3435-Urban Forestry Inspector

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Urban Forestry Inspector

Job Code: 3435

INTRODUCTION

Under general supervision, the 3435 Urban Forestry Inspector performs duties involving the evaluation and inspection of trees and other vegetation for maintenance, removal and/or planting. The essential functions of this class include assessing and evaluating conditions of trees and other vegetation; maintaing tree inventories; keeping work records; implementing the Urban Forestry Ordinance, Article 16 of the Public Works Code, including issues related to street planting and removal, public notification, maintenance needs, responsibility for street trees, and investigation of code violations; preparing and distributing work order requests for tree maintenance and sidewalk repairs related to City-maintained trees to supervisor; handling emergency tree situations that may require immediate evaluation and recommendation for abatement; assisting property owners with the tree removal and planting permit application process; responding to inquiries and complaints from the public and other government agencies regarding tree removals and maintenance responsibilities; and educating and informing the public regarding proper arboricultural practices and relevant City, State, Federal laws and guidelines. Duties may also include using safety equipment, using a hand saw or operating a power saw or chain saw to remove limbs, stacking, chipping and loading brush in preparation for disposal; driving trucks; reading maps; and performing related duties as required. Positions in this job code may engage in some activity that requires physical demands and manual dexterity with exposure to inclement weather and other arduous and disagreeable working conditions.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Assesses and evaluates condition of trees and other vegetation;

2. Maintains tree inventories.

3. Writes tree evaluation reports.

4. Meets and interacts with the public and other agencies regarding tree planting and removal permits and recommendations.

5. Works closely with City and private agencies to coordinate tree work.

6. Works with the public to educate and inform citizens regarding proper arboricultural practices and relevant city, state, and federal laws and guidelines.

7. Prepares written correspondence for the public regarding proper arboricultural practices.

8. Cites, and in some cases, issues fines to property owners for damaging trees.

9. Handles complaints from the public and other City agencies and makes appropriate referals.

10. Deals with emergency tree situations.

11. Occasionally may engage in pruning or removal of fallen trees during storm events.

12. Acts as backup to the Urban Forester, as needed, representing the Department at public hearings.

13. Responsible for record keeping of permits and city tree database.

14. Performs related duties as assigned

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: methods, materials and equipment used in prunning and caring for trees; mechanical aptitude in the use of power saws and other equipment; knowledge of tree physiology, pathology, and species identification; Methods in hazard tree evaluation; proper arboricultural practices including maintenance and pruning methods, planting practices as well as mitigation of tree hazards.

Ability to: clearly communicate verbally and in writing through presentations written correspondence; efficiently use computer programs and manage information in electronic databases; research public records and laws; maintain an even demeanor during difficult interactions with the public

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications are to be used as a guide for establishing the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license which may be required for employment in the class. Although these minimum qualifications are typical of the class, additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the job announcement.

Three (3) years of verifiable experience in tree planting and maintenance activity, inspecting and evaluating trees; writing reports and making presentation. Experience pruning trees alone is not qualifying experience, AND

Possession of Arborist Certification through the International Society of Arboriculture or ability to obtain certification within 18 months of appointment, AND

Possession of a valid Class C Driver License.

Note: Some positions require employees to obtain a class B Driver's License within one year of hire.

Substitution: College-level course work equivalent to two years (60 units) in arboriculture, urban forestry or horticulture may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

AMENDED DATE: 07/31/2008

REASON FOR AMENDMENT: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation