POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: GREENSPACE
LOCATION: 12025 Sowden Rd, Houston, TX 77055
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 Neighborhood's 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.

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 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. - -

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

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 832-393-0241.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832.393.0241). (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 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 Neighborhood's 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 REQUIREMENTSA 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. 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 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. - - Preference will be given to applicants who have valid Texas Driver's License.

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