URBAN FORESTER 7369

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs professional work in the management of tree planting and the improvement of the vegetation along public rights of way. The incumbent coordinates, supervises and inspects the pruning, removal and replacement of vegetation and the promotion of urban wildlife. Under the direction of the Superintendent of Highways, the employee reviews plans for the building and maintenance of the roads within a town to determine the effects on urban vegetation. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Identifies the need for insect and disease control;

Undertakes street tree inventories;

Drafts street tree ordinances;

Coordinates, supervises and inspects the pruning, removal and replacement of vegetation;

Reviews proposed construction including sidewalk and curb installation, utility line relocation, road widening and housing developments to determine the effect on urban vegetation and suggests alternatives to minimize the effect on the vegetation;

Assures proper street tree planting techniques with emphasis on proper species selection, spacing and location;

Monitors bird and sump wildlife habitats;

Provides information to the general public as to the planting and care of vegetation in an urban environment;

Develops programs for urban wood utilization, including energy production, conservation and alternate uses of wood waste products, and assists in the preparation of cost estimates for these programs;

Assists in establishing an annual budget for an overall tree management program.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the practices and methods in propagating, planting, cultivating, pruning and general care of plants, flowers, shrubs and lawns; good knowledge of ropes, knots, tools and the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions in the operation and care of trees; good knowledge of common insects and fungi affecting trees and shrubs and the materials and methods of controlling them; good knowledge of effective supervisory techniques; skill in the use of chain saws, shears, sprayers and other standard equipment of the work; ability to collect and synthesize data and prepare oral and written reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with the public; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to make estimates of labor, time and materials and to maintain routine records; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by New York State with a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or a related field, and two (2) years of experience in landscaping and/or tree pruning, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and six (6) years of experience in landscaping and/or tree pruning, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees must possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R05/12/11

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

Review 07/23/15