City of Tampa

This is responsible supervisory and administrative work involving City wide urban forestry activities.

Under the Department of Parks and Reaction Director’s administration; manages Tampa’s urban forestry program activities for economic, beautification, recreational, habitat, conservation, environmental and preservation purposes. Work requires extensive knowledge of Urban Forestry principles, practices, current trends, regulations, standards and applicable code and laws. Work is of considerable difficulty and requires the ability to plan, problem solve, work independently as well as within a team atmosphere and make appropriate and timely decisions. Work will require daily citizen contact in person, on phone, through Customer Service Center requests and in front of large groups of citizens and elected officials requiring strong communications skills. The position requires the ability to plan and develop program activities in compliance with City codes and coordinate program activities with other City Departments including: Transportation, Storm Water, Planning, Code enforcement, Neighborhood Enhancement, and Emergency Operations. Work is reviewed through conferences, reports submitted, and results achieved. Appointed position; employee serves at the pleasure of the Mayor.

Directs the daily priorities, work plan, staff and resource allocation within the approved budget of the Urban Forestry Division; develops and monitors the operating budgets for the division; finds and applies for forestry related grants, and develops alternative funding through sponsorship programs; develops and implements short and long-range plans, goals, policies, and procedures for the division.

Performs inspections and develops plans of action for improvements for all City Trees on public land; parks, rights of way, medians, and other City Properties; manages the City’s Tree nursery; handles all Forestry issues that develop under Emergency Operations; provides locations and administers the Mayor’s “Thousand Trees” per year program; manages Tree-Mendous Tampa program and staff; interacts and works closely with local tree advocates and various community groups and other partnership agencies.

Plans and implements projects for conservation of wildlife habitats and soil and water quality in parks. Manages three crews: Removal/replacement crew; Emergencies and trimming crew; Gateways and critical site improvement crew; coordinates section activities with other city departments and outside agencies; meets with various community groups and representatives of other City and State departments to coordinate programs and projects.

Develops and manages a “green initiative” to reduce carbon and enhance environment; assesses safety risks for both healthy and diseased trees. Develops technical specifications related to capital improvement projects and assists City departments to assure City standards are met. Investigates citizens’ complaints and determine validity and resolution. Works with the Planning, Storm Water and Transportation Departments to monitor permitting requirements and processes by contractors.

Prepares and delivers of effective presentations to the City Council, and Community Groups. Works with HR’s Risk Management developing and training staff, analyzing and appraising results, and developing innovations to accomplish objectives and improve performance.

Develops and directs the dissemination of City and Department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures to staff, ensuring compliance. Anticipates, responds to and manages change in Forestry’s mission through Senior level directives, changes in industry standards or enhanced environmental trends; thinks strategically during emergency situations. Performs related work as required.

Considerable knowledge of: Horticulture, arboriculture, and natural areas; practices, methods, and techniques of trimming, removing, and planting trees; equipment and materials which facilitate forestry activities; occupational hazards and applicable safety precautions; tree diseases and nutrition; tree, site clearing, and landscape ordinance; all Forestry occupational hazards and standard safety precautions; along with FDOT requirements for service on roads, boulevards, highways, and streets.  

Working knowledge of: Trees and plants indigenous to Florida; Florida ecosystems; application and use of insecticides and pesticides; names, growth characteristics and diseases typical to trees of Central Florida; methods, materials, and tools used in planting, propagating and transplanting trees; methods and techniques utilized in treating tree disorders and diseases; inspectional procedures, practices, and methods; effective supervisory techniques; GIS and US Forest Service mapping for computerized inventory.

Ability to: Plan, plant, grow and maintain plants, trees and natural areas; enforce regulations and ordinances with firmness, impartiality and tact; maintain necessary records and prepare periodic reports both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, supervisors, and others; read and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications; manage contract administration, which includes selecting and hiring contractors, monitoring work progress, and ensuring compliance with budgets as well as city, state and federal regulations; coordinate with Tampa Electric for all forestry service needs related to overhead lines and other electrified sources; negotiate contracts and agreements; coordinate all Forestry work with outside agencies including the State of Florida, FDOT and Hillsborough County; work collaboratively with union representation, Mayor and Chief of Staff, City Council, and the general public.

Mostly standing, recreation and a combination of working indoors and outdoors.  Requires some use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, ornamental horticulture, natural resources or a related field and five (5) years of related experience including three (3) years of experience supervising multiple staff, contractors, large budgets, utilities, and capital design for the selection, care, and treatment of trees, plants, and natural areas.

Possession of a valid Florida driver’s license. Must possess an active Arborist Certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture . Ability to acquire a chemical pesticide applicators license within six months of employment.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.

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