Forester - New York City, NY : Job Details

IMPORTANT: All Applicants must be serving Permanent in the Forester title to be considered for Interview.

The Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources Group is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives, policy standards and performance measures, including street tree planting, Greenstreet's, Green Infrastructure, natural areas restoration and horticultural training and education. The Green Infrastructure Unit of the NYC Parks Department (DPR GI Unit) focuses on stormwater capture in priority Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) tributary areas, primarily in the right of way. This work not only improves the function of the city's sewer system, it transforms grey space into green, providing New Yorkers with all of the commensurate benefits green space provides.

The mission of Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources is to protect, restore, expand, and manage New York City's natural spaces and green infrastructure to maximize their benefits and promote their value within and outside of the urban ecosystem. The division is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological, and horticulture initiatives. The division is also focused on the broader reaches of green infrastructure, including green roofs, daylighting, wetland restoration, and stormwater capture as it relates to water quality. Specifically, the Green Infrastructure Unit, in which the Forester will review designs created by others of engineered landscapes that transform impervious grey space to green space and retrofits of existing parkland to maximize environmental benefits, particularly stormwater capture, in a cost-effective manner. This work is performed in Priority Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) Tributary Areas in close partnership with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Foresters are needed for site surveys to identify potential tree issues with respect to green infrastructure siting and issue permits for trees in the right of way and on-site, which are under NYC Parks' jurisdiction. The sites are constructed through DEP and other city agencies as part of DEP's Green Infrastructure Program. This function includes reviewing and approving the best practices for tree planting and under NYC Parks Forestry tree preservation protocols. DEP plans to install thousands of bioswales in the right of way and many parklands green infrastructure projects that will need permitting from NYC Parks. This position will require roughly 50% of work in the field.

Major Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to.

* Together with DEP and other city agency representatives, participate in all field walk-throughs to survey potential green infrastructure sites for possible tree planting and make decisions

regarding species selection and site design per NYC Parks criteria.

* Compile and manage right-of-way and on-site green infrastructure contracts for all 60% and 90% design contracts that include bioswales with trees and on-site plantings in conjunction with

DEP and other city agencies. Review and provide any comments to DEP or other city agencies regarding trees included in the proposed and approved designs within a timely manner.

* Perform post-planting field inspections and inspect trees with DEP.

* Under general supervision, perform advanced professional forestry functions in the field and office.

* Implement Parks Department standards for tree permitting including removal, planting, and replacement.

* Consult with NYC Parks and DEP engineers and contractors on a regular basis throughout projects.

* Schedule and supervise field surveys and inspections to assess the conditions of trees for health, structure, and disease.

* Manage borough-wide tree database and track, monitor and produce reports on budgets, productivity, accomplishments and program status updates.

Minimum Qualifications

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

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. An associate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and three (3) years of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work or;

4. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience 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.

License Requirement

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

Preferred Skills

This position is open to qualified persons The preferred selected candidate should possess the following skills 1. Proficiency in Microsoft Office. 2. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and experience working with the public. 3. Ability to work independently. 4. Valid New York State driver license.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

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.