City Forester

City Forester

Salary

$98,668.44 - $118,695.46 Annually

Location

1402 Wingra Creek Parkway, Madison, WI

Job Type

PERMANENT FULL TIME

Job Number

2026-00315

Department

Streets & Urban Forestry

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

11/2/2026 11:59 PM Central

Comp. Group/Range

18/13

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Description

The City of Madison Urban Forestry work unit has a dedicated funding source and enjoys a high level of support from our elected officials and the community. We are looking for a dynamic leader who will establish and maintain collaborative, mutually beneficial working relationships with staff, elected officials, community urban forestry advocates, our strong network of neighborhood associations, and other interested parties.

Starting salary is negotiable within the stated range. Relocation expenses and annual vacation are also negotiable.

IMPORTANT: THERE ARE TWO (2) SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY QUESTIONS ON THE JOB POSTING.

YOU MUST ATTACH YOUR ANSWERS IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF YOUR APPLICATION.

(To view the questions, click on the supplemental question tab OR view the bottom section of the job bulletin)

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WITHOUT ATTACHED ESSAY RESPONSES WILL IMMEDIATELY BE ELIMINATED FROM CONSIDERATION.

The City Forester manages the Urban Forestry work unit within the Streets Division. This position plays a lead role in all initiatives related to the care, protection, and promotion of Madison's urban forest. This is responsible professional, technical, supervisory, programmatic, and administrative work involving the direction of the maintenance, protection, removal, and planting of all public trees within the City of Madison. The work involves supervising a large staff of highly educated and engaged permanent and hourly employees through lower level supervisors, as well as the direct supervision of administrative staff, involved in the following work: inspections for compliance with Department of Public Works (DPW) specifications, updating street tree inventory, code enforcement, hazard tree inspections, and street tree planting.

This position has significant input in the formation and responsibility of the Forestry annual budget, developing and implementing new programs, overseeing ongoing programs, and coordinating the processing of owner assessments in certain situations. This position monitors and directs tree protection requirements for construction activities impacting right of way trees and is responsible for short- and long-term planning and coordinating projects and work unit activities. Considerable interaction and collaboration with staff from other agencies, as well as engagement with residents, developers, and elected officials is expected. This position reports to the Streets and Urban Forestry Division Manager and carries out its duties and responsibilities with a high degree of independence.

Employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn't match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Management

• Manage the Forestry work unit within the Citys Streets Division and guide the vision, protection, and expansion of the urban forest to promote public health, environmental equity, sustainability, and quality of life.
• Direct the activities of the Urban Forestry Work Unit management and specialist staff in the planning, organizing and implementation of work unit operations by establishing and analyzing programs, service level assessments, development and monitoring of goals and performance metrics while ensuring work is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
• Direct and administer, through lower level supervisors, the field operations and programs related to tree management, including small tree and cycle pruning, chemical treatments, storm response and tree protection measures.
• Identify, pilot, and implement new methods and practices that improve safety, reduce costs and improve quality.
• Manage employee relations including recruitment, retention, promotion, training, discipline, grievance resolution and Workers Comp.
• Take proactive action to ensure unit work culture aligns with City's expectations of providing an inclusive, open and welcoming work place for all.
• Direct and coordinate technical training and research activities for the section.
• Direct workforce development training for new hires. Create and monitor ongoing employee training programs related to crew safety, skills attainment, best practices and maintenance as well as cultural awareness.
• Promote adherence to national tree work and safety standards, including A300 and ANSI Z133.

Administration

• Direct tree protection programs related to construction impacts as well as those from pests or disease.
• Advise on, and execute, citywide tree policy, enforce ordinances, establish tree management priorities and best practices, develop new initiatives, and work with non-profit partners to expand and maintain the Citys tree canopy.
• Provide overall management to any urban forestry contracts, contractors or consultants.
• Research, write and manage RFP's, RFQ's and related processes.
• Update Tree Technical Manual biannually.
• Work with the Department of Civil Rights as well as appropriate community partners to ensure city forestry efforts are equity-focused.
• Provide overall management of Forestry's Asset Management System, TreeKeeper, tracking relevant data as it relates to tree location, age, growth, health, work orders, and other relevant data.
• Participate in the City's annual budget process and manage the urban forestry operating and capital budget.
• Generate and present reports as necessary.
• Attend and provide presentations at various Board, Committee and Neighborhood meetings as required.
• Ensure required reports, records and data systems are accurate and up to date.

Collaboration

• Interface across municipal and state agencies and authorities, as well as nonprofit and institutional partners, as necessary, on issues regarding Madison's urban forestry. Work directly with other City department personnel, elected officials, not-for-profit organizations, community groups, and State and Federal agencies on tree issues and work that supports the Citys forestry program and goals.
• Work with and facilitate effective communication with community groups.
• Work with various City agencies to ensure the care and maintenance of public trees in the city right of way, parks, playgrounds, cemeteries, squares, plazas, medians and public building grounds are properly maintained.
• Respond directly or when appropriate work with the City's public information structure to manage the divisions communications processes to include responses to service requests, outreach, engagement and education programs specific to tree planting, monitoring, maintenance and care, as well as to promote the Forestry Program through various media formats and conduct public presentations on the Citys program.
• Work with Planning Department and City Engineering to manage the review and response associated with proposed construction and development projects regarding urban tree canopy and landscaping.
• Provide guidance and a strong voice in the development of policies, codes, and other requirements, particularly for street design and new development.
• Provide professional direction in administration of coordinated programs for City-wide conservation and protection of arboreal resources, tree inventories, regulation of owner/developer actions on trees covered by the City Code, and the maintenance, removal, and planting of trees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four (4) years of experience applying the following:

• The methods, techniques, equipment, tools, and materials used in planting, pruning, removing, treating, fertilizing, and inspecting shade and ornamental trees.

