City Forester

City of Watertown, New York; New York, Watertown (NY, MA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a City Forester to lead urban forestry initiatives. This role involves planning and executing tree management programs, ensuring compliance with city ordinances, and collaborating with various departments for project design. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background in Urban Forestry or related fields, coupled with significant professional experience in arboriculture. This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on community green spaces and promote sustainable urban development. If you are passionate about forestry and community engagement, this position is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Bachelor’s in Urban Forestry or related field required.
• Experience in urban forestry or arboriculture is essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prioritize urban forestry activities and enforce regulations.
• Develop and administer forestry programs including tree planting and maintenance.

Skills

Urban Forestry

Arboriculture

Horticultural Assessment

Project Management

Tree Maintenance

Education

Master’s Degree in Urban Forestry

Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Forestry

Associate's Degree in Forestry

High School Diploma

Job description

The City of Watertown has an immediate opening within the Public Works Department for a City Forester. This is the only level of the Urban Forestry Project Management series and is responsible for planning and prioritizing all urban forestry activities, enforces the City of Watertown’s Street Tree Ordinance, Arboricultural Specifications Manual, and Landscape and Buffer Requirements found in the City’s Zoning Ordinance. The incumbent develops and administers the City’s forestry programs in such areas as tree planting and replacement, tree maintenance and preservation, horticultural assessment, education, and outreach. The incumbent works closely with the Planning and Community Development Department, City Engineering, and other departments regarding project design recommendations relating to tree protection, planting, pruning and maintenance, removal, and other determinations per the Street Tree Ordinance. The City Forester is subordinate to the Superintendent of Public Works, in accordance with the Street Tree Ordinance established by Watertown City Council. Wide leeway is permitted for the exercise of independent professional judgment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered university with a Master’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Natural Resources, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related field with similar course curriculum, and two (2) years of full-time paid professional experience in urban forestry or arboriculture; or
B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered four-year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Natural Resources, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related field with similar course curriculum and four (4) years of full-time paid professional experience in urban forestry or arboriculture; or
C. Graduation from a regionally accredited or NYS registered two-year college with an Associate's Degree in Forestry, Forest Technology, Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related field with similar course curriculum and six (6) years of full-time paid professional or practical experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, in urban forestry or arboriculture; or
D. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of full-time paid professional or practical experience, or its part-time paid equivalent, in urban forestry or arboriculture; or
E. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A), (B), (C) and (D) above.

Driver’s License Requirement:
Possession of a valid New York State Class D driver license at the time of appointment. Must maintain said license for the duration of employment.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a competitive title in the classified civil service. Appointment will be on a provisional basis only. To be eligible for permanent status, the individual accepting appointment will be required to pass a civil service exam and score among the top three.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply through the online portal: https://watertown-portal.mycivilservice.com/jobopps
Please reach out to [e-mail] for more details!