Forester

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York’s Environment and Planning Division seeks a Forester to advance urban forestry, manage contracts and enforce pruning standards. You will inspect sites, advise engineers and contractors, and supervise field crews on planting, removal and maintenance efforts.

Responsibilities include coordinating greening projects, reviewing permits, and maintaining forestry databases for reporting. A NY driver license is required, with an emphasis on protecting and expanding NYC’s natural

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (forestry or related field) required or equivalent.
• Bachelor’s degree + 1 year professional forestry/arboricultural experience.
• Associate degree + 3 years of professional forestry/arboricultural work.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience with a forestry focus.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced professional forestry functions in field and office.
• Enforce Parks Department standards for pruning, removal, planting and replacement.
• Assess work by contractors and supervise staff involved in forestry activities.
• Consult with engineers, developers and contractors on projects.
• Schedule and supervise inspections and field surveys for tree health and impacts.
• Compile and manage forestry contracts including maintenance, removal and planting.
• Review schedules, reports and correspondence from consultants and agencies.
• Review permit applications and advise on designs and methods; issue permits.
• Manage forestry databases for budgets, productivity and program status.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and engage with community groups and officials.
• Coordinate community greening efforts and lead tree stewardship workshops.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Field inspections

Contract supervision

Education

Master’s degree in forestry

Bachelor’s degree in forestry +1 year experience

Associate degree +3 years experience

Education/experience equivalent (1/2/3)

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

Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee between $40.00 to $101.00 based on the salary range of title. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $107.50 background check fee.

FORESTER - 81361

Qualifications

1. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject, or;
2. 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;
3. 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;
4. 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.

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.