How to Be Urban Forester - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 25, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Urban Foresters are professionals who work with local governments and community organizations to promote the health of urban forests. They help to ensure that the forests are managed sustainably, with all the benefits that come from having healthy green spaces in cities. Through their efforts, urban foresters can help to reduce air pollution, mitigate the effects of climate change, create habitat for local wildlife, and provide recreational and educational opportunities.

they work to protect the cities' trees from pests, diseases, and other threats. All of these activities contribute to a healthier and more livable urban environment, resulting in improved quality of life for residents.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a bachelors degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field. Urban foresters typically need at least a bachelors degree in forestry or a related field, such as park management or horticulture. Courses in urban forestry and related topics can provide students with additional knowledge and skills.
Consider obtaining an internship in urban forestry. Completing an internship through a forestry department or other organization can give aspiring urban foresters an opportunity to gain valuable experience and make professional connections in the field.
Obtain certification. Many states require urban foresters to obtain a professional certification, such as the Society of American Foresters (SAF) Certified Forester designation. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam and meet other qualifications, such as having a minimum of two years of work experience in the field.
Take courses in urban planning and design. Urban foresters must understand the principles of urban planning and design to advise cities on how to use and maintain green spaces. Courses in urban planning and design can help aspiring urban foresters gain the necessary knowledge and skills.
Pursue additional certifications. Depending on the state, urban foresters may need additional certifications to practice, such as a pesticide applicator license or an arborist certification.
Look for job openings. Once qualified, urban foresters can search for job openings in state forestry departments, municipal parks departments, private tree care companies, and other organizations.

Urban Foresters must continuously stay informed of the latest developments in their field in order to remain competent. This can be done through attending workshops, conferences, seminars, and other events related to urban forestry. reading professional journals and other publications related to urban forestry can help Urban Foresters stay up to date with the latest research and best practices.

Finally, joining professional organizations and networking with other Urban Foresters can help them stay connected to the profession and exchange ideas. By attending workshops, reading professional journals, and networking with other Urban Foresters, Urban Foresters can stay informed and remain competent in their field.

You may want to check Urban Developer, Urban Park Ranger, and Urban Landscape Architect for alternative.

Job Description

Plant and maintain trees in urban areas
Develop, implement, and monitor urban forestry programs
Monitor and analyze tree health and growth
Provide consultation and advice on tree selection, planting, and maintenance
Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and funding applications
Develop and implement tree protection measures
Provide education to the public on the benefits of urban forests
Coordinate with local government agencies on policies and regulations related to urban forestry
Develop long-term urban forestry plans
Respond to emergent tree health problems in urban areas

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of arboricultural practices and principles
Ability to identify native and non-native tree species
Understanding of tree biology and ecology
Knowledge of urban forestry best practices
Familiarity with pest and disease management strategies
Ability to plan and implement large-scale tree planting projects
Skilled in hazard tree identification and removal
Ability to develop and manage budgets
Understanding of grant writing and fundraising
Knowledge of urban forestry regulations and laws
Ability to develop and implement tree inventories
Understanding of soil science and tree nutrition
Ability to apply GIS-based mapping techniques
Familiarity with tree maintenance techniques
Ability to collaborate with local stakeholders
Skill in creating and delivering public education materials
Familiarity with tree protection measures
Knowledge of municipal codes and ordinances related to urban forestry

Urban Foresters play a key role in helping to protect and maintain the natural environment of urban areas. Their knowledge and expertise in assessing, maintaining and managing trees, parks, and other green spaces is essential to the health and sustainability of cities. The most important skill a Urban Forester needs to possess is an understanding of ecology and the interactions between living organisms and their environment.

This includes knowledge of the local climate, soils, plants and animals, as well as an understanding of the effects of human activities on these systems. Urban Foresters must be able to identify problems, formulate plans for improvement, and develop sustainable management practices to ensure that the environment is protected for future generations. They must have the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, and have good communication skills to effectively convey their ideas and plans to stakeholders.

