Urban Forester
: Job Details :

Salary : $89,166.17 - $115,789.73 AnnuallyLocation : Bend, ORJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 11152024Department: Community and Economic DevelopmentOpening Date: 10/25/2024Closing Date: ContinuousSummary The City of Bend, Community and Economic Development Department has an exciting opportunity for one (1) full-time, regular Urban Forester. This position is FLSA exempt (not overtime eligible) and non-represented.The Urban Forester resides in the Community and Economic Development Department and reports to the Director of the Community and Economic Development Department. This position provides strategic cross-departmental support to other City Departments, including Transportation & Mobility, Water Services, Engineering and Risk & Emergency Management. This position involves developing and implementing urban forestry policies; updating and interpreting tree-related standards, codes, and ordinances; providing consultation related to trees and landscaping for various City departments and private development and public infrastructure projects; and managing the City's participation/membership in various arborist and forestry programs including the City's Tree City USA designation, among other related responsibilities.To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application that includes:

• The online application via NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
• Attached formal Cover Letter (required)
• Attached formal Resume (required)
• Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive veteran's preference. For more information clickApplications received by Monday, November 18, 2024 (11/18/2024), 12:00 PM (noon) Pacific Time will receive preference for initial review, but the position will remain open until filled. Functions, Duties and ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions Include:The information provided below encompasses the essential functions and capabilities linked with this Classification.Duties and ResponsibilitiesThis classification is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

• Lead the creation of an urban forest management program. Provide input and subject matter expertise on the development of and updates to City ordinances, design standards, program policies, long-range goals, and departmental work procedures pertaining to the program.
• Lead the creation of a city-wide program with objective criteria on the deployment of resources for purchasing, planting, and maintaining trees from tree fee-in-lieu payments from development.
• Oversee standards for tree preservation measures and coordinate plan review regarding urban forestry issues for private development applications and public improvement contracts with other divisions, departments, agencies, and public utilities. Develop, make recommendations, and implement adopted program improvements to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of tree regulatory processes in development.
• Provide supervision over staff on a continual and project basis. Supervision and leadership over field and administrative staff embedded in various City Departments, divisions, and work units.
• Offer urban design, landscape, and tree input for street cross-sections, special area plans, and other master plan development projects. Collaborate with developers, City project managers, planners, and engineers to integrate tree and landscape considerations into the planning and execution of capital projects.
• Prepare and maintain the City tree inventory and canopy coverage database/mapping. Utilize tree inventory data to inform strategic planning and resource allocation, including to enhance urban canopy coverage, mitigate urban heat island effects, address the equitable distribution of tree canopy across the City, select appropriate tree species for the approved street tree list, monitor threats to urban canopy, and offer expertise on landscape designs that enhance urban aesthetics and environmental benefits.
• Monitor and evaluate the health and condition of trees, respond to emergency situations involving fallen or damaged trees, and coordinate necessary actions for their preservation or removal. Assess the impact of proposed projects on existing trees and landscapes, providing recommendations to minimize negative effects.
• Identify and oversee grant opportunities to support an urban forestry program consistent with City grant and procurement policies.
• Instruct City employees in implementing actions aligned with an urban forestry program, including tree planting and maintenance activities. Train city employees and create educational materials on urban forestry principles for the public and private developers.
• Respond to requests for information generated by the public, deliver presentations on the City's urban forestry program, and engage with the community to raise awareness about urban forestry principles, including attending open house meetings related to public infrastructure projects.
• Manage and maintain the City of Bend's status with Tree City USA and other arborist programs. This includes but is not limited to managing the City of Bend Tree City Advisory Committee, planning community activities with community partners, and tracking and submitting required tree-related expenditures and other documentation, as required.
• Work with Bend Beautification Volunteer Program to promote and enhance pollinator and other environmental projects.
• Serve as the central coordinator for urban forestry initiatives by collaborating with City departments, developers, the park district, and other City partners.
• In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities, and infrastructure.
• Performs related duties as necessary to achieve the objectives of the position.

Supervisory Responsibility This classification is management which encompasses supervisory responsibility, including the following tasks.

