Somerville Seeking Residents to Serve on City’s Urban Forestry Committee

The City of Somerville is currently seeking applicants for seven members of the public to re-establish the Urban Forestry 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 will 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 will meet monthly on the third Thursday of the month, from 6 to 8 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. The seven volunteer members of the Committee are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the Aldermen for three-year terms. At least one member shall demonstrate expertise in the field of urban forestry, and at least one member shall demonstrate expertise in the field of landscape design.

Qualifications

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 should 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 Friday, September 28, 2018, at noon.  For more information, please contact Dr. Boukili at the email address above.

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)