Forester

The mission of the Environment and Planning Division is to protect, restore, expand and manage New York City’s natural spaces and green infrastructure. The division is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives.

Perks - Earn vacation and sick leave every month and receive free membership to our recreation centers.

Major Responsibilities

- Under general supervision, perform advanced professional forestry functions in the field and office; perform related work.
- Enforce Parks Department standards for tree pruning removal, planting and replacement.
- Assess work to be done by contractors; engage with directly and supervise employees involved in professional forestry activities.
- Consult with engineers, developers, contractors and Agency partners on a regular basis throughout projects.
- Schedule, conduct and/or supervise inspections and field surveys to assess tree health, structure, pests, diseases and construction impacts.
- Compile and manage forestry contracts, including tree maintenance, removal, planting, sidewalk repair, invasive species removal and natural area restoration.
- Review schedules, reports and correspondence prepared by consultants, contractors, and other agencies. Perform field inspections to assess contract compliance and work outcomes.
- Review permit applications to assess impacts to trees and landscapes, advise applicants and agencies on designs and methods, and / or issue permits.
- Manage forestry databases used to track, monitor, and produce reports on budgets, productivity, accomplishments and program status updates.
- Respond to citizen inquiries and maintain working relationships with community boards, community groups and officials within and outside of the Agency.
- Coordinate community-based greening efforts and lead tree stewardship workshops.

Work Location: Rego Park, Queens

Duration: 16 months, Estimated Start May 2026

Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee of $82.00. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 775472.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current City Employees please include your ERN and on your cover letter and resume.

References will be required upon request. We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. If you have any questions regarding this vacancy or require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please email audrey.logan@parks.nyc.gov.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

FORESTER - 81361

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."

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.