Urban Forestry Specialist

Job: Urban Forestry Specialist Department: Natural Areas Job Type: Temporary; Full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday; Occasional weekends may be required Pay Range: $27.88-$28.85 per hour Duration: Position expected to conclude on August 31, 2027 Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, free parking on site, commuting benefits, etc. Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that sustains, maintains, and programs Randall’s Island Park. Our work blends environmental stewardship, recreation, and public programming to create a vibrant and dynamic urban park. Through restoration, tree care, education, and community partnerships, RIPA advances climate resilience, urban forestry, environmental research, and equitable access to green space for New Yorkers. RIPA is seeking a temporary, full-time Urban Forestry Specialist to support implementation of the Park’s Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP). This position focuses on tree maintenance, structural pruning, condition assessment, and data tracking with an emphasis on supporting priority and routine tree care across the park. The role will work closely with RIPA’s Natural Areas team and external arboriculture contractors to ensure that all work is completed to ANSI 300 standards and that grant reporting requirements are met. This role requires daily on-site work in all weather conditions and is ideal for someone seeking significant hands‑on experience in urban forestry and tree management. This role reports to the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs. This position is designed to provide substantial field experience in urban forestry and tree care and will provide significant practical hours toward the requirement for the ISA Certified Arborist certification. This position is funded by a grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Urban and Community Forestry Program.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Support implementation of the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) through tree maintenance, pruning, and monitoring activities Conduct tree inspections, condition assessments, and post-planting monitoring to inform ongoing care and risk management Assist in evaluating species performance, site conditions, and long-term tree health to support management decisions Help ensure compliance with grant deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements, including coordination with internal teams and contractors Assist with tree inventory, mapping, and recordkeeping using ArcGIS and other data tools Track pruning maintenance and inspection data for reporting and evaluation Support coordination of contractor-led tree work, including documentation of completed tasks Support volunteer groups during tree care and stewardship activities Provide technical guidance on proper tree care techniques, including structural pruning and maintenance best practices Assist with Citizen Pruner trainings, public workshops or outreach activities related to urban forestry Coordinate cross-departmentally regarding tree care, maintenance schedules, and site access at the Park Assist with other tasks as needed This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree care, landscaping, ecological restoration, or related field-based environmental work Working knowledge of tree care practices, including pruning, tree maintenance, inspections, and/or plant health assessment Basic understanding of tree identification, condition assessment, maintenance planning, tree inspections, or tree health evaluation Familiarity with tree pruning standards (ANSI A300) and arboriculture best management practices Experience with tree inventory systems, ArcGIS, or other GIS/data collection tools Detail‑oriented, with strong attention to quality and consistency in field work and data collection Ability to collaborate and build positive working relationships Motivated and punctual; able to work both independently and as part of a team Willing to work outdoors in all weather and in physically demanding conditions Ability to perform heavy physical labor (able to lift 50 pounds) daily Valid Driver License

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, natural resources, environmental science or a related field OR relevant coursework ISA Certified Arborist credential or actively working toward certification Experience with tree inventory, GIS or other urban forestry data tools Experience working with field crews or contractors Experience working with and leading volunteers Excellent communication and problem‑solving skills *Please include a cover letter* The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in a diverse and an inclusive workplace and environment. RIPA maintains confidentiality of all applications and therefore will never contact a present employer without prior consent from the applicant. #J-18808-Ljbffr Randall's Island Park Alliance