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Virginia Tech · 1 month ago

University Urban Forester

Blacksburg, VA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$72K/yr - $78K/yr

Virginia Tech is a leading global research institution dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The University Urban Forester will manage all aspects of tree and forest management on the university’s Blacksburg campus, collaborating with various stakeholders to promote urban forestry and provide technical guidance.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Oversees, develops, and implements all aspects of urban forest management and Arboriculture practices on University campus properties

Supervises the daily operations of the Campus Tree Pruning Crew, including the development and implementation of a quality control program to improve arboricultural operations and ensure high standards of work

Reviews plans, advising project design team members, and monitoring tree health during project design and construction. Providing technical direction, including tree protection and prescriptive treatments to ensure the best possible conditions for the trees to be maintained at all project stages pre- and post-construction

Develops fertilization, insect, and disease control programs for the campus urban forest

Providing direction and identifying hazardous trees, through development and application of tree risk management and mitigation planning

Maintaining a comprehensive GIS dataset to facilitate responsible management of all urban forest assets on University properties and lands, including, periodic assessments of tree canopy cover, maintenance of tree inventory data, and monitoring of urban forest condition and performance

Working closely with the Design and Construction Design Team, the Office of Sustainability, the University Arboretum Committee, and other stakeholders on all strategic, operational, and tactical tree-related activities and ensuring successful participation in the Tree Campus Higher Education program

Establishing community outreach programming with educational components and hands-on volunteer opportunities to engage Virginia Tech community members in urban forest stewardship

Close collaboration with colleagues on the Grounds team, including the University Landscape Architect, Grounds Operations Supervisor, and Landscape Care and Maintenance Supervisor

Development of mission-oriented projects and solicitation of grant-funded support

Develop and implement a tree planting program that supports campus tree canopy and sustainability goals

Develop policies and standards that promote tree health and urban forest sustainability

Qualification

ISA Certified ArboristISA Tree Risk AssessmentGISGPS proficiencyUrban forest managementBachelor’s degree in forestryPesticide Applicator LicenseExceptional writing skillsInterpersonal skillsProblem-solving skillsLeadership skillsOrganizational skills

Required

Bachelor's degree in forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or related field (including formal coursework in urban forestry and arboricultural techniques) OR training and experience that equates to bachelor's degree

ISA (International Society of Arboriculture), ISA Certified Arborist OR: ISA Urban Forest Professional

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification

Demonstrated experience managing tree planting, pruning, removal, health care, and related safety functions as well as operating and maintaining a tree inventory database using GIS and GPS

Exceptional writing and effective communication skills, interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and the ability to effectively interact and build trusted relationships with diverse internal and external constituencies

Demonstrated experience researching and preparing technically complex executive level documents, position papers, reports, proposals, and presentations

Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with ability to see patterns, be a fast thinker, and make decisions with strong attention to accuracy, detail, and local context

Demonstrated ability to successfully handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality, strong personal ethics commitment, and demonstrated sound judgment

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects; excellent organizational, leadership, and delegation skills; and ability to work collaboratively. Must have strong problem solving and conflict resolution skills to manage complex tasks and/or those that require balancing competing interests

Strong mediation or conflict resolution skills to manage complex situations impacting multiple constituents that may have competing interests

Demonstrated commitment to exceptionally responsive, consistent, and transparent service delivery to all campus constituents. Champions a responsive workforce that embraces a culture of continuous improvement, self-assessment, and accountability in a dynamic environment. Deploys, accepts, and acts on all mechanisms of customer feedback to achieve results and effect change

Fast learner, result driven, accepts and acts on all forms of feedback to effect change

Demonstrated high proficiency with current office software applications including word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems, electronic mail, and presentation applications

The position is designated as “Emergency Personnel”. Must be available twenty-four hours per day, seven days a week to provide support during planned or emergency situations or events to include being physically on site if deemed necessary

Preferred

ISA Board Certified Master Arborist certification

VADACS Licensed Pesticide Applicator 3-A

Supervisory experience

Experience managing a large population of trees in a commercial, institutional, or municipal setting.in a large commercial, public sector, or university setting

Knowledge of Commonwealth of Virginia procurement and/or contracting procedures

Understanding of planning, infrastructure, and facilities issues and operations

Demonstrated knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations

Experience with Tree Campus Higher Education programming