Associate Urban Forester

Full Job Description

Are you looking for a position with a work/life balance? Do you want to earn four weeks off during your first year of employment? Do you want low and no cost health insurance options? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to complete your application now. Work for the city you love!!!

The Public Works Department is actively seeking an Associate Urban Forester.

Did you know as a City of Jacksonville employee, you would also have twelve (12) paid holidays and a personal leave day as well? In addition, to health insurance, dental, vision, life insurance and flexible spending plans are also available. City of Jacksonville employees are also eligible for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness after ten (10) years of public service and on-time payments.

This is an entry level support of urban forestry activities as it relates to county-wide tree planting projects and maintenance. The work requires knowledge of the techniques, methods, and procedures of urban forestry, arboriculture, botany, and horticultural which are learned on the job through specialized training. The work requires courtesy, tact, and effectiveness in dealing with others and the public to request or provide information, ask questions, or obtain clarification. The work is semi-routine in that tasks are covered by procedures or precedents, but some latitude is permitted to consider the most appropriate method, technique, or procedure to follow. Work is performed in both an office and field environment where risks and hazards are minimal, known, predictable, and controllable. Work requires skill in listening; communicating clearly and concisely, verbally, and in writing; ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and effectively present ideas, concepts, recommendations, and conclusions. Operates a utility vehicle and standard office equipment such as computer, calculator and copier. Physical demands consist mainly of visually inspecting trees, using equipment and occasionally lifting objects weighing less than fifty (50) pounds. Work is performed under general supervision where the work assignments are varied and although subject to standard practices and procedures, the worker is permitted some latitude to set own priorities subject to supervisor’s approval.

Requirements

• Conducts field studies, compiles data, and prepares recommendations.
• Monitors planting projects.
• Prepares and maintains computerized record systems of studies and projects.
• Assists in the preparation and analysis of data and information.
• Operates a computer using word processing, spreadsheet, and related software applications including but not limited to (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Maintains a database and inventory of the City's trees.
• Responds to citizen right-of-way planting requests through the MyJax System.
• Responds to public damaged tree claims and assists with the replanting of trees.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonville's competencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the techniques, methods, and procedures used in botany, arboriculture and horticultural.
• Knowledge of urban forestry practices, including planting.
• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in urban forestry operations.
• Knowledge of basic species of trees and of their growth, maintenance conditions, and needs.
• Knowledge of soils, fertilizers and methods of plant cultivation compatible with local environmental conditions.
• Skill in word processing and database management.
• Ability to communicate and work cooperatively and effectively with a diverse population, including, but not limited to, elected officials, superiors, and staff.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to conduct field studies, compile data, and prepare recommendations and reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and files
• Ability to operate a utility vehicle and standard office equipment such as a computer, calculator, and copier utilizing word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Additional Information

• Two (2) year combination of education and/or experience in urban forestry support work or current enrollment in a two- or four-year college-level arboriculture, urban forestry, horticulture, or closely related program.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION:

• A valid driver's license is required prior to appointment and must be maintained during employment in this class.
• Must qualify prior to appointment, obtain, and maintain during employment in this class a City of Jacksonville Certification as a Public Driver.

A FULLY COMPLETED ONLINE APPLICATION IS REQUIRED. Apply at www.coj.net. Work history is required for all employment/volunteer work in which qualifications are being based. When meeting/basing qualifications on education, a copy of your college transcript, with your social blacked out, is required with your application. Transcripts do not need to be official, but must state your name, the school’s name, classes taken, grades received, type of degree, and date degree was conferred.

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Certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and the family members of such service members and veterans, receive preference and priority, and certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment and are encouraged to apply for positions being filled.

If claiming veteran's preference, you must attach a DD-214 (Member Form-4 copy) or military discharge papers, or equivalent certification from the Department of Veterans Affairs listing military status, dates of service and character of discharge. You must also attach the Veterans Preference Certification Form and if applicable, the additional forms as noted here: http://www.coj.net/departments/employee-services/veterans-preference

If a candidate believes he or she was not afforded veteran’s preference, he or she may file a written complaint, within sixty (60) calendar days upon receipt of notification of the hiring decision, requesting an investigation to:

Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
Attention: Veterans’ Preference Coordinator
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630
Email: VeteransPreference@fdva.state.fl.us