City Forester

Summary

The City of Racine is seeking a City Forester to oversee the management and long-term stewardship of the city's urban forest comprising approximately 28,000 public trees. The role involves developing comprehensive tree maintenance programs, managing staff, ensuring safety compliance, and serving as the primary technical advisor on urban forestry matters to city leadership.

What you'll do

Oversee and coordinate forestry operations and work programs; implement comprehensive tree maintenance program; develop and maintain citywide tree inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan; supervise and evaluate permanent, seasonal, and temporary staff; ensure compliance with safety standards including ANSI Z133 and OSHA regulations; provide training to staff and public; coordinate community forestry events; participate in budget development and grant administration; serve as primary technical advisor on urban forestry matters; interpret and enforce city ordinance on trees and vegetation; coordinate storm damage and emergency response; maintain on-call duty availability.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, forestry, forest management, arboriculture, or closely related field; ISA Certified Arborist certification required (ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional preferred); minimum 6 years progressively responsible experience in urban forestry or arboriculture with minimum 3 years in supervisory role; valid unrestricted Wisconsin driver's license; strong leadership, managerial, organizational and planning skills; strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency with computers, GIS-based applications (e.g., Tree Keeper), and standard office software; ability to make professional presentations.

Conditions

Combination of office, field, and vehicle-based work environments; outdoor work in varying weather conditions year-round; travel throughout the city; on-call duty rotation; occasional emergency response outside normal business hours; ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, wind, precipitation, noise, dust, and uneven terrain; flexible schedule to respond to storms and emergencies.