The City Arborist/Tree Warden and Superintendent of Cemeteries (Arborist/Warden/Superintendent) is a management position who reports to the Director of Public Services (DPS) to plan, organize, direct, and coordinate various DPS work related to two divisions of the Department: the Tree Division and the Cemetery Division.

The Arborist/Warden/Superintendent plans, establishes, and monitors budgets and supervises and coordinates skilled craft and labor work, and inspect/approve said work, including but not limited to the following:

Tree Division:

Procure, plant, prune, maintain and remove, as needed, all public shade trees throughout the City including park trees, subject to approval as necessary by the Park and Recreation Commission, and design small landscape projects as directed by the Director of DPS. Staff the Tree Commission and implement the City Tree Ordinance and permitting process and coordinate gas-leak testing of all proposed tree planting locations. Staff supervised includes a head working foreman, two tree climbers, laborers, as well as various tree contractors. Coordinate tree response efforts throughout the City during emergency (snow and high wind) events using in-house staff and contractors; and be the primary contact with National Grid Electric for same. Participate in the planning process for any City project, or, when required by the City Tree Ordinance, private projects under review for local permitting when such City or private projects involve the planting, replanting, replacement, removal, or other activities that otherwise impact public shade trees, and keep the Tree Commission apprised of such projects. Lead the City’s public education and outreach efforts related to trees generally, including but not limited to Arbor Day, Tree City USA, public school programs, and the like. Selects tree species for projects on City property, subject to approval by applicable entity governing such property (Park and Recreation Commission, Salem Redevelopment Authority, etc.).

Cemetery Division:

Oversee sale of lots and graves, general year-round maintenance of the five City-owned cemeteries (four historic and one public), and staffing of the Cemetery Commission. Staff includes a head working foreman, an administrative assistant, laborers, and truck drivers, as well as seasonal part-time employees. Responsible for long range capital planning related to the City’s cemeteries. Work in collaboration with other City departments, boards, commissions, and community partners to advance historic preservation, interpretation, public access, sustainability, public art, and other projects that involve any City cemetery.

Snow and Emergency Response:

Participate in City snow response and other emergency efforts as part of the City management team. In an emergency the Arborist/Warden/Superintendent may be required to exercise independent judgement quickly and utilize their skills to assist in completing necessary tasks to ensure public safety.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Work under the general direction and supervision of the DPS Director, who provides policy guidance, priorities, and general project schedules. Work is evaluated through regular meetings and inspections of projects and in terms of overall effectiveness and economy of operations. Role exercises considerable judgment in determining work assignment priorities, use of equipment, and workforce.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provide direct supervision of Tree Division and Cemetery Division employees, including seasonal employees of the Divisions, and various contractors. Review work of subordinates and contractors in progress and upon completion for conformance with instructions, timeliness, and technical adequacy.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. Assign work and equipment to crew leader or working foreperson on daily basis according to project, equipment or manpower needed. Modify methods, procedures, and priorities to meet changing conditions and determine whether additional equipment or materials are needed to complete projects, consulting with the DPS Director, or designee, as needed.
2. Interpret work orders, specifications, or other instructions, and explain required procedures to crews. Regularly inspect work in progress for conformance to plans and instructions, and check for employee safety.
3. Supervise and coordinate activities or workforce at project locations.
4. Staff the Tree Commission and the Cemetery Commission. Attend monthly meetings and prepares/reviews and posts agendas and minutes of the meetings. Present updates on current or future projects to the Commissions.
5. Work with the City Purchasing Department to procure goods and services needed by the Divisions. Direct the ordering of departmental supplies, tools, and materials after authorization by DPS Director or designee.
6. Monitor daily and respond in timely fashion to applicable SeeClickFix reports from community members; work with DPS Data Management Analyst in review of work orders and constituent requests relevant to the Divisions.
7. Maintain records of all work performed and employee attendance; prepare SalemStat reports as required.
8. Keep DPS Director or designee advised of unusual problems or delays. Work with them in planning work priorities and developing details for carrying out projects.
9. May operate equipment or perform laboring duties while instructing and supervising crews or during an emergency.
10. Responsible for assisting with snow and any emergency response operations involving DPS and contractor personnel.
11. Procure, coordinate, inspect, approve, and authorize payment for cemetery and tree contractor work.
12. Write grants for tree planting projects in conjunction with other City departments/staff.
13. Perform other duties as assigned.

The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties do not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position as the City of Salem reserves the right to assign other duties as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Thorough and demonstrable knowledge of methods, materials, and equipment used in cemetery, arboriculture, and building and grounds maintenance; considerable knowledge of gardening, fertilizing, spraying, transplanting and trimming techniques; considerable knowledge of hazards and safety practices common to machinery and equipment used in grounds maintenance, snow removal, and construction or recreational areas; ability to plan, organize, and supervise work of others at various locations; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to maintain records and prepare reports; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, the public, Commission members, and other departments.

Thorough and demonstrable knowledge of Urban and Community Forestry. Experience in landscape architecture is highly desirable.

Role requires examining, analyzing, and evaluating facts and circumstances surrounding individual issues, situations, or transactions that may contain department level confidential information requiring applying appropriate judgment for actions to be taken within standard time and practice limits. Guidelines for role include a large body of policies, practices and precedents which may be complex or conflicting, at times. Judgment is used in analyzing specific situations to determine appropriate actions. Employee is expected to weigh efficiency and relative priorities with procedural concerns in decision making. Requires understanding, interpreting, and applying federal, state, and local regulations.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

A minimum of four (4) years’ experience in the operation, maintenance, and repair of municipal (historic and public) cemeteries, including one (1) year in a supervisory capacity; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Knowledge of the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 114. Know or become familiar with relevant City ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Hold an Associates of Science Degree in Arboriculture, Agriculture, Urban Forestry, or related degree. Hold a Massachusetts Certified Arborist Certification. Or three (3) years supervisory experience in commercial or municipal tree care with the ability to obtain a Massachusetts Certified Arborist Certification within one year of starting employment. Knowledge of the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87 and relevant City ordinances, rules, and regulations.

Satisfactorily meet the requirements of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 41, Section 106 relative to the qualifications for Tree Wardens in the Commonwealth. Completion of the Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden program from the Massachusetts Tree Wardens’ and Foresters’ Association or the ability to do so within one year of starting employment. ISA Certified Arborist preferred but not required. Landscape Architecture experience is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to be mobile and communicate with others. The employee is required to be capable of safely using equipment associated with the role, as well as assist or demonstrate usage to others. The employee may be required to reach or extend themselves to observe issues and assess tasks. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Employee is outside frequently, in all types of weather. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, depending upon the location.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to apply to the City using this email address: jobs@salem.com. Position is open until a qualified candidate is selected.

CITY OF SALEM

Human Resources, 98 Washington Street, 3rd floor; Salem, Massachusetts 01970

Lisa B. Cammarata, Director

DATE: DECEMBER 2, 2024

The City of Salem is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender or gender identity, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran history/military status or genetic information.