contractors, and develop strategic plans to protect and expand the city's tree canopy.

Additionally, the Forester will work closely with the Sustainability Commission to integrate environmentally responsible practices into urban forestry management, develop community education initiatives, and restore native ecosystems by addressing invasive species and vegetation management concerns. This position plays a key role in storm response efforts, urban forest planning, and ensuring Elgin's trees and natural spaces remain valuable assets for residents and visitors.
GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

Urban Forest & Natural Area Management

Directs the maintenance, planting, removal, and overall care of trees on public lands, including streets, parks, and natural areas.
Administers contracts for tree trimming, removal and planting to maintain the health and safety of the city's trees.
Implements the Urban Forest Management Plan, using data from the latest tree inventory to assess tree health and prioritize maintenance.
Develops and executes a succession planting strategy to maintain and expand tree canopy coverage while protecting old-growth trees.

Sustainability & Conservation

Evaluates and restores native vegetation in areas such as Hawthorne Hill Nature Center, Burnidge Woods, and Tyler Creek.
Develops and oversees invasive species management plans to protect and restore Elgin's riparian, prairie, and oak savanna ecosystems.
Works with the Sustainability Commission to align urban forestry initiatives with citywide environmental goals.
Promotes sustainable practices through tree selection, water conservation, and habitat restoration projects.

Project & Staff Oversight

Supervises forestry personnel, providing guidance on tree care techniques, safety procedures, and best practices.
Manages the forestry budget, ensuring effective use of resources for tree planting, maintenance, and restoration projects.
Coordinates the work of contractors and city staff to ensure the completion of forestry projects on schedule and within budget.
Provides technical expertise for city tree inspections and private tree evaluations.

Emergency & Storm Response

Assesses storm-related tree damage and collaborates with emergency management teams to coordinate efficient cleanup and recovery efforts.
Organizes crews and contractors to address fallen trees, hazardous limbs, and other storm-related hazards in a timely manner.

Community Engagement & Education

Develops public education programs and materials to inform residents about the importance of the urban forest.
Works with local schools, community groups, and stakeholders to promote tree planting and conservation efforts.
Responds to resident inquiries regarding tree health, maintenance, and city forestry policies.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, and natural resource management.
Strong experience in tree risk assessment, disease management, and sustainability initiatives.
Proficiency in GIS-based tree inventory systems, MS Office Suite, and forestry-related software.
Excellent leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to plan, manage, and oversee staff, multiple forestry projects and contracts.
Knowledge of state and federal environmental regulations related to urban forestry.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resource Management, or a related field.
5 to 7 years of experience in urban forestry, municipal tree care, or land conservation.
At least 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
Certified Arborist (ISA) required, additional forestry certifications a plus.

1) Vacation - 1 to 5 years of service - 2 weeks

6 to 11 years of service - 3 weeks

12 to 21 years of service - 4 weeks

22 or more years of service - 5 weeks

The city manager, in the city manager's discretion, may also include up to five (5) years of non-City of Elgin prior professional or supervisory service of an employee in the same or similar field in determining years of service of an employee for the purpose of vacation at initial hire. If an employee is granted vacation accrual in a higher range than one (1) to five (5) years of service, he or she shall not advance to the next range until he or she has attained the required number of years of service with the city for such range.

The accumulation of vacation leave shall be limited as provided by Ordinance No. S11-09, as amended.

2) Sick Leave - For employees hired prior to March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account upon commencement of employment plus annual accrual of one day (8 hours) per month. For employees hired on or after March 1, 2010, fifteen (15) days placed on account when commencing employment, plus annual accrual of .5 days (4 hours) per month. Employees may accumulate sick leave up to a total maximum accrual of 241 sick days, which is the equivalent of 1928 hours of sick leave.

3) Life Insurance - in an amount equal to the nearest $1,000 of the employee's annual base salary.

4) Holidays - New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Eve.

5) Personal Days - Three (3) personal days shall be provided per year. Employees commencing employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year shall receive all three (3) personal days for such year. Employees commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 in a year shall receive one (1) personal day for such year. Employees in the Public Safety Communications Shift Supervisor position that are assigned to a 12-hour work day shall instead receive 36 hours of personal time if they commence employment between January 1 and June 30 in a year and 12 hours of personal time if commencing employment between July 1 and December 31 for such year.

An annual ordinance, ordained by the City Council of The City of Elgin, establishing pay and benefit plans for certain appointed officers and employees of the City of Elgin exists. Refer to this ordinance for more detailed information.
Additional benefits include
• Vision
• Dental
• Voluntary Life
• Flexible Spending account
• Retirement - IMRF
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Deferred Compensation
• Direct Deposit
• Open Door Policy
• Centre membership
• In-house training programs

City of Elgin, IL

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City Forester