Lastly, having an open mindset to explore new ideas and technologies is essential for Urban Foresters to stay abreast of current trends and emerging opportunities. With these skills, a Urban Forester can help create more livable and sustainable urban environments.

Urban Health Planner, Urban Resilience Strategist, and Urban Green Infrastructure Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in urban forestry?
Describe your approach to managing a complex urban forest.
How do you handle difficult stakeholders on a project?
What methods do you use to assess the health and condition of trees?
How do you determine the best species for a particular urban environment?
What strategies do you use to manage pests and diseases in urban trees?
How do you balance economic, environmental, and social demands when making decisions about urban forestry?
Describe how you would implement an urban forestry program within a municipality.
What safety protocols do you follow when working in an urban environment?
How do you stay current on the latest trends and developments in urban forestry?

Common Tools in Industry

Pruning Tool. A tool used to trim and shape trees, such as shears or saws (e. g. Lopping Shears).
Planting Tool. A tool used to plant trees and shrubs, such as shovels or augers (e. g. Post Hole Digger).
Soil Testing Kit. A tool used to test the pH level and other properties of the soil (e. g. Soil pH Meter).
Surveying Equipment. Tools used to measure the size, shape and condition of trees (e. g. Clinometer).
Hazard Assessment Tool. A tool used to identify potential risks associated with trees (e. g. Tree Risk Assessment Form).
Tree Identification Guide. A reference guide used to identify different species of trees (e. g. Field Guide to Trees of North America).
GIS Software. Software used to map and analyze urban tree populations (e. g. Esri ArcGIS).
Database Software. Software used to store and manage tree data (e. g. ArborMaster).

Professional Organizations to Know

International Society of Arboriculture
Tree Care Industry Association
Society of Municipal Arborists
National Arbor Day Foundation
American Association of Urban Foresters
National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council
Urban Forest Leadership Forum
Urban Forestry and Urban Greening Journal
Association of Consulting Foresters
American Forests

We also have Urban Climate Change Specialist, Urban Green Infrastructure Planner, and Urban Forestry Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Arboriculture. The cultivation and management of trees, shrubs and vines.
Urban Forestry. The practice of cultivating, managing and protecting urban forests for the benefit of city inhabitants.
Ecology. The study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Horticulture. The art and science of growing fruits, vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants.
Arborists. Professionals who specialize in the care and maintenance of trees.
Forest Management. The management of a forest to meet specific goals and objectives, such as timber production or conservation.
Tree Identification. The process of identifying tree species based on physical characteristics, such as bark, leaves, flowers, seeds, and shape.
Tree Pruning. The process of selectively removing branches or parts of a tree in order to improve its health, structure, or appearance.
Landscaping. The modification of land to make it more attractive or to create a specific type of environment.
Soil Science. The study of soil composition, structure, and properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is Urban Forestry? A1: Urban Forestry is the management and care of trees and green spaces in urban areas. It includes activities such as planting and maintaining trees, preserving green spaces, and educating the public on the importance of trees and nature. Q2: What are the benefits of Urban Forestry? A2: Urban Forestry can provide numerous benefits to urban areas, such as reducing air pollution, improving physical and mental health, cooling temperatures, reducing stormwater runoff, increasing biodiversity, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the environment. Q3: How many trees should be planted in an urban area? A3: The number of trees that should be planted in an urban area depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the area and the types of trees that will be planted. Generally, it is recommended to plant a minimum of 10-20 trees per acre. Q4: What qualifications do Urban Foresters need? A4: Urban Foresters typically need to have a degree in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry, or related fields such as Ecology or Natural Resource Management. Additional certifications may be beneficial as well. Q5: What is the importance of Urban Foresters? A5: Urban Foresters play an important role in maintaining and preserving urban green spaces. They are responsible for planting and caring for trees, protecting trees from disease and pests, and educating the public on the importance of trees and nature in urban areas.

Web Resources

Urban Forestry Program at Rutgers SEBS urbanforestry.rutgers.edu
Extension: Urban Forestry | Department of Forestry, Wildlife and fwf.tennessee.edu
Bloomington Urban Forestry Research Group: Indiana University urbanforestry.indiana.edu