Associate Director of Urban Forestry, Morris Arboretum & Gardens - University of Pennsylvania

University Overview


The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.




Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.




The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.








Posted Job Title

Associate Director of Urban Forestry, Morris Arboretum & Gardens





Job Profile Title

Associate Director A, Curatorial, Morris Arboretum





Job Description Summary

Morris Arboretum & Gardens is seeking an inspiring and mission-driven leader to head its Urban Forestry (UF) team, a group dedicated to strengthening the health and sustainability of urban forests across the greater Philadelphia region. This critical role centers on overseeing a team that provides impartial, research-backed arboriculture and urban forestry guidance—without engaging in tree care services. This unique approach ensures that all recommendations are objective, allowing the UF team to advise with the utmost integrity and focus on long-term ecological health.


The Head of Urban Forestry will play a transformative role in growing the region’s tree canopy and fostering urban resilience. By building and strengthening partnerships with local organizations, municipal leaders, and community stakeholders, the successful candidate will advocate for the benefits of urban forestry, such as cleaner air, increased biodiversity, and healthier, more vibrant communities. This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a mission-focused team and make a lasting impact on Philadelphia’s green spaces, ensuring that the region’s urban forest flourishes for generations to come.





Job Description


Job Responsibilities

+ Client and Stakeholder Management: Lead the Urban Forestry team’s client portfolio, primarily focusing on the University of Pennsylvania. Collaborate closely with UPenn Facilities and Real Estate Services (FRES) to manage and sustain the university’s tree collection across its expansive campus. Foster strong relationships with clients to ensure the delivery of high-quality, objective advice.

+ Project Development and Coordination: Coordinate and oversee projects for external clients on various tree-related topics, including identification, assessment, mapping, and specification development. Actively pursue and bid on regional projects to expand the department’s influence and impact within the urban forestry community.

+ Financial Management: Oversee and manage a $250,000 annual budget funded by FRES and external clients, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to support project goals, client needs, and departmental growth.

+ Educational Outreach and Advocacy: Serve on the Tree Canopy Conference planning committee and contribute to educational programming within the School of Arboriculture. Develop and teach arboriculture courses to professional and amateur audiences, advancing awareness and best practices in urban forestry.

+ Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Reporting: Partner with the Chief Arborist to coordinate outreach and educational activities and report directly to the Director of Education. Act as a representative of the UF team’s mission to promote urban forestry in the UPenn community and the greater Philadelphia area.






Qualifications

+ ISA Certification: ISA Certified Arborist is required, with the expectation to achieve ISA Board Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) certification within 12 months of hire.

+ Experience and Expertise: 1-2 years' experience required, 10 years in arboriculture, preferred, with at least 3 years, preferred, in a supervisory role. Prior experience in consulting is preferred. Comprehensive knowledge of current tree care methods, pest and disease management, and industry trends is essential.

+ Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in arboriculture, forestry, environmental science, or a related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education is required.

+ Leadership and Management Skills: Strong ability to lead and manage a team, with proven experience handling multiple projects and clients effectively. Skilled in providing clear direction and fostering a positive team environment.

+ Technical Proficiency: Skilled in drafting and interpreting tree-related ordinances. Proficiency in programs like CAD, GIS, and Microsoft Office Suite to support project coordination and data management.

+ Communication and Outreach: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, committed to delivering outstanding customer service. Enthusiasm for educational outreach and community engagement is essential.

+ Other duties as assigned.






Desired Skills:

+ Construction-Related Arboriculture: Experience with tree preservation during construction projects.

+ Ordinance Expertise: Knowledge in interpreting and drafting tree-related ordinances to ensure compliance and advocacy for tree protection.

+ Expert Witness Experience: Experience serving as an expert witness in arboriculture, demonstrating authority and credibility in the field.

+ Revenue Generation: A track record of meeting or surpassing revenue goals, showcasing an ability to grow services and partnerships strategically.

+ Collaborative Spirit: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with professionals in landscape architecture, architecture, land planning, land management, and engineering to foster a cohesive approach to urban forestry initiatives.






About Morris Arboretum & Gardens


Morris Arboretum & Gardens (http://www.morrisarboretum.org/) of the University of Pennsylvania inspires an understanding of the relationship between plants and people through education, research, and horticultural displays. Located in the Northwest section of Philadelphia, Morris Arboretum is a destination for plant enthusiasts and home to over 13,000 woody plants. The Arboretum also hosts special and educational events, serving as a vital part of Penn and a hub for botany, horticulture, and urban forestry.




About the Division of Business Services


The Business Services Division (BSD) supports the individual and collective needs of the Penn community by promoting a hospitable, customer-friendly campus environment and providing mission-critical services and essential operations. BSD is dedicated to delivering high-quality service in a fiscally responsible manner. Currently, the Division focuses on three major initiatives:



+ Revenue growth/retention through improved marketing efforts, extended services, and the development of new distribution channels.


+ Driving productivity for the Division and its customers through the better use of technology.


+ Enhancing service offerings through upgrades and expansions of facilities. ​



For more information on BSD, visit: https://www.business-services.upenn.edu/






Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania





Department / School

Morris Arboretum





Pay Range

$43,888.00 - $70,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.




Affirmative Action Statement Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.




Special Requirements Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.




University Benefits

+ Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts : Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.

+ Tuition : Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits . You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.

+ Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.

+ Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.

+ Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.

+ Wellness and Work-life Resources : Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.

+ Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.

+ University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.

+ Discounts and Special Services : From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.

+ Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.

+ Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.

+ Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.




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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay



The University of Pennsylvania's special character is reflected in the diversity of the Penn community. We seek talented faculty and staff who will constitute a vibrant community that draws on the strength that comes with a substantive institutional commitment to diversity along dimensions of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, veteran status, interests, perspectives, and socioeconomic status. Grounded in equal opportunity, nondiscrimination, and affirmative action, Penn's robust commitment to diversity is fundamental to the University's mission of advancing knowledge, educating leaders for all sectors of society, and public service. The University of Pennsylvania prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.