Rachel Barker

**** ***** ***** ****

Tallassee, Al. 36078

Telephone: 334-***-****

Email: abosuu@r.postjobfree.com

Education Master of Public Administration

Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia

Bachelor of Science in Landscape and Ornamental Horticulture

Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama

Qualifications Experienced as a member of the management team in planning, evaluating, developing and implementing management plans and programs, as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations and administration for a staff of over 400. Experienced in developing and monitoring budgets in excess of 23 million dollars. Knowledgeable in ordinance development. Knowledgeable in infrastructure construction as well as tree preservation and tree management. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and problem solving skills. Experienced conference speaker and workshop trainer.

Professional Environmental Planner/Special Projects Manager, Central Alabama Regional Planning and

Experience Development Commission, Montgomery, Alabama,

2008- present

Provides technical assistance for 13 member governments throughout the tri - county region. Prepares Urban Forestry Management Plans, such as Tree Maintenance Plans, Tree Risk Management Plans and Emergency Strom Response Plans for member governments. Develops Landscape and Tree Ordinances for member governments.Provides training to city on tree pruning, planting and preservation techniques.Provides technical assistance as it relates to green infrastructure and its inclusion in comprehensive plans, zoning and subdivision plansServes as a technical resource for member governments when developing hazard mitigation plans and the inclusion of the urban forest resource. Coordinates tree preservation during the development process to include site plan development, tree protection and protocol, training on site as well as on-site inspections. Serves as Special Projects Manager for Commission; Project/Program scope analysis, resource needs assessments, operational plans as well as team building, continuous improvement and project and program evaluation

Project Manager, Natural Resource Consulting, Inc., Tallassee, Alabama,

2007 – present

Consultant, 2005-2007

Coordinates projects for company. Develops plans and evaluates programs to create efficient and effective operations.

Essential Job Functions:Prepares Urban Forestry Management Plans, such as Tree Maintenance Plans, Tree Risk Management Plans and Emergency Strom Response Plans for communities. Conducts tree inventories and evaluates and develops urban forestry programs to maximize effectiveness and efficiency in delivery and overall operations. Coordinates tree preservation during the development process to include site plan development, tree protection and protocol, training on site as well as on-site inspections. Serves as a speaker and trainer at conferences and workshops on program and plan development, methods, and public service/urban forestry topics.

Speaking Engagements and WorkshopsInternational Society of Arboriculture International Conference – Nashville, Tenn., Responding to Storms, 2005

Rachel Barker

2 of 4Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences Workshop– Auburn University, Alabama, Developing and Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan and Growing a Successful Urban Forestry Program, 2005Southern Chapter I.S.A. (International Society of Arboriculture) Conference – Birmingham, Alabama, Developing and Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan, 2006The National Arbor Day Foundation -Storms over the Urban Forest National Conference – Atlanta Georgia, Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan, 2007Trees Florida Conference and Workshop – Palm Harbor, Fla., Marshalling Forces to Clean Up and Replant the Urban Forest, 2007American Public Works Association – Click Listen and Learn Internet

Urban Forestry Management Plans for Public Works, 2007Society of Municipal Arborists Workshop – Hollywood, Fla.,

Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan, 2007American Public Works Association – Key note speaker Missouri state chapter, Kansas City metro chapter, South Carolina state chapter.,

Urban Forestry and Public Works, 2007Florida Chapter American Public Works Association – Jacksonville, Fla., Urban Forestry and Public Works, 2008Alabama Chapter American Public Works Association – Orange Beach, Al., Urban Forestry and Public Works, 2008South Carolina Chapter American Public Works Association – Myrtle Beach, SC., Urban Forestry and Public Works, 2008

Deputy Director Public Services/Operations, City of Columbus, Georgia,

2003-2007

Coordinate activities regarding the development and assessment of divisional plans, which includes contract and request for proposals as well as specification formulation and administration; provide for the operational control of all divisions including: Administration, Fleet Maintenance, Facility Maintenance, Cemeteries, Solid Waste Collection/Recycling, Rainwater Management, Landfills (MSW and Inert), Urban Forestry and Beautification, Special Enforcement /Animal Control, Street Maintenance, and Heavy Equipment.

Essential Job functions:Coordinate the interaction between the various divisions and departments to ensure the timely completion of major projectsDevelop contracts, RFP’s and RFQ’s for engineering services involving waste management; negotiate technical requirements, pricing and other aspects of contract management, implementation, and final inspectionAnalyze and develop major budgetary requirements for finances, equipment, facilities, and personnelFormulate proposals and presentations for new and revised programs in Public ServicesSupervisory responsibilities include: training in job skills; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems

City Arborist/Chief Urban Forestry and Beautification, City of Columbus, Georgia, 2001-2003

Responsible for initiating and managing the expansion of the division from twenty-two to eighty-five employees. Developed and expanded divisional programs to include the management of the newly created Tree Preservation and Replacement Ordinance as well as integrated urban forestry and beautification section duties for optimum efficiency.

