Jesse Kirk

Experience

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  Lake of the Forest Inc.

  May 2005 - Aug 2010

  Lake of the Forest
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  The Davey Tree Expert Company

  Feb 2011 - Mar 2014

  Urban Forester

  Travel and complete tree inventories around the eastern half of the United States. Map trees on arc pad, rate them for risk and prescribe maintenance. Also collect data for iTree Eco projects.

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  City of Mission Hills

  Feb 2014 - now

  We're a small City without a public works department. Most of my time is spent overseeing large tree related contracts (pruning, planting, pest management, and tree removals). I conducted and keep current our City tree inventory. I write specifications, update ordinance and conduct tree appraisals when trees are removed or damaged illegally. I consult with residents addressing all their personal forestry and horticultural related questions. I really enjoy educating people about their natural surroundings. It's one thing discussing arboricultural concepts with other professionals and a completely different approach when teaching someone about their existing tree canopy and natural areas during a 20 minute meeting. I love breaking down urban forestry principles into concepts so basic that people who have never thought much about trees get excited and can look at their trees completely anew. We're a small City with a small staff so a lot of non tree related things fall on my plate as well. Currently I'm overseeing the installation of google fiber throughout the City. Also being out in the field more than any of my coworkers, I'm the eyes of the City and a liaison between residents and City Hall. With the support of my Council, bosses, co-workers and residents we're able to accomplish a lot and are continually working to have the best urban forest possible in the wake of EAB and changing weather patterns. Show less Oversee all urban forestry related activities. Maintain an inventory of all street, park, and island trees and monitor all associated maintenance such as periodic removals and annual pruning cycles. Identify planting sites and purchase planting stock with an emphasis on diversifying species and planting in locations that give trees the opportunity to thrive and minimize future costs of maintenance. I also work on developing ordinances to protect City trees and consult with homeowners and contractors on private tree protection during construction. I'm always available for private consultations with homeowners regarding their private plantings to ensure they receive appropriate maintenance from local contractors following the latest ANSI guidelines. Show less

  • Parks Director/ Right of way Manager

    Jan 2021 - now

  • City Arborist

    Feb 2014 - now

  • Consulting Arborist

    Feb 2014 - Jan 2017
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  ArborologyKC

  Jan 2019 - now

  Company Owner