Forestry Foreman

Assists the Forestry Superintendent in planning, implementing, and executing forestry and horticulture program operations; functions as lead worker and provides functional guidance to work for crews when engaged in field operations. * Leads, coordinates, assigns, and inspects the work of forestry and horticulture crews; gives technical advice and assistance to crews, schedules work projects and assigns staff, equipment, and materials to obtain maximum effectiveness and economy. * Participates in the maintenance of trees, shrubs, prairies, natural areas, community gardens, and landscape beds including planting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, stump grinding, tree removal, plant healthcare, and chemical application. * Inspects public trees, landscaping, and natural areas for proper installation and care, gives technical advice and assistance to internal and external customers; checks projects for progress and for conformance to work plans and orders.  Performs necessary hands-on work to accomplish the necessary function of forestry and horticulture-related activities, including but not limited to planting, pruning, removal, fertilization, and spraying.   * Ensures proper safety precautions and policies are followed by crews. * Diagnoses tree/plant problems, assesses risk and mediates a solution. * Assists in maintaining a GIS inventory of assets and work order system. * Assists the Forestry Superintendent in the training of the work crew. * Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge Of: * Tools, materials, and equipment used in the areas assigned.   * Methods and practices of equipment and tools, construction, repair, and/or maintenance of the areas assigned.    The occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work and related equipment operation.   * The safe use, operation, and preventative maintenance of the equipment and tools to which assigned.    * Load securement regulations. Skill in: * The use of equipment, hand, and power tools to which assigned.     * All computer applications, systems, and hardware related to the performance of the essential functions of the job.     * Effectively communicating orally and in writing with internal staff, residents, and other departmental staff to give and receive information courteously.   Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities) * Understand and follow specific oral and written instructions.   * Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, contractors, and the public.   * Plan and supervise the work of skilled, semi-skilled, or unskilled workers on a large scale over a wide area.   * Operate equipment to perform the essential functions of this job.   * Perform manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions.   * Hear and see to the extent that is necessary to perform the essential functions of this job.    * Determine the accuracy and thoroughness of work and observe general surroundings and activities.   Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. * Education: High school diploma and three years of related experience OR an associate degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Management, or other relevant field required and one year of related experience. * Experience: One year of experience leading work crews  * Licensure or Certification Requirements * International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist license within 12 months of appointment and, thereafter, acquire necessary CEUs to keep license current. * Pesticide certification for Forestry 4A, Ornamentals, 6A, and Industrial 5 within 12 months of appointment and, thereafter, acquire necessary CEUs to keep license current. * Possession of Class B CDL driver's license valid in the State of Ohio within 18 months of appointment. * Current and valid Ohio driver's license with an acceptable driver's abstract to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna. * Receives requests for emergency and unscheduled work and coordinates completion of tasks. * Creates weekly work schedule based on the needs of the division.   * Receives requests for emergency and unscheduled work and coordinates completion of tasks.   * Supports special events logistics.   * May be required to work alternative schedules, including evenings and weekends, based on the needs of the division and department.   * Performs all other duties as required.   Working Conditions: The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, hazards, and atmospheric conditions.  The worker may be called in to work 24 hours/day, seven days/week.  The worker may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment.   Exert 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, finger, grasp, and perform repetitive motions.  

Created: 2025-01-23