City Forester

The City of Racine Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Department is seeking a qualified City Forester to lead the Forestry Division and steward the city’s urban forest. This role manages operations and long-term planning for approximately 28,000 public trees and 12,000 planting locations to support public safety, natural asset management, and quality of life.

• Oversee and coordinate forestry operations, projects, and work programs; set priorities and implementation standards for field staff.
• Implement a comprehensive tree maintenance program for all public trees; plan and schedule inspection, maintenance, and removals based on risk, condition, resources, and asset management principles.
• Develop and maintain a citywide tree inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan with measurable performance metrics; maintain tree health records and support data-driven practices.
• Develop short- and long-term urban forest strategic goals (canopy equity, climate resilience, species diversity, invasive species management) and lead periodic plan updates.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate permanent, seasonal, and temporary staff; support hiring, performance management, employee development, and corrective/disciplinary actions per policy and labor agreements.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards (ANSI Z133, OSHA, and City policies); promote a strong safety culture through training, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Provide training opportunities for staff and the public; coordinate community forestry events and lead staff/volunteers in tree planting and maintenance.
• Participate in development and administration of operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and ensure fiscal accountability.
• Apply for and administer grants.
• Create bid specifications, administer contracts, and monitor contractor performance for compliance with specifications, schedules, and safety requirements.
• Serve as primary technical advisor on urban forestry matters to City leadership, boards, commissions, and the public.
• Coordinate with utilities, developers, and internal departments on tree protection/removals, development review, and infrastructure projects.
• Interpret and enforce City ordinance Chapter 102 (Trees & Vegetation).
• Coordinate and lead storm damage and emergency response for tree-related incidents; maintain on-call availability as part of a supervisory rotation.
• Serve in an acting capacity for field operations in the absence of the Superintendent of Parks, with authority over parks and forestry operational staff and emergency response activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in urban forestry, forestry, forest management, arboriculture, or a closely related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).

• Certifications: Must possess at minimum ISA Certified Arborist at time of hire; ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional preferred.

• Experience: 6+ years of progressively responsible urban forestry/arboriculture experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

• Licenses: Valid, unrestricted Wisconsin driver’s license required. Wisconsin Pesticide Applicator license preferred (or ability to obtain).

• Skills: Leadership, management, organization, planning, strong written/verbal communication, and ability to present to boards/commissions/community groups.

• Technical: Proficiency with computers/tablets/mobile tech; familiarity with urban forestry management software and GIS-based applications (e.g., TreeKeeper or similar) and standard office software.

• Other: Maintain consistent and reliable attendance.

• Location/Work setting: Combination of office, field, and vehicle-based work; includes field inspections, site visits, and meetings with staff, contractors, and the public.

• Environment: Regular outdoor work year-round with exposure to heat, cold, wind, precipitation, noise, dust, and uneven terrain; travel throughout the City.

• Schedule: Occasional emergency/storm response outside normal business hours; on-call duty as part of a rotation with other supervisors.

• Physical: Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and respond to emergencies/storm events, including outside normal hours.

• Equipment/Tools: Uses office and field tools such as computers/tablets, urban forestry software, GIS applications, soil testing equipment, DBH tapes, and related inspection tools; familiarity with arboricultural equipment (chainsaws, aerial lifts, stump grinders, brush chippers) for supervision/training/safety oversight.

• Other: Equal Opportunity Employer; reasonable accommodations provided under ADA.