• Tree species common in Madison's geographic region.

• Relevant pest and diseases including control measures.

• Occupational hazards of all phases of tree care relevant to Right of Way tree care including safety protocols and precautions; AND

• Two (2) years of experience applying the following:

• Use of computer software applicable to the duties of the position including GIS, GPS, MS Office, and Kronos (or similar timesheet/payroll software).

• The full range of supervisory principles and practices.

• Budget creation and administration.

• Efficient personnel and equipment utilization techniques.

• OR-

• Three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience in a forestry organization at the level of foreperson or above; AND

• Bachelors Degree in forestry, forest management, or a related field.

Other combinations of experience, training, and education which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore, successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

For a complete list of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, please reference the City Forester classification specification.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid drivers license.
• ISA Certified Arborist designation within six (6) months of hire.
• May be expected to attend meetings or provide trainings outside regular work hours, including evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to inspect work at a variety of field work sites (e.g., wooded areas, hilly uneven terrain, wetlands, shorelines, etc.).

The City of Madison offers excellent pay and benefits for employees. City Ordinances, handbooks, and labor contracts provide specifics; the description here is not to be considered a binding statement but offers an informal summary.

Compensation

The City of Madison strives to pay competitive wages. View the current salary schedules for pay for all classifications. Employees receive increases based on tenure with the City.

Benefits

The City offers a competitive benefits package, including a generous leave package, a variety of insurance options, and non-traditional benefits such as optional pet insurance, a bus pass for all employees, and the possibility of flexible work schedules. A brief summary of benefits is listed below. Please visit our website for more information.

Leave

Vacation is earned upon starting employment and can be used after completion of probation. The general vacation schedule is below.

0-3 years 10 work days of vacation

After 3 years 12-1/2 days

After 7 years 15 days

After 11 years 17-1/2 days

After 15 years 20 days

After 19 years 25 days

After 27 years 27 days

Employees earn 3.5 personal days in addition to vacation.

Employees receive eight official paid holidays (New Years Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day), as well as 3 paid leave days (the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Years Eve).

Employees also earn 13 sick days annually that may accrue to a total of 150 days.

Retirement

The City of Madison participates in the Wisconsin Retirement System through the State of Wisconsin Department of Employee Trust Funds.

Insurance

The City of Madison offers a variety of optional insurance programs including:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Income Continuation Insurance (for short and long-term disability)
• Long Term Care Insurance

Other Benefits

The City offers numerous other benefits and programs for employees, including:

• 457(b) deferred compensation plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Bus Pass on Madison Metro
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Employer-paid Training

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY--YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO ANSWER THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS AS PART OF YOUR APPLICATION. You can answer the questions using a word processing program and attach as a .docx or .pdf file. You must attach the document in the "Attachments" section of the application or you will not receive further consideration for this position. Your responses will be evaluated on your writing ability including: spelling, grammar and your ability to express your thoughts in a logical fashion. By checking this box, you acknowledge the above and understand that your response is required and failure to attach your essay response will immediately eliminate you from consideration.

• Acknowledged

02

The Dane County Regional Airport is expanding to accommodate the increased travel needs of Madison's growing population. Part of the expansion is the creation of an overflow parking lot adjacent to what is now an unimproved road (doesn't have curb, gutter, or sidewalk). Madison has a policy that stipulates that roadways will be redesigned with improvements whenever development occurs. This segment of road has 15 medium sized Norway maples that are located in the right of way and is traveled by many coming to and from the airport. This project has been assigned to one of your Forestry Specialists to review to determine what, if any, impacts to the street trees will be. It has been determined that all 15 trees would need to be removed because the proposed new sidewalk installation will only be two feet away from the stems of each tree. Additionally, Dane County forwarded you a letter from the USDA stating that Dane County is responsible for wildlife habitat management within two miles of the airport and that they should minimize landscaping, trees, and shrubs that would be beneficial to wildlife. The previous City Forester passed specification and ordinance changes (affectionately known as "Tree Teeth") that came into effect on January 1, 2026. The updates for the Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction are in section 107.13 (https://madison.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=14772251&GUID=D18FFD59-A4EF-4B99-BCEC-3DA0972EE741#page=8). The associated ordinance changes are in Legistar File No. 89254. The Public Works Director is asking for Forestry's position on this project. Given all this information, what recommendation(s) will you propose as City Forester?

• My one (1) page response is attached

03

Madison's Forestry funding is fairly unique in that residents pay into the Urban Forestry Special Charge, a dedicated monthly charge found on their Municipal Services Bill, that fully funds the City's Forestry section as well as some related urban forestry work done by other work sections in the City. What are the pros and cons you would identify in having this dedicated charge on the bill funding the City's Urban Forestry work?

• My one (1) page response is attached

Required Question

Employer Madison, City of (WI)

Address 215 Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.

MMB Rm 261

MADISON, Wisconsin, 53703

Phone (608) 266-4615

Website http://www.cityofmadison.com/jobs