Forester

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York's Parks Department seeks a Forester to perform advanced professional forestry in the field and office. You will enforce standards, supervise contractors, and coordinate with engineers and developers to protect and manage NYC’s trees and green spaces.

This civil service role requires a forestry degree, strong communication, and the ability to work independently. A NY driver license is essential; urban forestry experience and contract oversight are valued assets.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in forestry or related field.
• Bachelor's degree plus 1 year professional forestry/arboricultural experience.
• Associate degree plus 3 years professional forestry/arboricultural experience.
• Equivalency of education/experience with forestry specialization (minimum associate degree).

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced professional forestry functions in field and office.
• Enforce Parks standards for pruning, removal, planting and replacement.
• Assess contractor work; supervise employees in forestry activities.
• Consult with engineers, developers and contractors on projects.
• Schedule and supervise inspections and field surveys for tree health and impacts.
• Manage forestry contracts including maintenance, removal, planting and restoration.
• Review schedules/reports by consultants and contractors; conduct field inspections.
• Review permit applications and advise on designs; issue permits.
• Manage forestry databases for budgets, productivity and status reports.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and coordinate with community boards and officials.

Skills

Microsoft 365

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Education

Master's degree in forestry or related subject

Bachelor's degree in forestry or related subject with 1 year experience

Associate degree in forestry or related subject with 3 years experience

Equivalent combination of education/experience with forestry specialization

Job description

The mission of the Environment and Planning Division is to protect, restore, expand and manage New York City’s natural spaces and green infrastructure. The division is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives.

Major Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, perform advanced professional forestry functions in the field and office; perform related work.
• Enforce Parks Department standards for tree pruning removal, planting and replacement.
• Assess work to be done by contractors; engage with directly and supervise employees involved in professional forestry activities.
• Consult with engineers, developers, and contractors on a regular basis throughout projects.
• Schedule, conduct and/or supervise inspections and field surveys to assess tree health, structure, pests, diseases and construction impacts.
• Compile and manage forestry contracts, including tree maintenance, removal, planting, sidewalk repair, invasive species removal and natural area restoration.
• Review schedules, reports and correspondence prepared by consultants, contractors, and other agencies. Perform field inspections to assess contract compliance and work outcomes.
• Review permit applications to assess impacts to trees and landscapes, advise applicants and agencies on designs and methods, and / or issue permits.
• Manage forestry databases used to track, monitor, and produce reports on budgets, productivity, accomplishments and program status updates.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and maintain working relationships with community boards, community groups and officials within and outside of the Agency.
• Coordinate community-based greening efforts and lead tree stewardship workshops.

Work Location: TBD

FORESTER - 81361

Minimum Qualifications

• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject, or;
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and one year of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work or;
• An associate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and three (3) years of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work or;
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1",”2", or “3" above. However, all candidates must have at least an associate degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject.

License Requirement

A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365. 2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Experience working with the public. 3. Ability to work independently.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

This position is exempt from NYC residency requirements.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

, $60,122.00 – $85,187.00

nyc.gov/parks