Interviews held for urban forester finalists
McMinnville officials have interviewed the three finalists for the position of urban forester/horticulturist. Get to know them, as one of these may be the next Urban Forestry Department director.
Travis M. Hawkins of Winchester ? Although he has dismissed employees, he always finds it difficult. He currently directs around 12 employees.
He is not a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, a qualification in the job description, but feels he will have no problem getting that certification. He has grant writing experience. When asked, he could identify most of the plant specimens presented to him.
Why he is interested in the position: ?I think it has a lot of diversity. I like the teaching of it. I like the public involvement of it. I know what difference it makes when you come into a town if things look good. Out of all the positions I?ve looked at, this seems to be the one. If I was writing the ideal job, this would come the closest.?
Hank Patton of McMinnville ? He would not have a problem dismissing an employee but only if the proper procedure is followed. He is not a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, but feels he will have no problem getting that certification. He has no grant writing experience. When asked, he had difficulty identifying some of the plant specimens presented to him.
Why he is interested in the position: ?The thing I?m most passionate about in life is landscaping and gardening, anything with nature. The thing that would make me happy is to work with this community and make it a prettier town and a better community. The job appeals to me because it would give me a chance to do something I?m passionate about, work with the community and hopefully make McMinnville a beautiful place.?
David Jahn of Pittsburgh, Pa. ? He would have no problem dismissing an employee. In fact, he would do it ?in a heartbeat? given that he allows multiple chances to correct what is wrong before the situation gets to that point. He currently directs eight employees. He is a certified arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture. He has some grant writing experience. When asked, he had difficulty identifying some of the plant specimens presented to him.
Why he is interested in the position: ?The position has a broad scope that I?m not currently engaged in. My current role is strictly trees. It?s inviting to me to broaden my scope because I have design ability and an understanding of a broader landscape and a host of plants and not just trees.?
After hearing from these finalists, the city?s Building and Grounds Committee will meet once again to discuss which one, if any, of the three should be selected for the investigative part of the interview process. That discussion is set for Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.