Urban Forestry Program Manager

Urban Forestry Program Manager

Position Summary

The City of Newark is seeking an experienced and dynamic Urban Forestry Program

Manager to lead the City's comprehensive urban forestry program and oversee the Tree

Operations Unit. Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, this leadership position is

responsible for developing, implementing, and managing Newark's urban forestry initiatives to

restore, expand, protect, and maintain the City's tree canopy while advancing climate resilience,

environmental justice, public safety, and neighborhood beautification.

The Urban Forestry Program Manager provides strategic leadership for tree planting,

maintenance, preservation, permitting, inspections, contractor oversight, emergency response,

and community engagement. This position works collaboratively across City departments,

utilities, contractors, nonprofit organizations, and residents to ensure that Newark's urban forest

is effectively managed and integrated into planning, infrastructure improvements, and

sustainability initiatives.

The successful candidate will combine technical arboricultural expertise with strong leadership,

project management, budgeting, grant administration, and public engagement skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Urban Forestry Program Administration

• Oversee the City's Tree Operations Unit, including field personnel, contractors,

consultants, and seasonal staff.

• Develop and implement Newark's Community Forest Management Plan and Community

Forestry Master Plan.

• Establish short-, medium-, and long-term strategies to expand and preserve the City's tree

canopy while supporting climate resilience, stormwater management, air quality

improvement, and environmental justice goals.

• Develop annual work plans, performance metrics, and operational priorities.

• Requisition, procure, and oversee equipment, materials, and supplies required for urban

forestry operations.

Tree Planting, Preservation, and Maintenance

• Plan and oversee citywide tree planting initiatives, including the selection of appropriate

species based on site conditions, biodiversity, infrastructure compatibility, climate

resilience, soil conditions, and long-term maintenance needs.

• Coordinate all phases of tree planting projects, including site selection, design, planting,

establishment, and maintenance.

• Direct and supervise tree pruning, removal, planting, transplanting, fertilization,

watering, cabling, pest management, and other arboricultural activities.

• Conduct and oversee inspections to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, insect and

disease issues, and public safety concerns.

• Develop preventive maintenance schedules and risk mitigation strategies.

• Respond to hazardous tree conditions and coordinate emergency response following

storms and other natural events.

• Supervise utility tree clearance activities and coordinate with utility providers to ensure

compliance with industry standards and municipal requirements.

Tree Permitting, Compliance, and Development Review

• Administer the City's Tree Work Permit Program.

• Review and approve permits for tree pruning, removal, construction activities, and

development projects affecting public trees.

• Collaborate with Planning, Engineering, Public Works, Parks, Code Enforcement, and

other departments to ensure tree preservation standards are incorporated into

development projects.

• Assist in the development and implementation of municipal tree ordinances, policies,

standards, and best management practices.

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing urban forestry

activities.

Project Management, Grants, and Contract Administration

• Develop project scopes, specifications, requests for proposals, and bid documents.

• Manage consultant and contractor performance through inspections, quality assurance,

and contract compliance.

• Review invoices and authorize contractor payments.

• Identify and pursue grant funding opportunities to expand Newark's forestry initiatives.

• Administer federal, state, and private grants, including budgeting, reporting, compliance,

reimbursement requests, and performance tracking.

• Monitor project schedules, deliverables, expenditures, and program outcomes.

Data Management and Technology

• Maintain comprehensive tree inventories and asset management systems.

• Utilize GIS, GPS, i-Tree, and other urban forestry software to support planning,

inventory management, analysis, and reporting.

• Prepare reports, dashboards, maps, presentations, and performance metrics.

• Analyze canopy coverage, planting priorities, tree health trends, and program

effectiveness using data-driven decision-making.

Community Engagement and Education

• Develop and implement public education programs promoting tree stewardship and urban

forestry best practices.

• Coordinate volunteer tree planting events and community engagement initiatives.

• Build partnerships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, utilities,

neighborhood organizations, and governmental agencies.

• Represent the City at public meetings, community events, conferences, and professional

organizations.

• Respond to inquiries from residents, elected officials, and stakeholders regarding urban

forestry programs.

Leadership and Supervision

• Provide leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for Tree

Operations Unit staff.

• Establish work priorities, assign projects, and monitor operational performance.

• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer-service-oriented work environment.

• Ensure compliance with applicable safety regulations, industry standards, and City

policies.

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare correspondence, technical reports, budget documents, and presentations.

• Maintain accurate records, files, and operational documentation.

• Support emergency management operations as required.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture,

Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Landscape Management, or a related field

preferred.

• Minimum of three years of experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree inspection, or

municipal tree management

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

• ISA Certified Arborist required within six (6) months of appointment if not

currently held

Preferred Experience

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in urban forestry, municipal

forestry, arboriculture, natural resource management, or a related field.

• At least two (2) years of supervisory or management experience preferred.

• Master's degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Public Administration, Environmental

Management, or related field

• Experience managing municipal tree inventories using GIS and asset management

software

• Experience administering federal or state grants

• Experience with public procurement and contract administration

Preferred Qualifications, Certifications and Licenses

• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

• ISA Municipal Specialist

• New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert

• Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of tree biology, species identification, pests, diseases, and structural defects

common to the northeastern United States.

• Knowledge of urban forestry practices, tree planting, pruning, removal, preservation, pest

management, and risk assessment.

• Familiarity with New Jersey tree regulations and municipal operations is preferred.

• Knowledge of applicable OSHA standards, ANSI A300 standards, Z133 safety standards,

and relevant federal, state, and local regulations.

• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, purchasing, procurement, and contract

administration.

• Strong project management and organizational skills.

• Experience supervising field operations and multidisciplinary teams.

• Ability to interpret engineering, construction, and landscape plans.

• Ability to analyze technical issues and develop practical solutions.

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS software, GPS technology, i-Tree, and other

forestry management software.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials,

employees, contractors, community organizations, and residents.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments. The position may involve walking

long distances over uneven terrain, lifting up to 50 pounds, and operating a motor vehicle

throughout the City. The position regularly requires exposure to varying weather conditions,

construction sites, traffic, noise, dust, chemicals, heavy equipment, and uneven terrain. The

Urban Forestry Program Manager may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and

emergency response assignments during severe weather events or other emergencies.

Excellent benefits package in accordance with City of Newark policies and applicable collective

bargaining agreements.

This is a Civil Service Job and you must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil

Service title.

Please note that this role is subject to Newark residency requirements within six months of

beginning the position.

The position will be open until it is filled.