Urban Forester (14217, Grade 24)

About the role

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking an Urban Forestry Specialist (Urban Forester) to work within the Montgomery Parks Department. This position will work in the Arboriculture Section, part of the Horticulture Forestry and Environmental Education Division, to perform hazard tree assessments in response to citizen and park staff requests for tree inspection and prescribe appropriate mitigation measures.

Responsibilities

• Inspects trees from work requests generated by citizens and park staff to identify tree risk based on International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree risk assessment guidelines and prescribe appropriate mitigation treatments
• Prioritizes work requests based on the level of tree risk, identifies appropriate staff and equipment needed to complete the job, negotiates site access issues and estimates time for park tree crews to complete work
• Manages contractors doing tree maintenance work on parkland. Obtains estimates, schedules work, and inspects work upon completion to ensure work quality standards are met
• Evaluates trees to detect pests, diseases and other health issues, recommends treatment and implements measures to prevent infestations and maintain good tree health
• Responds to, investigates, and resolves inquiries and complaints concerning tree maintenance issues, communicates with the public and park staff. Uses data collection devices and GIS to collect data and manage a tree inventory database
• Makes presentations to the public, citizen groups, community organizations, employees and special interest groups as needed
• May serve as the section’s designated Purchase Card (p-card) holder, responsible for procuring authorized goods, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with Commission purchasing policies and procedures
• Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of: (1) taxonomy; (2) arboriculture and urban forestry; (3) pesticides/integrated pest management; (4) Commission activities, organization, policies, procedures*
• Skill in the operation of: office equipment, including personal computer with applicable software; first aid and CPR*; and urban forestry tools and equipment customarily used in the performance of duties and responsibilities
• Ability to: (1) solve complex problems; (2) analyze and evaluate data; (3) calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; (4) interpret technical reports and correspondence; (5) read and write technical reports and correspondence; (6) effectively communicate and deliver presentations to various audiences; (7) organize work efficiently and effectively; and (8) provide courteous service

Preferred Qualifications

• ISA Tree Risk Qualification (TRAQ)
• Experience working with data collection devices and GIS software

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or any related field
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional forestry, arboriculture experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years
• Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture
• An appropriate Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required within 12 months of employment
• Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations

Supplemental Information

Class/Specification: Urban Forestry Specialist
May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.
Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/
Diversity Statement: The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor. Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)