Location:Savannah, GA Job Type:Full-Time Permanent Job Number:2401956 Department:Park and Tree Department Division:Urban Forestry Division Opening Date:08/13/2024 Closing Date:9/13/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Purpose

The Assistant Director, Park and Tree (Urban Forestry) manages the Park and Tree Department's Urban Forestry Division.

Essential Job Functions

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Develops short- and long-range community plans regarding urban forestry. Plans, directs,and supervises the city-wide care, maintenance, and development of the citys urban forest.
• Prepares the annual division budget; projects future needs, prepares expenditure requirements, conducts budget analysis, prepares cost allocations, reviews expense reports, and ensures sufficient funds.
• Manages purchasing activities for division and oversees the divisions budget. Approves expenditures, and payments to vendors and contractors.
• Oversees the management of computer-based tree inventory information system and preventative maintenance tree care program.
• Determines annual tree-planting requirements; prepares specifications and requisitions;selects nursery stock.
• Coordinates community-based tree planting program; consults with the public onneighborhood forestry requirements and special projects involving trees; assists variousorganizations to obtain grants and financial assistance for tree planting.
• Assesses trees for possible hazards to public safety; diagnoses tree conditions; monitors the overall health of city trees; diagnoses insect, disease, and other tree related problems and determines the best management approach to address the problems.
• Plans, trains, and coordinates critical response forestry teams for emergency response plans.
• Reviews various permit requests to ensure that no public trees are damaged or destroyed.
• Responds to customer concerns and resolves complaints; speaks at public meetingsregarding urban forestry; meets with engineers and developers to ensure compliance withforestry programs and pertinent laws.
• Investigates tree related incidents, claims, and petitions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or related field; with four (4) years of progressive experience in arboriculture or municipal forestry management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid drivers license

This position requires a Certified Arborist License

Additional Requirements

Background investigation, including supervised drug screen, post offer/pre-employment medical screen; and verification of education, certifications, and licenses required prior to employment.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of management, administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of arboriculture, horticulture, and environmental design.
• Knowledge of the city Land Clearing and Tree Protection Ordinance.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of urban forestry.
• Knowledge of dendrology, entomology, forest and shade tree pathology, soils, silviculture,and plant taxonomy.
• Skill in developing short- and long-range plans.
• Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
• Skill in the operation of computers and other modern office equipment.
• Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

Minimum S andards

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The Park and Tree Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The Assistant Director reviews work through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES: Guidelines include the city Land Clearing and Tree Protection Ordinance, city and department policies and procedures, OSHA regulations, ANSI standards for tree care, ISA Professional Tree Pruning Guidelines, and the citys Master Tree Plan. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY: The work consists of varied urban forest administration duties. Unplanned,high-priority special projects contribute to the complexity of the position.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this position is to administer the departments urbanforestry program. Successful performance in this position enhances the natural resourcesand aesthetic qualities of the community.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Contacts are typically with co-workers, department heads, othercity employees, elected and appointed officials, representatives of external agencies,architects, engineers, contractors, developers, landscapers, members of neighborhoodassociations and civic groups, and members of the public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provideservices, resolve problems, justify decisions, and negotiate and settle matters.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table orwhile intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, walking, bending, or crouching. Theemployee frequently lifts light and occasionally heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors. Theemployee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as hard hat, safety glasses, or gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY: This position has direct supervisionover Maintenance Superintendent - Urban Forestry.