Senior Forester

Only open to current full-time annually paid Parks employees.

About the Role

Environment and Planning works to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City’s green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Environment and Planning division includes Central Forestry programs, Forestry Operations, the Natural Resources Group, Nurseries, and Planning teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage major aspects of Parks’ forestry program, including pruning, tree planting, tree removal, sidewalk repair, invasive plant removal, stump removal, disease mitigation, forestry contract management, tree inspections, tree condition assessment, emergency storm response, project review and permitting, and tree preservation prescriptions in streets and parks.
• Oversee the proper use of forestry-related work request and tracking systems such as the Parks Forestry Management Systems (ForMS).
• Train and supervise Foresters and staff engaged in urban forestry, including field surveys, inspections, tree condition assessment, contract preparation and management, consultant supervision, selection of quality plant material, data entry, and storm emergency response.
• Respond to citizen inquiries and maintain working relationships with officials, community boards, and groups both within and outside the Agency.
• Review site plans and designs for private and other agency construction projects for appropriate design, tree and plant selection, installation methods, and tree protection measures.
• Work with other units within Environment and Planning and other divisions within the Agency to solicit and coordinate programs and policies related to urban forestry.
• Prepare briefings, reports, evaluations, budgets, and correspondence related to the above responsibilities.
• Research new materials and methods related to Parks’ urban forestry activities.

Qualifications

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

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;

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;

A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to the above. However, all candidates must have at least an associate degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject.

Requirements

• A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of employment.

Preferred Skills

• Certification as an Arborist from the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Strong knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.
• Excellent writing, supervisory, administrative, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ForMS.

Benefits

• This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program.
• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Pay

$85,000.00 – $85,000.00

Schedule

Work Location: The Grove, Rego Park, Queens.