Winnetka, IL (Remote) – Assistant Village Forester

The Village of Winnetka’s Engineering Department seeks applications for the full-time position of Assistant Village Forester. The Assistant Village Forester provides professional and technical support to all forestry-related activities, including arboriculture, grounds maintenance, tree planting, and tree preservation. This position routinely reviews building permits to ensure compliance with tree preservation requirements as specified by the Village Code, processes tree removal permits, and assists in the administration of forestry-related service contracts.

Essential Duties:

• Review building permits for conformance with Winnetka’s Tree Preservation Ordinance; conduct site inspections in the construction process for compliance.
• Examine tree removal permit applications; approve forestry-related permit applications in accordance with Village codes and regulations.
• Examine construction plans for accuracy and compliance with applicable tree preservation and enhancement regulations; administer Village codes and regulations, including conducting construction site inspections and confirming components meet approved plans.
• Maintain GIS inventory of the Village’s public tree population through field data collection and analysis.
• Oversee Village tree maintenance and tree planting performed by contractors; ensure specifications and project completeness; maintain outside vendor contact, including scheduling and invoice processing.
• Inspect, assess, and diagnose public tree health and risk for insects, diseases and structural issues.
• Research and recommend best forestry practices for management of invasive pests and emerging diseases.
• Research cost-effective and competitive pricing options and ensure the timely ordering of materials within budget and project constraints.
• Provide internal support to other Village departments regarding forestry-related issues; answer inquiries regarding forestry practices and related matters; investigate and resolve complaints in accordance with Department policies.
• Serve as direct point of contact for utility companies to address and resolve forestry-related issues.
• Attend public meetings as a Forestry representative as needed; provide technical assistance to the Environmental, Forestry, and Sustainability Commission.
• Assist in the development of forestry-related educational programs for local schools, scouting organizations, and the general public.
• Assume the duties of the Village Forester in the Forester’s absence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, landscape horticulture, forestry, or urban forestry from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) to three (3) years’ minimum professional work experience in forestry, arboriculture, or a related field.
• Possess International Society of Arboriculture designation as “Certified Arborist” or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

Position Range: $70,199 – $106,181, DOQ.

Work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 40 hours weekly. May require occasional attendance at evening meetings.

Apply Online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/winnetka

For more information, contact:

Ann Eriksson, HR Manager
aeriksson@winnetka.org
847-716-3546