Forestry General Foreman 2026-093

Chicopee; Chicopee (MA); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

City of Chicopee’s Department of Public Works’ Forestry Division is hiring a General Foreman who will supervise a crew in arboriculture operations and act with the authority of the City Arborist in their absence. The role requires day-to-day leadership, training, safety enforcement, and coordination with the City Arborist for coverage.

The position is 40 hours per week with mandatory overtime, emergency response, and time-off coordination.

Qualifications

• Massachusetts CDL and hoisting licenses are required.
• EHAP, First Aid and CPR certifications are required.
• High School diploma or GED is required.
• ISA or MA Qualified Tree Warden is required.
• AS in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry preferred; 5+ years supervisory arboriculture experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and participate in removal and pruning of city trees.
• Operate equipment used in Forestry Department operations.
• Maintain city tree nursery and plant/manage trees, shrubs, and bushes.
• Establish and enforce safety standards for operations.
• Train staff in safe operation of Forestry Department equipment.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Arboriculture operations

Safety standards

Hazard assessment

Education

Massachusetts Class A CDL License

Massachusetts 1C Hoisting License

Massachusetts 2A Hoisting License

ISA Certification or MA Qualified Tree Warden

EHAP Certification

First Aid and CPR Certification

High School Diploma or GED

AS in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry (Preferred)

Minimum 5 years arboriculture experience (supervisory)

Job description

Employment Status: Non-Exempt; UFCW 1459 Admin; Full-Time

(40 Hours/Week)

Pay Grade : Grade A10; Step 01 – Step 04

Salary Range : $27.34/Hour - $35.95/Hour + Licenses

Schedule : Mon – Fri 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Certifications/Licenses Required: Valid Massachusetts Class A CDL License, Valid Massachusetts 1C Hoisting License, Valid Massachusetts 2A Hoisting License, International Society of Arboriculture Certification or Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden, Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) Certification, First Aid and CPR Certified.

SUMMARY

The City of Chicopee’s Department of Public Works’ – Forestry Division is hiring a General Foreman who in the absence of the City Arborist will perform the duties of and have the authority of the City Arborist. The General Foreman will be primarily responsible, for the daily direction, supervision and participation with a crew engaged in arboriculture operations as assigned. Work requires the supervision and training of skilled, and semi-skilled workers. Work is performed under the supervision of the City Arborist who assigns work and areas of responsibility. This is a 40-hour work week position with mandatory overtime and emergency response. This position must coordinate time off with the City Arborist to ensure supervisory coverage on a daily basis for the DPW Forestry workforce.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES INCLUDE

• Supervises and participates in the removal and pruning of city trees.
• Operate all equipment used in Forestry Department operations.
• Supervises and participates in the maintaining city tree nursery.
• Supervises and participates in the planting, transplanting, and establishment of trees, bushes, and shrubs.
• Establishes and maintains safety standards for employees and public in regards to Forestry Department operations.
• Responsible for training employees in the safe and proficient operation of all Forestry Department equipment and techniques.
• Supervises and participates in the maintenance and repairs of all Forestry Department equipment.
• Responsible for the oversight and care of all city trees as pertaining to arboricultural standards and the Public Shade Tree Laws.
• Inspects trees for removal/trim determinations and performs hazard tree evaluations.
• Acts as Deputy Tree Warden.
• Supervises and participates in the performance of aerial work for other city departments such as Christmas light installation and aerial inspections of public facilities.
• Enforces safety regulations and city policies at all times.
• Maintains communication with supervisors, subordinates, and the general public.
• Participates in continuing education to maintain certifications and licenses.
• Supervises and participates in all facets of snow operations.
• Required to perform overtime.
• Responsible for creating and updating work orders, work permits and maintaining city tree inventory.
• Request purchase orders for supplies from city vendors and purchase such supplies.
• Authorize time off and overtime and record department attendance in the City Arborist's absence.
• All other related tasks as assigned by the City Arborist and/or Superintendent of Public Works.
• Abide by City of Chicopee Health and Safety policies and procedures.

See attached for full job description

QUALIFICATIONS

• Valid Massachusetts Class A CDL License. – Required
• Valid Massachusetts 1C Hoisting License. – Required
• Valid Massachusetts 2A Hoisting License. - Required
• International Society of Arboriculture Certification or Massachusetts Qualified Tree Warden. - Required
• Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) Certification. – Required
• First Aid and CPR Certified. - Required
• High School Diploma or General Education Degree (GED). – Required
• Associates of Science Degree in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry or a related degree. - Preferred
• Minimum five (5) years' experience in arboriculture operations, including three (3) years employee supervisory experience.
  • Or equivalent combination of education, experience, skills and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, may be substituted for specific educational/experience requirement.
    

BENEFITS

The City of Chicopee provides its employees (contingent upon employment status) with a robust benefits package which include the following:

Recurring Sick Time,

Vacation,

Thirteen Holidays Per Year,

Retirement Plan, and more…

Job ID 2026-093 Category DPW - Forestry Division Status Open Salary Pay Grade: Grade A10; Step 01 – Step 04Salary Range: $27.34/Hour - $35.95/Hour + Licenses Posted September 17, 2026 2:30 PM Closing December 31, 2026 9:00 AM