Supervisory responsibilities included: interviewing, hiring, training, and disciplining employees; conducting performance evaluations; planning, assigning and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; implementing risk management and safety programs.

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Administrative responsibilities included:Managed the functions of the Urban Forestry and Beautification DivisionConducted plan reviews and enforced the city’s Tree Preservation and Replacement OrdinanceDeveloped and coordinated training programs Supervised departmental responsibility for vegetative management on all rights-of-wayDeveloped and administered grants within the DivisionDetermined and implemented Division budget and goalsDeveloped specifications for contracts, proposals, and equipmentCreated and delivered civic presentations to promote the Division’s goals and accomplishments

Horticulturist/Groundskeeping Superintendent, City of Opelika, Alabama, 1991- 2001Managed, supervised, and provided administration for all aspects of the Groundskeeping DivisionDeveloped specifications and managed line clearing operations for Opelika Light and Power DepartmentImplemented green infrastructure as a necessary component in planning, zoning, subdivision, and commercial developmentsEnforced Landscape regulations

Professional

Outreach PresentationsSouthern chapter I.S.A. (International Society of Arboriculture) Conference – Nashville, Tenn., Growing a Successful Urban Forestry Program – 2004Trees Florida Conference – Key West, Fla., Growing a Successful Urban Forestry Program – 2004American Public Works Association – Minneapolis/St. Paul, How to Build a Successful Urban Forestry Program - 2005Ohio State Arborist Association – Cincinnati, Ohio, Growing a Successful Urban Forestry Program and Marshalling the Municipal Forces in an Emergency – 2005Tree Florida Conference – Tampa, Fla., Marshalling the Municipal Forces in an Emergency – 2005Workshop for Society of Municipal Arborists – Policy and Planning session I.S.A.- Nashville, Tenn., Developing and Implementing and Emergency Response Plan – 2005Alabama Urban Forestry Association – Huntsville, Alabama, Developing and Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan – 2005Georgia Urban Forest Council Conference – St. Simon Island, Georgia U.F. Management Plans - Developing and Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan – 2006South Carolina Urban Forest Conference – Columbia, South Carolina, Developing and Implementing an Emergency Storm Response Plan – 2007Society of Municipal Arborists – Savannah, Georgia, Urban Forestry Meets Emergency Management - 2009

Professional

EducationUniversity of Georgia, Carl Vinson Institute of Government

Certificate of Local Government Management, 2004Georgia Public Safety Training Center, West Georgia Police Academy

National Incident Management Systems, ICS 100 and 700, 2006

Certifications International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist

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Organizations

And AffiliationsAlabama Urban Forestry Association, President 2001Alabama Turfgrass Association member 1991- 2001

Board of Directors 1996-1998

Committee member 2006 - 2008American Public Works Association member 2003- present

Committee member 2007Brown Bag of Columbus, volunteer 2005- 2007

Advisory Board Horticulture 2003-2007Georgia Urban Forest Council member 2001-presentKeep Columbus Beautiful 2001- 2007 Keep Opelika Beautiful member 1996 - 2001

Board of Directors 1996-2000

Board of Directors 2002 - 2005Leadership Lee County Graduate, 1994International Society of Arboriculture member 1993- presentLee County Humane Society Board of Directors, 1992-1999Opelika Chamber of Commerce member 1989- 2001Society of Municipal Arborists member 2001- present

Board of Directors 2003- 2006

Nominations committee chair 2007- presentSolid Waste Authority of North America member 2005- presentTallassee Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 2009 – present

Treasurer 2010-present

Ex-officio member 2001 – present

Honors and ActivitiesPresidents Award of Appreciation, Society of Municipal Arborists, 2006Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Public Administration, admitted 2006Presidents Award, Georgia Urban Forest Council, 2003National Urban Forestry Grassroots Leadership Team, 2002Presidents Award, Keep Opelika Beautiful, 2001President, Pi Alpha XI - Nu Chapter, National Horticulture Honor Society, 1988-1989Member, Outstanding College Students of America, 1989Member, Auburn University Flower Judging Team, 1989Ag Council Representative, Auburn University, 1987-1989Member, Horticulture Forum, Auburn University Horticulture club 1985-1989Merit Scholarship, Bedding Plant Industries, 1988James Cooper Memorial Scholarship, 1988L.M. Ware Scholarship, Garden Club of America Award, 1987Outstanding Sophomore Award, Garden Lovers’ Garden Club, 1986Carl F. Frisby Award, merit award 1985

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