Forestry Supervisor

Job Title: Forestry Supervisor Department: Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Reports to: City Forester FLSA Status: Nonexempt Salary Grade: 20A 2026 Wage: $35.01 per hour

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supervising and participating in the care and maintenance of city trees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

*Coordinates the work of full-time and seasonal staff; plans and assigns daily work. *Hires, trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and disciplines personnel. *Maintains department supply inventory; makes purchases as needed. *Prepares equipment specifications. *Operates a bucket truck and other specialized equipment to prune and remove trees. *Removes dead, dying or hazardous trees. *Cleans up storm-related damage. *Removes stumps. *Maintains inventory of city trees. *Plants trees. *Assists with snow removal operations. *Diagnoses and treats trees for pests. *Train Forestry Technicians and seasonal staff on proper tree care and tree work techniques. *Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

*Experience in arboricultural and urban forestry practices and techniques. *Experience in the tools, equipment, materials, and methods use in the planting, pruning, and maintenance of trees. *Experience in occupational hazards and safety procedures. *Experience in supervisory principles and practices. *Experience in equipment operation and maintenance principles. *Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. *Skill in the operation of various pieces of equipment, including tree tools. *Skill in prioritizing and planning. *Skill in interpersonal relations. *Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Forester assigns work in terms of general instructions and spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES Guidelines include city ordinances, ANSI 300 and ANSI 2133 standards, ISDA standards, and department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

*The work consists of varied supervisory and technical duties. Inclement weather contributes to the complexity of the position. *The purpose of this position is to supervise and participate in the maintenance of the city's green infrastructure. Successful performance contributes to the provision of safe and attractive environment for city employees, citizens and visitors.

CONTACTS *Contacts are typically with coworkers, contractors, vendors, property owners, utility company employees, volunteers, and the general public. *Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems, motivate persons, and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

*The work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color. *The work is typically performed outdoors, in all seasons. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, and machinery with moving parts. The work requires the use of PPE such as safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has direct supervision over assigned personnel.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

*Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized vocational training in the field of work. *Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with one to three years experience or service. *Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver’s license issued by the State of South Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated within six (6) months of employment. *Obtain a South Dakota pesticide applicators license within 3 months of employment.

RESIDENCY All new hires must reside within 40 miles of city limits unless specific approval of City Manager.

To apply for this position, please complete the application and submit it by either emailing it to hr@aberdeen.sd.us or delivering it to the Human Resources office in City Hall.