Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline
Tampa Skyline

Treemendous Tree Project Specialist

Recruitment #160824-100300-001

Nature Of Work

An employee in this class is responsible for coordination of the City’s street tree planting program, Treemendous Tampa. Tasks are of more than average difficulty and include communication with citizens, contractors, landscape architects, other City department personnel, and neighborhood organizations. Work is approximately fifty percent in the office and fifty percent in the field.  Under the supervision of the Urban Forestry Coordinator, employees are required to exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment in planning and scheduling work, keeping records of time and material, requisitioning supplies and preparing reports.  Public contact is an integral part of the job, and employees are required to exercise considerable tact and courtesy.  Work activities are reviewed while in progress, through conferences, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Examples of Duties

Plan, organize, manage and direct the functions associated with the introduction and maintenance of young trees in the City of Tampa rights-of-way, roadway medians, stormwater basins and parks which includes oversight of contractual services. 

Develop planting plans that achieve the goals of providing shade and beauty while avoiding future infrastructure damage.

Serve in a lead capacity in the absence of the supervisor.

Assist with plans for Florida and National Arbor Day celebrations.

Answers questions from the public regarding the care of newly planted trees and develop marketing strategies to promote the program.

Develop partnerships with neighborhood communities and address groups interested in the renewal of the urban forests including some night meetings. Attend social and community events/meetings to promote the program.  Meet with homeowners with concerns on horticultural practices and develop educational literature for homeowners and students.

Insure the requirements of the American National Standard for Tree Care Operations, ANSI A300, are followed with respect to the installation and pruning of young trees. 

Insure all trees planted on public right-of-ways are of the grade specified by the City standards or better, according to the Florida Nursery Grades of the Florida Department of Agriculture Division of Consumer Services.

Spray non-restricted use pesticides and herbicides as needed.

Stake and up right small trees in the aftermath of widespread emergencies (e.g., hurricanes).

Oversees varied administrative work associated with the renewal of the urban forest.

Assess tree planting sites for infrastructure and utility conflicts.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Considerable knowledge of: tree anatomy and biology; materials, equipment, and methods used to plant and maintain trees, landscaping and design principles, potential root infrastructure conflicts and strategies to avoid same; Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ANSI safety standards for tree work.

Working knowledge of: horticultural principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the cultivation of trees grown in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 9 and 10, and American Horticultural Society Plant Heat-Zones 9 and 10.

Ability to: recognize risk trees; safely operate all tools and vehicles required; use safety equipment and tools while climbing trees; read landscape plans and maps; work harmoniously with all levels of City employees, the general public and other organizations; complete assignments in a timely fashion; conduct independent research and prepare reports; analyze information and document procedures and processes; make effective presentations; perform project leader duties; clearly and concisely communicate with all levels, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective internal and external working relationships, prepare and maintain records; lift, carry, push, or pull fifty (50) pounds without assistance and to stand, kneel and stoop; safely operate all equipment and vehicles; safely operate related hand and power tools; perform tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions; read and comprehend labels and directions and work safely with hazardous and noxious chemicals, including, pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.

Skill in:  the use of personal protection equipment including hearing, eye, foot, hand, head and respiratory protection equipment in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Horticulture or related field; and three (3) years experience working with landscape installation, tree installation, tree production and/or tree pruning.

Licenses or Certifications

Certification as an Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture or Florida Certified Horticultural Professional by the Florida Nurseryman or Grower and Landscape Association; or Landscape Inspector certification by the Florida Landscape Inspectors Association.

Examination

Evaluation of education and experience.