• Directly or indirectly supervise all team members, including training, assigning, and directing work, evaluating performance, disciplining as necessary, and addressing employee concerns and grievances.

• Provide team members with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, annual performance reviews, assisting with professional development, and making recommendations for employee separations, promotions, or special assignments.
• Participate in the recruitment of new employees, including interviewing and making hiring recommendations/ decisions and compensation recommendations.
• Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications Knowledge, Skill, and AbilitiesIndividuals or positions assigned to this classification are expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

• Possess a deep understanding of municipal tree regulations.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of urban forestry, arboriculture, tree risk assessment, horticulture, general landscape architecture, plant taxonomy, ecology, integrated pest management (IPM), urban planning, and engineering design and construction principles.
• Ability to work independently with minimum direction while also working as part of a team and collaborating with others; prioritizing and resolving issues; and completing tasks and duties while working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines.
• Experience with assessing the impact of construction activities and urbanization on individual trees and forest communities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans, including the processes and resources to support them.
• Experience briefing and making recommendations to senior management and representatives of other agencies.
• Good judgment and demonstrated ability to handle sensitive issues with diplomacy and poise, and the ability to gain management confidence.
• Experience providing scientific and technical advice and assistance on problems relating to the urban forest, including supporting the intent and needs of a street tree program and individual site requirements for tree planting.
• Proficiency with GIS software and the ability to generate maps, charts, and associated reports using these technologies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including technical reports and giving public presentations.
• Ability to supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
• Ability to make decisions within established policies and procedures that influence the daily operations of the unit and work of subordinate staff.

Education, Experience, Certifications and/or Licenses Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be as noted below.

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities as outlined in this job description.
• 2 to 3 years' experience in urban forestry involving extensive experience dealing with multiple government agencies, elected officials, and the public or experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
• 1 year of supervisory experience.

Specific Requirements and/or Qualifications

Certification as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.

International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to obtain within 6 months.

Current and valid Driver's license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

Preferred Qualifications

Demonstrated career progression with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience in managing complex projects, making critical decisions, and implementing process improvements to enhance service delivery.

Classification Framework: Urban Forester

• To view the full Classification framework, click

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer StatementThe City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don't just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.Employee Benefit OverviewAugust 1, 2023 - July 31, 2024 Regular Full Time Benefits:Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.) High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Medical, Vision and Prescription CoverageUnderwritten by PacificSource Health Plans Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium. Employee monthly premium: Employee Employee & DependentsFull-time Employees $ 62.76 $156.90 Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $156.90 $392.24 Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $313.80 $784.48 Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)Third Party AdministratorPacificSource Administrators (PSA)This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee's VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.Employee monthly premium portion: Employee Employee & DependentsFull-time Employees HRA (Comp - A) $2,000 $4,000 Coinsurance (Med - G) $1,250 $1,781Part-time 1 Employees HRA (Comp - A) $1,500 $3,000(30-39 hours per week) Coinsurance (Med - G) $937.50 $1,335.75Part-time 2 Employees HRA (Comp - A) $1,000 $2,000(20-29 hours per week) Coinsurance (Med - G) $625 $890.50Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.First Stop Health - Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members. Dental PlanUnderwritten by MODA$2,000 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium. Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).Employee composite monthly premium: Employee with/without DependentsFull-time Employees $12.70Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $31.74Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $63.48 VEBA PlanAdministered by HRA VEBAIndividual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement. Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction. Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability PlansUnderwritten by New York LifeGroup Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accident coverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.Group Long-term Disability Insurance:Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee's covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes employer contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the employee member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website Employee Assistance ProgramUnderwritten by CanopyThis City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members. The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

Temporary Medical Only Benefit's:Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) Medical, Vision, Prescription coverageUnderwritten by PacificSource Health PlansFull-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage avaliable should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.Employee monthly premium: Employee Employee & DependentsFull-time Employees $ 65.04 $162.60 Deductible $2,000 $4,000 Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)Participation in the City of Bend's Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee's behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes employer contribution based on the employee's Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the employee member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website Employee Assistance ProgramUnderwritten by CanopyThis City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

• MASA ground and air ambulance membership
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

• If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.
• Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.