POSITION TITLE: City Forester

Hiring Organization/Employer:  City of Lafayette
Application Deadline:  Until Filled
Education Required:  B.S. in urban forestry, environmental science, natural science, sustainability or related area
Location:  Lafayette, IN 

Description:  

 DESCRIPTION:
Incumbent serves as City Forester in the Engineering Department, responsible for administering
the City’s urban forest. Coordinates with other City departments, outside groups, and residents to
promote the diversity and vibrancy of the City’s urban forest. 

 

 

Compensation & Benefits:  

$2501.36 - $2880.55 bi-weekly

 

Responsibilities:  

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:
Supervises and/or assists in maintaining City trees, including pruning, watering, inspecting them
for diseases and damage, and taking appropriate action to correct problems. Coordinates,
inspects and supervises contractual maintenance of municipal trees.
Plans, implements and manages City-wide tree planting projects both within other public works
projects and stand-alone projects.
Advises and assists in developing a community Forestry Management Plan as required by
ordinance, including developing annual and long-range plans for selecting, planting, inspecting,
pruning/trimming, and removing trees. Assists the City Administration in defining goals,
performance metrics and a long-range plan for the City’s urban forest. Monitor and evaluate
program effectiveness, document performance trends, and recommend and implement
modifications to improve program effectiveness.
Advises and/or consults with other departments regarding landscape architecture projects and
projects that may affect urban forest areas, such as conducting environmental assessments,
surveying proposed project sites, designing plans, and inspecting project sites before, during and
after construction.
Advises and assists public/private organizations in designing and landscaping areas of the City
and responds to citizen inquiries regarding trees. Oversees development of a comprehensive
volunteer program.

Educates the public regarding urban forestry and sustainability by creating and distributing
brochures and other materials, preparing media releases, hosting workshops, and making
presentations. Periodically plans, schedules and coordinates special events promoting trees,
such as annual Arbor Day and Earth Day celebrations.
Identifies and pursues alternate funding sources, such as grants and public/private partnerships,
and sponsorships, to meet Department forestry and sustainability goals.
Enforces City tree ordinance rulings, including investigating complaints, sending violation letters,
attending meetings, and maintaining proper documentation.
Represents the City at various boards/commissions/public meetings, such as Board of Works
reporting and responding to inquiries as requested. Periodically acts as a liaison with
government agencies, charitable foundations, department support organizations, public/private
organizations and individuals to promote the department and programs/services.
Prepares and submits required annual reports and statistical data on area operations, including
budget requests, reports of department goals, objectives and accomplishments, and fiscal
proposals concerning improvement projects. Administers approved area budget.
Performs related duties as requested.

 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

 • Bachelor’s degree in urban forestry, environmental science, natural science,
sustainability or related area is required.
• Five years of professional experience, including planning, coordinating and implementing
environmental programs. An equivalent combination of education and experience closely
related to the duties of the position MAY be considered.
• Certified Arborist, licensed Applicator preferred.

 

 

 

How to Apply:  

 The following position is available with the City of Lafayette. If you are interested in being
considered for this position, applications are ONLY available on-line -
http://lafayette.in.gov/employment/ 

 

 

 

 

Contact: