Forester

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

Job summary

The City of New York Parks & Recreation is seeking an experienced Forester to perform advanced professional forestry work in field and office. You will enforce standards for pruning, planting, and removal, and supervise contractors as needed.

Responsibilities include supervising inspections, managing forestry contracts, reviewing permits, and coordinating tree health assessments. A New York State driver's license is required, and Civil Service examination may be preferred.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or higher in forestry or related subject.
• Bachelor’s degree with 1 year forestry/arboricultural experience.
• Associate degree with 3 years forestry/arboricultural experience.
• Equivalent combination accepted, with minimum associate degree in forestry or related subject.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced professional forestry work in field and office.
• Enforce Parks Department standards for pruning, planting and removal.
• Assess work and supervise contractors involved in forestry activities.
• Consult with engineers, developers and contractors on projects.
• Schedule and conduct inspections and field surveys for tree health and impacts.
• Manage forestry contracts including maintenance, removal and planting.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Education

Master’s degree in forestry or related subject

Bachelor’s degree in forestry or related subject + 1 year experience

Associate degree in forestry or related subject + 3 years experience

Equivalent education/experience with at least an associate degree in forestry or related subject

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

All users are invited to browse the job listings below, however the posting of new positions can only be done by ISA Members. To take advantage of this and other great benefits of an ISA Membership, join today !

CITY OF NEW YORK PARKS & RECREATION
CITYWIDE JOB VACANCY NOTICE: Job ID No. 788952
Office Title: Forester
Civil Service Title: Forester
Title Code No: 81361
Level: II
Salary: $60,122 - $85,187
Number of Positions: TBD
Work Location: TBD

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.

Qualification Requirements

1. 1.A master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject; or
2. 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. 3.An associate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and three years of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work; or
4. 4.A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience that is 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.

This position is exempt from NYC residency requirements.

License Requirement

A Motor Vehicle driver's license valid in the State of New York.

Preferred Skills/Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants who file and take the Forester Civil Service Examination (Exam No. 7036). The tentative filing period will begin September 02, 2026 and end on September 22, 2026. For details, visit www.nyc.gov/dcas and click on "Exam Schedules".

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

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period.

POST DATE: 07/31/2026 POST UNTIL: 09/29/2026*

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 $104.50 background check fee.

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.
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
TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF: [phone]
For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)