Urban Forester
Urban foresters specialize in the care and management of tree populations in urban settings. Unlike traditional natural resource managers who focus on wildlands, urban foresters manage “green infrastructure” in urban settings to improve the communities overall health. Their goal is to maximize the benefits of the urban canopy, such as reducing heat and improving air quality.
A Day in the Job
This career includes a mix of outdoor field assessments and indoor strategic planning.
Office setting:
- Strategic planning of long term management plans to increase the city’s tree canopy cover.
- Reviewing construction and development plans to ensure their compliance with tree production ordinances.
- Applying for state and federal funding and grants for community planting objects
- Meet with city planners, engineers, and neighborhood groups.
- Utilizing Geographic Information System (GIS) to map and track the health of individual city trees.
Field Work Setting:
- Assessing the health and risk levels of mature trees to prevent hazards to public safety
- Selecting the appropriate species for urban environments and supervising tree-planting crews
- Identifying pests and disease outbreaks and implementing treatment and removal plans
- Coordinating the removal of downed limbs and hazardous trees after severe storms
- Leading Arbor Day events, educational workshops for residents, and community engagement initiatives.
Work Takes Place
Skills
Career Category
Qualifications
Certification as an ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist
Potential Employers
Local Agencies
State Agencies
Commercial Tree Care Companies
Utility Companies
