Position description:
Under the general supervision of the Urban Forestry Permitting & Regulation Manager, this position will coordinate all aspects of the Urban Forestry permitting and regulation program. This includes non-development and development permitting, code compliance, and the City’s single point of contact (the Tree Hotline/823-TREE).
A key function for this position is to develop relationships and build partnership opportunities with internal and external stakeholders. This includes working closely with internal employees, other city bureaus, and the public to address the permitting and regulation program’s operational and business requirements to implement the City’s Tree Code; Title 11.
The coordinator will represent Urban Forestry on Citywide initiatives as they relate to Urban Forestry permitting needs, regulatory requirements, and overall improvements. This position is the primary Urban Forestry permitting and regulation standard operating procedure manager and inter-bureau liaison managing small, medium and large initiatives for the program. The incumbent will research, draft, and implement strategies, including training staff, to ensure the Urban Forestry permitting and regulation program and its staff are competent, trained, and successful in the implementation of the Tree Code.
Additional information:
As the Urban Forestry Permitting and Regulation Coordinator II, you will:
- Have excellent project management skills, expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, and a keen interest in using data to inform and make sound, equitable decisions while meeting deadlines.
- Have advanced communication skills – someone who can describe complex concepts in simple terms and who will be an effective ambassador for Urban Forestry, sharing information and engaging and training a wide variety of audiences.
- Lead development of, manage and document standard operating procedures to ensure successful and accurate implementation of the Tree Code.
- Develop and maintain partnerships and relationships with the public, inter-bureau liaisons, government representatives, and citywide leadership.
- Develop and train staff through regulatory changes, including building and overseeing implementation of workplans.
- Manage regulatory projects from concept to implementation and evaluation, including leading project teams.
As a person, you are:
- A problem solver with leadership potential and a proven track record of implementing new solutions and completing projects on time;
- Collaborative: An outgoing professional who values partnership and develops and supports relationships to get things done;
- Someone who values Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Use DEI concepts to guide and inform your work;
- Emotionally Intelligent: Motivated, passionate, team-oriented, and empathetic;
- Dependable: Employee not only shows up for work on time every day but also produces consistent work.
required qualifications:
The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:
- Knowledge of and ability to apply the principles, theories, methods and techniques of natural resources management and environmental protection as per the International Society of Arboriculture Best Management Practices;
- Skill in negotiating with representatives of regulatory agencies to resolve arboriculturally technical and/or compliance issues;
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with leadership and staff, representatives of other governmental agencies, the public, and others encountered in the course of work;
- Ability to analyze, interpret, explain, and train others in applying relevant laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures including City of Portland regulatory codes;
- Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; prepare concise and comprehensive standard operating procedures, reports, correspondence, and other documents;
- Skill and ability to coordinate multiple priorities and projects with similar deadlines and meet those deadlines on time.
Although not required, the ideal candidate may have one of the following:
- Certified Arborist ISA (International Society of Arborists) Credential
- Certification Municipal Specialist ISA Credential, or
- Certified Tree Risk Assessor ISA credential