Urban Forestry Expeditor

Working at Cary is more than a job. We create, innovate and work smarter. We focus on relationships and collaborate across all departments. At Cary, you can join a team dedicated to meeting the needs of our citizens, workforce and environment ensuring we continue providing exceptional and services. Are you ready to make a tangible impact in a rewarding career?

Cary is seeking a dynamic and experienced Urban Forestry Specialist to help our community enhance and maintain its tree resources. This position will lead Cary through developing and supporting a proactive public tree care program, as described in the Urban Forest Master Plan. Cary is a community of 80,000 people covering nearly 60 square miles. There are over 80 miles of greenways, roughly 11 square miles of protected stream buffers, and nearly 3,000 acres of parkland. Cary's urban forest is one of the community's most important assets. As part of the Imagine Cary Community Plan, we are seeking comprehensive excellence in a sustainable urban forestry program.

As the Urban Forestry Expeditor you will work across departments to coordinate tree and forest management activities on a variety of Cary-owned properties. This role is responsible for performing skilled work directing teams in managing tree care and inventory, and collaborating with stakeholders ensuring effective application of Cary's Urban Forest Master Plan. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Assistant Public Works Director, in direct cooperation with the Urban Forester. This position may work on-call and assist with large scale storm and emergency response efforts as needed.

Typical Tasks

Manage and update the public tree inventory, working with the Urban Forester, to development proactive tree care strategies and hazard tree mitigation procedures and practices;

Work with all Town departments and relevant stakeholders to administer programs and policies to manage and enhance the town’s urban forest, including the tree ordinance and tree care standards;

Work with the Urban Forester to implement the Urban Forest Master Plan and any subsequent urban forest management plans;

Maintain highly effective, positive relationships with co-workers, other town departments and agencies, volunteer groups, and residents of Cary;

Plans, assigns, schedules, monitors, and evaluates the work of assigned staff and contractors to ensure tree care standards are met;

Assist the Urban Forester in developing and conducting internal and external training and guidance;

Respond to internal and external tree related inquiries and requests;

Attend meetings, create and make presentations, and serve on boards and councils as a representative of Cary when applicable;

Compile and prepare reports on tree work accomplishments and needs;

Perform work with hazardous weather response team for snow, ice and debris removal;

Performs other job-related tasks as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of:

principles and practices of urban forestry, arboriculture, general landscape contracting, dendrology, plant physiology, ecosystem services, and insect and disease management;

arboricultural tools, materials and equipment related to tree care and maintenance;

modern arboriculture and forestry used in park and street tree programs;

principles and practices of organization, administration, and budgeting;

Skilled in:

public engagement and outreach;

project management skills, including planning, prioritizing, and managing work to meet deadlines and deliverables for multiple programs and projects and preparing reports;

tree management software skills;

Ability to:

provide scientific and technical advice and assistance on problems relating to tree maintenance, preservation, and protection;

disseminate technical information and advice to public officials, contractors and the general public regarding forestry-related regulations, proper forestry techniques and forestry-related projects;

manage and operate in a dynamic fast-paced environment with high expectations for producing work, articulating expectations, holding others accountable and listening effectively;

establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors, municipal officials, representatives of other agencies, and members of the general public;

communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to make presentations and conduct effective meetings.