URBAN FORESTRY SERVICES MANAGER

Recruitment: #2506-5915-001

List Type: Original

Requesting Department: DPW-OPS-FORESTRY

Open Date: 6/18/2025 12:30:00 PM

Filing Deadline: 7/11/2025 11:59:00 PM

Introduction
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce committed to providing exemplary service to its residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

Purpose
The primary goals of the Forestry Section are to maximize the environmental and psychological benefits of the urban forest and to enhance landscape and property values. The Urban Forestry Services Manager directs the Forestry Section of the Department of Public Works, which is responsible for designing and managing approximately 194,000 street tree sites, 120 miles of boulevards and other green spaces, and 160 acres of nursery trees and greenhouses.

Essential Functions

Management and Oversight

• Direct district forestry management staff in program analysis and development, service level priority assessment, development and monitoring of performance and production metrics, operational efficiency and integration.
• Oversee City contract maintenance services, land management services and code enforcement.
• Direct forest protection programs related to pests and diseases and construction impacts.
• Oversee storm-damaged tree response operations.
• Manage ice control and plowing operations on a rotating basis with other division administrators.
• Plan and administer workforce staffing and development needs and programs.
• Manage employee relations and personnel matters including promotions, discipline, sick and injury pay control, and employee safety programs.

Administration

• Seek out and administer grants related to urban forest management and administration.
• Direct and coordinate technical training and research activities.
• Lead workforce development training programs for entry-level and other Forestry positions.
• Identify, pilot, and implement new arboricultural and horticultural methods and best practices that reduce costs and improve efficiency and service quality.  
• Administer and direct Forestry field operations and programs related to tree management, landscape design and beautification, boulevard maintenance, small equipment support and repair services, and nursery and greenhouse operations. 

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

Conditions of Employment
The Urban Forestry Technical Services Manager must be willing and able to do the following:

• Work extended work shifts during emergency operations.
• Work for prolonged periods outdoors in variable weather and environmental conditions, and tolerate noise, vibration, and exposure to airborne contaminants.
• Perform work requiring physical exertion and agility, including walking distances, reaching, and doing repetitive movements.
• Respond to emergency call-outs and report within 60 minutes or fewer at any time during the day or night, any day of the week, for storm response, snow and ice control operations, and other emergencies.
• File a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303- Code of Ethics.

Pre-placement exams for this position include the following:

• Physical Exam w/lift test
• Vision Exam
• Audio-Gram

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in forestry, ornamental horticulture, forest entomology, plant pathology, biology, or a related field.
• Five years of supervisory or management experience in forestry or horticulture.
• Valid driver’s license at the time of appointment and throughout employment. (Car allowance is provided pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances)
• Good driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Certified Arborist certification within six months of appointment and throughout employment. 

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process before extending any job offers.

Desirable Qualifications

• Master’s degree in forestry, ornamental horticulture, forest entomology, plant pathology, biology, or a related field.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Municipal Specialist and/or ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical

• Ability to direct municipal forestry programs and operations.
• Ability to formulate, implement and administer strategies, policies and practices that maximize organizational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ability to formulate, present, and administer operational and capital improvement budgets.
• Knowledge of national, regional and local urban forestry policies and initiatives related to the management of Milwaukee’s urban forest resources.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations, industry standards, municipal ordinances, and administrative policies related to urban forestry and landscape practices.
• Knowledge of plant health care management principles.
• Knowledge of research design and natural resources population sampling techniques.
• Knowledge of governmental regulations regarding pesticides and hazardous material management.
• Knowledge of arboriculture practices and techniques.
• Ability to use spreadsheet, database, project management, and word processing software to develop reports, write business correspondence, and summarize data.
• Commitment to staying apprised of developments in plant health care, urban forest management techniques, and urban forestry operations.

Leadership

• Ability to formulate, articulate and build consensus towards an organizational vision.
• Ability to manage emergency response for wind storm, snow, and ice operations.
• Ability to effectively manage direct and indirect reports, including assigning duties, directing work in progress, evaluating job performance, and hiring employees.
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of staff in a large and complex organization.
• Knowledge of team building, training, and coaching techniques and principles to empower staff to realize their potential.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Ability to develop goals and strategies that meet measurable objectives.
• Skill in developing and implementing performance measurement tools to track program outcomes.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Written communication skills to create reports and business correspondence.
• Verbal communication and presentation skills to impart program information effectively.
• Ability to effectively communicate to a wide variety of audiences and exhibit cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.
• Ability to work independently as a member of a highly supportive team.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with a multicultural, multidisciplinary, multilevel staff, the public, City officials, and other outside agencies.
• Presentation skills to share information effectively and be persuasive before groups, such as community events and common council meetings.

Judgment and Professionalism

• Analytical skills and the ability to use sound judgment to solve complex problems and make decisions.
• Honesty, integrity, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to be diplomatic and to operate with tact and professionalism.
• Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to remain calm and perform well under pressure.
• Ability to serve as an effective steward of City resources.

Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 1KX) is $116,493-$127,413 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $119,988-$131,235 annually. An appointment above the minimum is possible based on the level of experience and other qualifications, and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS ~ The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits. 

Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE – The examination will be held as soon as practical after the application deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the examination. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative test administration. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

Additional Information

• APPLICATIONS and further information may be accessed by visiting https://www.jobapscloud.com/MIL/.
• Applications should be submitted no later than the deadline listed: 7/11/2025 11:59:00 PM
• If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
• The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

Conclusion

The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.