FORESTER (GS)

Salary: $18.50 – $20.47 Hourly

Location : Houston

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 31503

Department: Parks and Recreation

Opening Date: 06/01/2023

Closing Date: 9/1/2023 11:59 PM Central

POSITION OVERVIEW
APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: GREENSPACE MANAGEMENTSECTION: URBAN FORESTRY
WORKDAYS & HOURS: MON-FRI; 6:30 AM TO 3:30 PM *
*Subject to change

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. The potential candidate will play a key role in the following:

• Inspect trees and recommend removing dead, dying or dangerous trees and limbs to mitigate hazards.
• Uses ArcGIS tools to collect street tree and neighborhood planting space data (i.e. species, diameter, condition, work needed, location, etc.). Analyzes tree inventory data to formulate comprehensive management plans to aid in proactive tree maintenance, tree planting and enforcement of the code of ordinances for unauthorized/illegal tree removals.
• Inspects tree maintenance work performed by the contractor to ensure satisfactory completion.
• Reviews construction plans for tree protection compliance. Reviews tree planting plans for Adopt-An-Esplanade, Adopt-A-Tree and NeighborWoods programs.
• Participates in the planning, coordinating and executing of the City’s annual Arbor Day planting event.
• Handles inquiries from the general public, property owners, and city officials.
• Prepares and conducts educational training with internal staff or external partners each quarter.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning and implementation. Assist in the design and implementation of plans and projects to improve efficiencies in the division.
• Ensure compliance with departmental and city-wide policies and procedures.
• Provide technical advice, consultation, and support to departments, agencies, and groups.
• Provide input into developing codes, ordinances and specifications.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
There are routine exposures to extreme weather conditions such as heat/cold, moisture and air pollution. Periodic exposure to chemical substances and physical trauma of a minor nature such as cuts, bruises and minor burns. The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
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.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES
Preference will be given to applicants who have valid Texas Driver’s License.

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

GENERAL INFORMATION
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, 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

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at:

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: or call 832-395-7091.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832.395.7091). (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

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 an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan.

Benefits include:
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 10 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Flexible schedules
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit

01

Are you a veteran who served on active duty in the Armed Forces (United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard) for more than 90 consecutive days and received either an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Texas driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of selection?

• Yes
• No

03

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than a High School diploma/GED
• High School diploma/GED
• Associate’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany, or a related field.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany, or a related field.
• None of the above

04

How many courses have you completed in Dendrology?

• 1 course but less than 2 courses in Dendrology.
• 2 or more courses in Dendrology.
• I have not completed any courses in Dendrology.

05

Please be aware it is a very important part of processing to submit your education documents. Have you submitted your education documentation?

• Yes, I have attached my education documents.
• No, I have not attached my education documents.

06

Please select the scenario that best explains your years of experience in forestry.

• Less than 1 year experience.
• 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
• 2 years to less than 4 years experience.
• 4 years or more experience.

07

From the list below, please select all that apply AND that can be verified.

• Hazard tree evaluations
• Tree contract administration
• Responding to citizen complaints
• Reviewing city plat maps to determine ownership
• Assist in the enforcement of the tree protection ordinance
• None of the above

08

Are you willing and able to work the following schedules? (Check all that apply).

• Weekends
• Evenings
• Holidays
• Emergencies
• During Natural Disasters
• None of the above

09

Are you willing and able to be on an on-call basis?

• Yes
• No

Required Question