Forester

NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development; New York (NY); On-site; USD 56,000 - 81,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development is seeking a Forester to manage urban forestry initiatives, including green infrastructure projects. The role involves fieldwork, contract management, and collaboration with city agencies to enhance NYC's natural spaces. Candidates should possess relevant degrees and strong communication skills. This position offers a competitive salary range and is open to qualified individuals, including those with disabilities.

Benefits

Federal and state student loan forgiveness programs

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in forestry or related field required.
• 1 year of professional forestry experience with a Baccalaureate degree.

Responsibilities

• Participate in green infrastructure site assessments.
• Manage contracts for green infrastructure projects.
• Perform post-planting inspections and monitor tree health.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Independence

Education

Master’s degree in forestry

Baccalaureate degree

Associate degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development provided pay range

This range is provided by NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$56,534.00/yr - $80,103.00/yr

IMPORTANT: All Applicants must be serving Permanent in the "Forester" title to be considered for Interview.

The Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources Group is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives, policy standards and performance measures, including street tree planting, Greenstreet's, Green Infrastructure, natural areas restoration and horticultural training and education. The Green Infrastructure Unit of the NYC Parks Department (DPR GI Unit) focuses on stormwater capture in priority Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) tributary areas, primarily in the right of way. This work improves the city’s sewer system and transforms grey space into green, providing benefits to New Yorkers.

The mission of the division is to protect, restore, expand, and manage NYC’s natural spaces and green infrastructure, including green roofs, wetland restoration, and stormwater capture. Foresters review designs for engineered landscapes transforming impervious grey space to green space, particularly in CSO areas, in partnership with DEP. Responsibilities include site surveys, issuing permits for trees in right of way and on-site, and reviewing and approving tree planting practices.

The role involves approximately 50% fieldwork, including site surveys, tree inspections, and permitting activities.

Major Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

1. Participate in field walk-throughs with DEP and city agencies for green infrastructure site assessments.
2. Manage contracts for green infrastructure projects involving bioswales and trees, review designs, and provide feedback.
3. Perform post-planting inspections and monitor tree health and structure.
4. Implement standards for tree permitting, including removals, plantings, and replacements.
5. Consult with engineers and contractors during projects.
6. Schedule and supervise field surveys and inspections.
7. Manage the borough-wide tree database, track budgets, and produce reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in forestry or related field, or
• Baccalaureate degree + one year of professional forestry/arboriculture experience, or
• Associate degree + three years of professional experience, or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least an associate degree in forestry or related field.

License Requirement

Valid Motor Vehicle Driver License in NY, maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently
• Valid NYS driver license

Additional Information

This position is open to qualified persons, including those with disabilities eligible for the 55-a Program. Indicate your interest in the top of your resume and cover letter.

Eligible for federal and state student loan forgiveness programs. Visit https://studentaid.gov/pslf/ for details.

NYC Residency is not required.

The City is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.