Salary : $70,000.00 Annually

Location : Montrose, CO

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: Public Works

Division: Parks

Opening Date: 11/14/2024

FLSA: Exempt

Basic Purpose of the Job:
This supervisory position is responsible for designing, maintaining, and coordinating the City's forestry programs. It also involves assisting in implementing the City's urban forestry plans and preparing and implementing a public relations program to protect and preserve its forest resources. Additionally, this position will supervise the horticulture, open space, and right-of-way programs. Primary responsibilities include leading the management of the City's urban forest, assessing, developing, maintaining, and reporting on a City forest management plan. The role will also involve training on the safe and appropriate management of the City's urban forest, evaluating and diagnosing the urban forest, recommending and implementing corrective actions, and consulting and contracting for specialty trimming or advice.

Essential Functions:
(Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class.)

Schedule and supervise employees and contracts, as well as participate in, the inspection, planting, removal, pruning, trimming, and maintenance of treees on City property and rights-of-way.
Instruct citizens and City personnel in good forestry practices; inspect trees for pests and disease, and schedule spraying or treatment operations.
Prepare a budget and seek grant opportunities for forestry programs.
Oversee staff and contractors for downtown beautification projects and city landscapes.
Operate maintenance equipment and power tools including bucket truck, wood chipper, chainsaws, and blowers; maintain hand tools and assigned equipment.
Apply or assist in application of herbicides, fungicides, pesticides, and mulch in accordance with product recommendation; maintain records of fertilizers and chemicals used.
Implement a public relations program for forest resources, prepare public information. Prepare, maintain, and implement a forestry management plan, to include tree trimming and care, site improvements, tree plantings, and removals.
Prepare and maintain an inventory of tree population by species and age groups within the City and a general suvey of trees on rights-of-way within the City.
Perform other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.

Core Beliefs:
Core beliefs are deeply held values and assumptions that guide individuals in the workplace. Core beliefs define how we do things. By establishing core beliefs, the City of Montrose is creating a common culture that shapes employee behavior in a positive and predictable manner. When these beliefs are shared, they create cohesiveness and mutual commitment in the organization and flexibility to changes as they occur.

Our core beliefs are centered on exceptional service and are based around treating our customers and fellow team members with dignity and respect. We value teamwork and recognize that we must continually strive to improve the customer experience. Every team member, regardless of job title, plays a part in creating a service environment and each are empowered to respond to the needs of our customers and teammates. We have six Core Beliefs: Respect, Ethics, Leadership, Accountability, Transparency, Excellence in Service (RELATE).

Job Requirements:

Two (2) or more years of experience preferred in forestry and horticulture or related experience.
High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, horticulture, or a related field is preferred.
Excellent analytical and interpersonal skills, high attention to detail.
Ability to work on or supervise several projects simultaneously.
Ability to read and understand landscape site plans.
Ability to train and guide others.
Experience with Microsoft Office and other common software programs. Ability to prioritize, organize, and effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
This position is subject to non-standard working hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Licensures & Certificates (Must be active and current):

Current Colorado driver's license with acceptable record.
General Arborist Certification by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
Traffic Control Flagger Certification or the ability to obtain it within 1 year of the hire date.
Commercial Pesticide Applicator License or the ability to obtain it within 1 year of the hire date.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Moderate physical work with the ability to lift 100 pounds. frequent lifting, carrying, walking and standing, hand/eye coordination for operation of personal computer; vision for reading and preparing written reports and documents; frequent speech communication, hearing and listening to maintain communications with employees and citizens. Subject to many interruptions and pressure due to multiple calls and inquiries. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat.

Late applications will not be accepted. All candidates are subject to a pre-employment background check and drug screen. The City of Montrose is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired.

The City of Montrose is committed to compensating employees fairly and equitably. The talent and contributions of employees are crucial to enhancing the quality of life for all who live in, work for, or visit the City of Montrose. In addition to their paychecks, the following benefits represent a significant contribution toward their total compensation.

Medical Insurance: Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) medical plan, administered by UMR. This is a high deductible health plan. You will receive the maximum benefits under the plan and pay a smaller amount out of your pocket when you seek medical treatment from a United Healthcare Choice Plus network provider.

Dental Insurance: Coverage is offered through UMR to provide dental and orthodontic care. In addition, our dental plan has no network which allows you to see any dentist you prefer.

Vision Insurance: Coverage is offered through VSP for assistance with contacts, glasses, or other vision needs.

Health Savings Account: A savings account that is tax-free and interest-bearing that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses like doctor visits, prescriptions, and emergency room bills. The City of Montrose provides an employer contribution at the beginning of the year.

Life and AD&D Insurance: City-paid policies provide security for you and your family. Additional voluntary plans are available to supplement City-paid plans for employees and their dependents.

Retirement Plan: A defined contribution investment program for non-sworn employees. The City will match dollar for dollar up to 8% of your gross base wages. Sworn Police Officers are enrolled in a defined benefit investment program through FPPA.

Paid Holidays: The following holidays are observed by the majority of City Offices.

Martin Luther King Jr . Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Indigenous People's Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Christmas Day

New Year's Day

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave: Employees will receive vacation time each pay period after the first six (6) months of employment. Employees begin earning sick leave immediately.

Employee Assistance Program: Coverage is through Triad. Triad offers brief, solution-focused counseling for employees, their spouses or significant others, and their dependents under 26. The counseling is free and completely confidential.

Black Canyon Golf Membership for City Employees: Free employee golf membership and 20% Rusty Putter and Pro Shop discount.

MRD Community Recreation Center Membership: Deeply discounted membership for employees and their dependents.

For more information regarding our benefits please refer to our

City of Montrose, CO jobs

City Forester