Position DescriptionThe City Trees Program is seeking a knowledgeable and passionate Community Forester to bring technical expertise to the Health Department. This experienced Forester will have experience with outreach and be passionate about environmental justice and developing relationships with under- represented communities. They will develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, residents, volunteers, and partners.
They will lead the development of community workshops and trainings with an emphasis on environmental justice communities. They will train, provide technical assistance, and educate City staff, partners, residents, and volunteers in planting, pruning, invasive species identification and management practices, and tree identification. They will perform tree inspections and site visits and plant and prune trees.
The Community Forester is the first and only arborist on staff and will work within the City Trees program in the Health Department on an emerging team of sustainability-focused individuals. This position offers a high level of autonomy with the opportunity to lead and make decisions independently. The City Trees program works to increase tree canopy on private property. This is a new position and will be establishing new systems for private property tree work.
Job Duties and Responsibilities1. Provide technical expertise on trees, tree care and community forestry for City staff, partners, and volunteers, and residents.
2. Train City staff, partners, and volunteers, and residents in planting, pruning, tree maintenance, invasive species identification and management practices, tree identification.
3. Perform tree inspections for pests, disease, identification, and hazards.
4. Plan workshops and trainings for residents, volunteers, and community groups.
5. Determine if preservation intervention is suitable for existing trees threatened by pests or disease.
6. Perform site inspections to determine planting location and species selection.
7. Plant, prune, and/or water trees in urban settings according to industry best management practices.
8. Perform visual inventory/census of trees on private property.
9. Assist with development and implementation of a tree preservation ordinance.
10. Coordinate site preparation for tree planting including submitting utility locate requests and delivering trees.
11. Place orders for trees and coordinate deliveries with nurseries.
12. Develop, use, and update Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and maps.
13. Attend and make presentations to advisory committees, neighborhood associations, or other community groups.
WORKING CONDITIONS: Office/indoor setting and outdoors in various terrain and weather.
Required QualificationsMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Associate degree in urban and community forestry, forestry, natural resources, physical or natural sciences or another field related to the position including coursework in dendrology, soils, entomology, diseases, biology, GIS, and volunteer engagement.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:Five years of practical full-time experience in arboriculture.
EQUIVALENCY: An equivalent combination of education and highly related experience may be considered.
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS: Current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification. Current Tree Inspector's License from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or ability to acquire qualification within 1 year. First Aid and CPR Certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
Selection Process: The selection process will consist of one or more of the following steps: a rating of relevant education and experience (100%). It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. This information will be used to determine which candidates will proceed in the selection process. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Only those candidates who attain a passing score (70%) on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Interview Selection: The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position.
Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and academic check are necessary for certain positions with this job title. Persons offered employment must, as a condition of employment, sign an informed consent allowing the City to obtain their criminal history information in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent will not be further considered for the position.
Drug/Alcohol Testing: All job applicants must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test once a conditional offer of employment has been made. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo drug and alcohol testing will not be required to do so and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer, resulting in the job applicant no longer being considered for the position.
Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and the Minneapolis Professional Employees Association (MPEA). For more information on the terms and conditions of this agreement please visit: http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/laboragreements/labor- agreements_professionalemployees_index .
Eligible List Statement: The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. This eligible list will expire two (2) months after it has been established.
Knowledge, Skills and AbilitiesAble to work effectively with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds. Good interpersonal oral and written communications skills.Working knowledge of computers, software and applications for word processing, spreadsheets, GIS, and tree inventory management.Good organizational, problem-solving, time management and analytical skills.Provide excellent customer serviceManage multiple active projects.Knowledge and enthusiasm in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with under-represented communities, co-workers and other professions including teams comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise.Experience in developing and delivering programs, services, and educational programs in collaboration with environmental justice communities, cultural communities, and/or low-income properties.Experience using a racial equity lens to work with community groups and neighborhood organizationsAbility to implement conflict resolution strategies and trauma-informed care practices.Fluency in or familiarity with Spanish, Somali, Hmong, Laotian, Vietnamese, Chinese, Oromo, or Amharic is highly desirable.
Benefits SummaryOur employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page .
New 12 weeks of paid parental leaveCity employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.
InsuranceHealth insuranceEligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.
Dental insuranceThe City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.
BenefitsPaid time offOur generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements .
RetirementCity employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.
- Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.
- Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).
TransportationEligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:
- Metropass: The Metropass program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.
- Parking or Van Pool: The City of Minneapolis Transportation Benefits Plan gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.
Learning and developmentTo engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.
Other perksEmployees can also take advantage of optional life insurance, flexible spending accounts, the Employee Assistance Program , health club discounts and more.
Closing Date/Time: 7/12/2024 11:59 PM Central
