Forester (Urban)

DC Department of Human Resources; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and life insurance

Capital BikeShare membership

Professional development opportunities

Flexible work schedule

Housing loan program

Job summary

The DC Department of Human Resources supports the District's Urban Forestry Division in DDOT. This role focuses on on-site inspection, evaluation, and management of urban trees, planning and applying forestry methods for the establishment, restoration, and conservation of urban forests in public spaces.

The incumbent conducts site visits, analyzes vegetation and soil conditions, and coordinates training for staff and community groups, while maintaining currency in project management techniques

Qualifications

• Specialized experience in forestry or related natural resource management is preferred.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, local environmental laws applicable to urban forestry is preferred.
• Provision of professional standards and best management practices for urban forestry operations.

Responsibilities

• Conducts inventory and planning to identify tree populations and site suitability.
• Plans field visits, analyzes soil and vegetation data, and determines project timing.
• Assists in preparing environmental impact statements for projects.
• Monitors contractor and in-house work for compliance with plans and safety requirements.
• Coordinates training and outreach for urban forest management.
• Keeps up-to-date with project management techniques and emerging environmental technologies.

Education

Forestry degree or related field with at least 30 semester hours including 24 in forestry

Job description

Job Summary

This position is organized within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Urban Forestry Division (UFD). The incumbent performs duties that involve on-site inspection, evaluation, and management of urban tree populations. The incumbent is responsible for the development, planning, and application of urban forestry methods and practices directed toward the establishment, restoration, and conservation of urban forests.

Duties And Responsibilities

Conducts detailed urban forest planning investigates and inventories to identify characteristics and quantity of trees in the area. Plans pre-inspection project field site visits, studies background location records, analyzes vegetation and soil condition indicators on public space site- by site and initially determines tree box, curb site or part suitability or condition, and proper season for work to be performed at a specific location. Determines present and projected resource use. Provides data on the magnitude and location of tree problems. Collects data to assist in identifying, classifying, and describing resource based problems and needs. Assists in preparing environmental impact statements for specific projects. Identifies and evaluates the relative effectiveness of conservation land treatment measures. Observes work and methods of contractor's and in-house crews to ensure that operations are in accordance with UFD's plans and ensures the application of acceptable work practices. Inspects work that is in progress and work that has been completed. Executes short-term goals and priorities to support the management plan utilizing all available resources. Coordinates curricula and training for comprehensive urban forest management program. Supports quality improvement and promotes the environmental awareness program through outreach. Prepares and implements various tree pruning training sessions and briefings for in-house staff contractors, DDOT, various wards and community groups. Maintains currency in project management techniques, emerging environmental technologies, and in the use of data information systems.

Qualifications And Education

Degree: Forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry.

or

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry.

and

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, at least one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

A professional knowledge of scientific forestry principles and concepts as demonstrated with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Urban Forestry, or other related Natural Resource Management study area, and a practical knowledge of conventional methods and techniques sufficient to undertake routine forestry management in an urban setting is preferred.

Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, local environmental laws, regulations, industry best management practices and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning tree establishment, preservation, maintenance, restoration, compliance, and conservation is preferred.

Licensures and Certifications

Existing ISA Arborist Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.)

Experience With ArcGIS Systems Is Preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Work Environment

The majority of the work is in the field, however the typical tour of duty will also involve significant time in a professional office setting, as well as occasional evening and/or weekend meetings. The work requires regular and recurring construction and/or field inspections, investigations, inventories, or surveys in which there is a considerable amount of walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and climbing. Sites visited may include areas infested by insects, hazardous plants or other living creatures.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Monday - Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0460-11

Promotion Potential: Promotional Potential to CS-12

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.

Position Designation: This position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability - Security Sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit checks, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment and to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as essential employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, your service may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, e.g., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operations, food distribution, and communication. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.

Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

Employee Benefits May Include

DDOT is an employer of choice for any job seeker who has passion, energy, and enthusiasm about our city. Employee benefits include:

• Health and life insurance benefits and retirement benefits (More information about these benefits is available on the D.C. Department of Human Resources (DCHR) website at www.dchr.dc.gov.)
• Complimentary Capital BikeShare Membership
• Continued professional development, and professional growth through d. University, the in-house training available for all DDOT employees
• Flexible work schedule (team and role dependent)
• Employer assisted housing loan program, providing payment and/or closing cost financing for first-time home buyers (restrictions apply).

EEO Statement

The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.