Senior Forestry Analyst - DPW-Stormwater Engineering
City of Indianapolis
StalePosted Nov 24
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Posted: February 18, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Senior Forestry Analyst - DPW-Stormwater Engineering
City of Indianapolis
Department of Public Works Engineering - Water
Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46204
Salary
Not specified
Type
Full-Time
More Engineering jobs →Closes
May 18, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves assessing and managing risks from trees in public spaces like streets and parks to keep people safe while preserving the environmental benefits trees offer, such as cleaner air and better stormwater control.
The role includes inspecting trees, overseeing data and inventories, coordinating work crews and contractors, and stepping in during emergencies or legal situations.
It's a great fit for someone with strong expertise in tree care and urban planning who enjoys problem-solving and leading teams in a city environment.
Key Requirements
- Expert skills in individual tree risk evaluations and prioritization of corrective actions
- Management of street tree and park tree inventories, including data collection, analysis, and work order issuance
- Supervision and training of forestry inspection staff for consistent performance
- Coordination with internal crews, contractors, and other city agencies for work assignment and project implementation
- Review of permits, development of emergency response contracts, and participation in program procedures and safety protocols
- Analysis of forestry data for budget projections and serving as an expert resource in legal and technical matters
Full Job Description
Position is responsible for safeguarding the health, safety, and welfare of public users of Rights-of-Ways and public lands by managing the risk posed by public trees and balancing that risk with the ecosystem service benefits that trees provide. Incumbent helps the City realize the full potential of the benefits of trees, such as air quality and storm water quality improvement, while providing peace of mind to users of a public space which features mature trees.Careful and wise use of independent judgment will be necessary for this position. Incumbent will be trusted to utilize City resources in a responsible and justified manner when responding to unusual situations such as special requests from administrators or in the event of an emergency. Position reports to Manager Urban Forestry.Requirements
- Utilizes expert skills to perform individual tree risk evaluations to determine the type of corrective work that is necessary and then prioritize the issue to determine the urgency with which the work needs to be completed
- Inspects issues related to roadside brush and obstructed sight distances and critical signage
- Manages both the contracted street tree and park tree inventories, including management of data collection projects, review of incoming data and progress updates, issuance of work orders based on recommendations, and subsequent data revision based on updated inspections and completion of recommended work
- Reviews and prioritizes incoming service requests, then assigns each issue an inspection priority and divides inspection work amongst all forestry staff depending on the demand, necessary skill set, and available resources
- Supervises the work of the dedicated Forestry Inspector and trains staff to perform inspections in a uniform and consistent manner
- Works closely with DPW Operations Forestry Supervisor and Greenways Supervisor to assign work to the in-house DPW crews based on the need, crew capabilities, and resources available at the time
- Manages implementation of work assigned to on-call forestry contractors on capital projects
- Periodically review applications for Flora permits, providing expert-level subject knowledge when necessary
- Develops and manages a large-scale storm event response contract to be utilized in the wake of a major tree-damaging storm event
- Participates in periodic reviews of forestry program’s Standard Operating Procedures and safety protocols, utilizing knowledge of industry best practices and subject matter expertise
- Manages forestry data systems, including data input, processing, analysis, and modification to the street tree and park tree inventory databases
- Analyzes data on demand to produce budget projections based on data within inventories
- Serves as interim program manager during periods of vacancy for the Manager of Urban Forestry position
- Serves as an expert resource for other City agencies
- Serves as an expert witness regarding inspections, tree biology, and tree biomechanics, helping to defend policy and reduce liability in legal proceedings involving tort claims against the City, when necessary
- Serves as additional technical inspector, as needed, for specialized forestry enforcement issues being managed by Code Enforcement
- Provides technical information and input for Land Stewardship, Parks Planning, Metropolitan Development, and Engineering programs
- Serves on internal committees to periodically review and revise ordinances and regulations related to urban forestry and vegetation management upon public lands
- Routinely serves as one of four weekly on-call supervisors that manage the DPW forestry crew response during non-business hours
- Answers general questions from public regarding tree care and participates in outreach events to disseminate forestry best practices to the citizens of Indianapolis
- Represents the City on non-profit event planning committees including Indy Free Tree, Trees for Tomorrow, Environmental Adventure Day, and the Indianapolis - Marion County Tree Board
- Must maintain confidentiality at all times
- This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time
Qualifications
Associate’s Degree in Arboriculture or related field with two (2) years prior urban forestry and contract/personnel management experience. Certification as an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification required. Certifications must be maintained throughout employment as Senior Forestry Analyst. Must have a strong written and verbal communication skill set, including the ability to interact with citizens, City Administrators, and workplace colleagues in a professional manner at all times. Must have the ability to learn new computer software and applications, including word processing, database management, and spreadsheet applications. Must be able to navigate GIS applications such as ArcView and ArcGIS and make basic adjustments and modifications to data, as necessary. Must be self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision. Occasionally requires lifting up to and over fifty pounds, field work including power tools (during storm response), ability to work in varying weather conditions and within a potentially varying work schedule depending on non-business hour response needs. Must have a valid driver's license.Preferred Job Requirements and Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field.
Additional Information
Careful and wise use of independent judgment will be necessary for this position. Incumbent will be trusted to utilize City resources in a responsible and justified manner when responding to unusual situations such as special requests from administrators or in the event of an emergency.Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes