Description
The City of Fremont's Community Services Department is recruiting for
Urban Forester
VIEW OUR RECRUITMENT BROCHURE The DivisionThe Community Services Department's Urban Forestry Division administers the City’s Urban Forest Management Plan, Tree Permitting, Tree Ordinance Enforcement, 50-50 Programs, Tree Mitigation, Urban Forestry Grants, Tree Maintenance crews, and Tree Contracts. The Division’s primary functions are to promote, preserve, and grow a safe and healthy Urban Forest; Provide outstanding customer service and guidance on Urban Forestry Best Practices to both internal and external customers; To maintain the City’s Tree Inventory, respond to tree emergencies that occur within the right of way, qualify and certify an Approved Tree Contractor list; And, to provide public outreach, education, and support on tree planting and care to maximize the many benefits of the City’s Urban Forest.
First Review of Applications The first review of applications is
May 20, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. (PT). This recruitment may close without notice after this date so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. A resume and supplemental questionnaire (part of the online application) must be submitted with the completed City application.
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Selection Process
The process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
Reasonable Accommodation
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing
humanresources@fremont.gov .
Contact Us
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at:
humanresources@fremont.gov .
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
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Urban Forester Class SpecificationDefinition This is a deep class series, which includes Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I, Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II, and Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester. (At the I and II levels, incumbents who do not have professional licensure will use the classification title of Landscape Designer, and work under the direct supervision of the Senior Landscape Architect.)
Under supervision, performs professional-level landscape architectural work related to the design, construction and rehabilitation of landscape and irrigation facilities for parks, landscaped areas and street and urban design projects; performs related work as required.
Class Characteristics This is a deep classification series with multiple levels that are intended to provide recognition for a range of assignment variety and complexity, increasing professional/technical knowledge and skills, attainment of professional licensure, independence of decision-making and the impact of such decisions upon the long-term and short-term development and character of the City. Incumbents may advance from the entry level to the full working level, based on operational need and assignment by management, as they learn City and departmental practices and procedures. As knowledge and experience are gained, the work becomes broader in scope and assignments are more varied and are performed under more general supervision. Advancement to each higher-level class requires gaining the knowledge, skill, experience and credentials that meet the qualifications for that class and demonstrating the ability to consistently perform the work of the higher-level class.
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I is the entry-level into this professional class series. The work is normally pre-screened and reviewed in progress and upon completion. Projects and procedures are standard and well defined. Responsibilities require limited exercise of judgment and alternatives for action are restricted. The supervisor screens assignments for unusual or difficult problems and selects techniques and procedures to be applied on non-routine work. Incumbents receive close supervision on new aspects of assignments and work is reviewed in progress and upon completion.
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II is the second working level in this class series. Incumbents are not as closely supervised and receive assignments of greater difficulty. The II-level incumbent is given technical guidance and instructions on assignments of average difficulty. Assignments involve investigations with limited numbers of variables. Incumbents receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features and possible solutions. Assistance is furnished regarding unusual problems and work is reviewed in detail upon completion of assignments. Incumbents may need to collaborate with the efforts of technicians and others assigned to assist on work assignments.
Associate Landscape Architect is the full-professional level class in this series. It is characterized by the responsibility to serve as project manager, team leader and/or supervisor, and consultant manager for site development of city facilities and private developments. Projects are described in terms of desired outcomes and incumbents are expected to work with clients to accomplish those outcomes, applying professional and administrative guidelines and standards. Review of work is occasional or on a problem basis, with the employee presenting alternative courses for policy decision.
City Urban Forester is also a full-professional level class working at the Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I, Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II or Associate Landscape Architect level. However, when placed in this assignment rather than being a registered Landscape Architect the incumbent would be required to be a Certified Arborist or maintain an American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA) membership. This assignment is characterized by the responsibility to serve as lead staff person for City street tree and private tree permitting and Citywide resource for urban forestry and tree related issues including but not limited to, overseeing the health and wellness of the City urban forest; tree selection; and tree evaluation for hazard, disease and proper care. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating with other City departments and public agencies as well as dealing with property owners, developers, contractors, and the general public.
Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skills in coordinating work with other City departments and public agencies as well as dealing with property owners, developers, contractors and the public.
Essential Functions
Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I:
• Using prescribed methods and procedures, incumbents perform specific and limited portions of a broader assignment of an experienced landscape architect.
• Applies basic principles of landscape architecture design in specific situations.
• Follows through on a series of specific tasks.
• Recognizes and evaluates the role of work tasks in accomplishing a larger project.
• Prepares plans for planting, irrigation, site plans, grading, and layout for parks and median projects.
• Designs and drafts details for planting, irrigation, paving, walls, fences, drainage, site furnishings, and play areas.
• Prepares graphics for presentations or reports.
• Makes quantity and cost estimates.
• Researches materials and products for suitability in landscape architecture projects.
• Uses appropriate manual and automated design tools to perform job tasks.
• Provides information to the public on City landscape requirements.
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II:
• In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents prepare preliminary and final working drawings of landscape and irrigation designs.
• Assists the public with questions involving landscape problems.
• Assists in the preparation and reviews of landscape plans and contract specifications.
• Assists with conducting field inspections for compliance with landscape and irrigation plans and specifications.
