Forester

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhancing the quality of urban life by providing safe, well‑maintained parks and offering affordable programming for our community. To achieve this mission, HPARD is seeking a Forester to join its Greenspace Management team. Potential candidates will play a key role in: Inspecting trees and recommending removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees and limbs to mitigate hazards. Using ArcGIS tools to collect street tree and neighborhood planting space data and analyzing tree inventory data to formulate comprehensive management plans to aid in proactive tree maintenance, tree planting and enforcement of ordinances for unauthorized/illegal tree removals. Inspecting tree maintenance work performed by contractors to ensure satisfactory completion. Reviewing construction plans for tree protection compliance and tree planting plans for Adopt‑An‑Esplanade, Adopt‑A‑Tree and NeighborWoods programs. Participating in the planning, coordination and execution of the City’s annual Arbor Day planting event. Handling inquiries from the general public, property owners and city officials. Preparing and conducting educational training with internal staff or external partners each quarter. Participating in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning and implementation, and assisting in the design and implementation of plans and projects to improve efficiencies in the division. Ensuring compliance with departmental and city‑wide policies and procedures. Providing technical advice, consultation and support to departments and other agencies and groups. Providing input into developing codes, ordinances and specifications. May perform other duties as assigned. WORKING CONDITIONS Routine exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat or cold, moisture and air pollution. Periodic exposure to chemical substances and minor physical trauma such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. The position occasionally requires stooping or bending, and very light lifting of up to 20 pounds. EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS A Bachelor’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany or a related field is required, with at least one course in Dendrology. EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS One year of professional forestry experience is required. SUBSTITUTION An Associate’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany or a related field, with at least one course in Dendrology; and two years of journey‑level forestry or tree care maintenance experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement. SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS The selection process involves application review and/or interview. SAFETY IMPACT POSITION Yes. This position is subject to random drug testing and, if it is a promotional position, a candidate must pass an assignment drug test. SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification. Pay Grade 17. EOE Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is 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, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or pregnancy. Eligible veteran applicants, if they possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved, are among the most qualified candidates for the position and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. #J-18808-Ljbffr