— Photo courtesy of Google Maps

The City of Somerville is currently seeking applicants for a member of the public with expertise in urban forestry to join the Urban Forestry Committee, as well as a youth member for the Committee. The Committee’s input is intended to support and guide policies and plans currently being reviewed and advanced by the Mayor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development and the Department of Public Works.

The Committee shall advise the city on matters related to the management and maintenance of all existing and new trees and shrubs on public grounds and public ways. Members may also review issues related to the health, effective maintenance, and protection of existing trees and shrubs on public grounds and public ways; update information in the tree inventory; support public education and outreach on urban forestry; and provide comments during any city permitting review processes.

The Committee meets monthly on the third Thursday of the month, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The Committee may occasionally be asked to develop educational materials, prepare and conduct community presentations, attend site visits, and/or support City staff during Arbor Day celebrations. Positions currently vacant include:

(1) Volunteer Member (must have expertise in the field of urban forestry)

The volunteer members of the Committee are appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council for three-year terms. The vacant position must be filled by an applicant with expertise in the field of urban forestry.

Qualifications:

Experience in urban forestry is required for this position. In addition, experience in any of the following areas is highly desired: forestry, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, landscape architecture, horticulture, soil biology, ecology, urban design, streetscapes, civil engineering, public relations, and community outreach. Applicants with other relevant or transferable experience are also encouraged to apply.

How to Apply:

Residents interested in volunteering to serve on the Committee are invited to send a letter or an e-mail of interest along with their resume to the Urban Forestry & Landscape Planner, Dr. Vanessa Boukili (vboukili@somervillema.gov or 93 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143).All applications must be received by November 4, 2019, by the close of business.For more information, please contact Dr. Boukili at the email address above.

(2) Youth Members

Somerville teens with an interest in environmental issues, gardening, agriculture, ecology, and other related fields are encouraged to apply for two open positions on the city’s Urban Forestry Committee. To apply you must be a Somerville resident between the ages of 14 and 17.

How to apply:

Send a letter or email explaining why you would like to volunteer for the Urban Forestry Committee to Senior Urban Forestry and Landscape Planner Dr. Vanessa Boukili (vboukili@somervillema.gov or 93 Highland Ave., Somerville, MA 02143) by 5 p.m on Monday, November 4, 2019.Please also include your contact information. For more information, please contact Dr. Boukili at vboukili@somervillema.gov.

The City of Somerville does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, national origin, disability or any other protected category. Auxiliary aids and services, written materials in alternative formats, and reasonable modifications in policies and procedures will be provided to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities free of charge, upon request.

Individuals with disabilities who need auxiliary aids and services for effective communication, written materials in alternative formats, or reasonable modifications in policies and procedures, in order to access the programs and activities of the City of Somerville or to attend meetings, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator, Nency Salamoun, at the address noted below:

Nency Salamoun, JD
NSalamoun@somervillema.gov
(617) 625-6600, Ext. 2323 (Voice)
(617) 808-4851 (TTY)