• Composes correspondence and minor reports as directed by the Senior Landscape Architect and the Associate Landscape Architect.
• Performs related professional landscape work as required.
• May be assigned project management duties for projects with small to medium complexity.
Landscape Architect II:
• In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents review and approve minor site development plans submitted for development approval for conformance with plans, specifications, and ordinances.
Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester:
• In addition to the duties listed above, incumbents perform professional landscape architectural work as project manager in the preparation of landscape design and layout of parks, recreational areas, roadway medians and pedestrian ways.
• Prepares master park development plans, specifications, contracts, cost estimates and working drawings for assigned projects using manual and automated design tools.
• Makes field inspections to insure compliance with drawings and specifications.
• Reviews and approves site development plans submitted for development approval for conformance with plans, specifications, and ordinances.
• Uses manual and automated design tools to design and/or administer contracts for the design of landscaping for City property, including parks, medians, and building grounds.
• Administers the tree planting program including maintenance of the street tree master plan, botanical designation, inspection of plantings, and issuance of permits for planting, removal, and pruning.
• Serves as technical adviser to customers, City staff, and officials on park, street tree, and landscape matters.
• Represent the City with agencies, groups, and individuals concerned with parks and open space.
• Responds to customer service requests regarding landscaping of City property.
• Serves on a team of City staff involved in inspecting developments to resolve problems and effect compliance with City requirements.
• Maintains records and prepares reports.
Marginal Functions
• Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
All levels:
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of landscape architecture and urban design; native and exotic plant materials best adapted to the Fremont area; using landscape and site improvements to enhance, beautify, and provide identity in the design of places; basic principles of irrigation design; basic engineering principles in grading, drainage, erosion control and paving design.
Skill in: Using computer-aided design to draft plans and details; prepare graphics for presentation using a variety of media.
Ability to: Participate as a team member in assigned work; learn and apply information related to the duties and responsibilities routinely assigned other team members; communicate effectively in verbal and written form; operate a personal computer; make independent decisions within the scope of assigned duties and responsibilities; learn and implement City policies, procedures, and codes; develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II:
In addition to the above, knowledge of: City ordinances and regulations relating to landscape development in Fremont; principles of park and recreational development planning; landscape architectural problems encountered in municipal landscape architectural work and their solutions.
Skill in: Preparing cost estimates of landscape and related site improvement projects; making effective public presentations.
Ability to: Select proper plant materials to achieve desired effects and prevent soil erosion; prepare sketches and plans for beautification projects; inspect projects under construction.
Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester:
In addition to the above, knowledge of: Botanical identification characteristics, valuation, and selection criteria; landscape irrigation and drainage systems; preparation of construction specifications; design and civil engineering as applied to landscape architecture; and basic supervisory principles and practices.
Skill in: Operating manual and automated drawing and drafting tools and equipment.
Ability to: Design and prepare landscape plans with minimum maintenance requirements and low water use; use plant materials under a variety of conditions; develop and maintain collaborative, problem solving relationships with customers, stakeholders and team members; prepare technical reports and memos; prepare and make oral presentations.
Education/Experience
Education
All levels: A combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in Landscape Architecture, Park Planning, Horticulture or a closely related field.
Experience
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer I: No experience is required; however one year of technical-level experience and/or experience as an intern is highly desirable.
Landscape Architect/Landscape Designer II: Two years of professional experience in landscape architecture or park planning.
Associate Landscape Architect/Urban Forester: Five years of progressively responsible experience in professional landscape architecture and park planning.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Possession of a valid Landscape Architect license issued by the State of California is required for the Landscape Architect I, Landscape Architect II, and Associate Landscape Architect classifications. At the I and II level, incumbents who do not possess a valid Landscape Architect license will use the classification title of Landscape Designer I or II and work under the direct supervision of the City and /or Senior Landscape Architect.
Incumbents assigned as the City Urban Forester must satisfy the following requirements within 12 months of hire date: Certified Arborist (from the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture) or Membership in the American Society of Consulting Arborists. The City Urban Forester is not required to be a licensed Landscape Architect.
This class series requires the ability to travel independently within and outside of the City limits to perform the assigned duties and responsibilities. Therefore, this classification series requires the possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License at time of appointment and a satisfactory driving record. Failure to possess or maintain the valid required licenses shall result in discipline up to and including termination of employment.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = 66%
Sitting: Constant
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Rare
Bending (neck): Occasional
Bending (waist): Rare
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Rare
Kneeling: Rare
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Never
Balancing: Never
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Never
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Occasional
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Frequent
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach - above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Never
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand: Required
Eye-hand-foot: Required
Driving: Required
Vision:
Acuity, near: Required
Acuity, far: Required
Depth perception: Required
Accommodation: Required
Color vision: Required
Field of vision: Required
Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required
Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery, exposure to dust, fumes smoke, gases, odors, mists, or other irritating particles, exposure to slippery or uneven walking surfaces, using computer monitor, works around others, works alone, works with others.
Class Code: Level I: 5040; Level II: 8529; Associate Level: 5030
FLSA: Non-Exempt
EEOC Code: 2
Barg. Unit: CFEA
Probation: 12 months
Rev.: 11/21
The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance.
To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary
Closing Date/Time: Continuous
