Urban Forester (14217, Grade 24)

Posting number: 14217

Department: MC Parks

Job classification: Urban Forestry Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Education, Parks, Urban Forestry, Forestry

Summary

Do you love trees and want to be part of an innovative Urban Forestry program? Montgomery Parks is the place for you!

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking an Urban Forestry Specialist (Urban Forester) to work within the Montgomery Parks Department. This position will work in the Arboriculture Section, part of the Horticulture Forestry and Environmental Education Division, to perform hazard tree assessments in response to citizen and park staff requests for tree inspection and prescribe appropriate mitigation measures. The Arboriculture section provides tree care and maintenance in Montgomery Parks countywide and coordinates several programs including tree preservation, green waste recycling, and hazard tree inspection and mitigation. We cultivate an environment of teamwork and respect with an ongoing dedication to performance improvement. 

About Montgomery Parks

Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The?Maryland-National?Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 800 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, along with trails, sports fields and natural spaces across Montgomery County.  Our team members work in a wide range of roles, including park operations, public programs, planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday?moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.   Learn more?athttps://www.montgomeryparks.org/

Examples of duties

• Inspects trees from work requests generated by citizens and park staff to identify tree risk based on International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree risk assessment guidelines and prescribe appropriate mitigation treatments 
• Prioritizes work requests based on the level of tree risk, identifies appropriate staff and equipment needed to complete the job, negotiates site access issues and estimates time for park tree crews to complete work
• Manages contractors doing tree maintenance work on parkland.  Obtains estimates, schedules work, and inspects work upon completion to ensure work quality standards are met
• Evaluates trees to detect pests, diseases and other health issues, recommends treatment and implements measures to prevent infestations and maintain good tree health
• Responds to, investigates, and resolves inquiries and complaints concerning tree maintenance issues, communicates with the public and park staff. 
• Uses data collection devices and GIS to collect data and manage a tree inventory database 
• Contributes and participates in educational events including internal trainings, Arbor Day and our annual Urban Tree Summit
• Makes presentations to the public, citizen groups, community organizations, employees and special interest groups as needed.
• May serve as the section’s designated Purchase Card (p-card) holder, responsible for procuring authorized goods, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with Commission purchasing policies and procedures. 
• Performs other duties as assigned

Important Skills and Characteristics  

• A. Considerable knowledge of: (1) taxonomy; (2) arboriculture and urban forestry; (3) pesticides/integrated pest management; (4) Commission activities, organization, policies, procedures*;
• B. Skill in the operation of: office equipment, including personal computer with applicable software; first aid and CPR*; and urban forestry tools and equipment customarily used in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
• C. Ability to: (1) solve complex problems; (2) analyze and evaluate data; (3) calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; (4) interpret technical reports and correspondence; (5) read and write technical reports and correspondence; (6) effectively communicate and deliver presentations to various audiences; (7) organize work efficiently and effectively; and (8) provide courteous service.
  
   *May be developed after employment in this job class

Preferred Qualifications  

1. ISA Tree Risk Qualification (TRAQ) 
2. Experience working with data collection devices and GIS software 

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional forestry, arboriculture experience.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
4. Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.
5. An appropriate Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required within 12 months of employment.
6. Valid driver's license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver's license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions or points that could limit the employee's ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required of their position.

Supplemental information

Class/Specification: Urban Forestry Specialist

Get to know Montgomery Parks and the opportunities available:

https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/

Working Conditions

Works in indoor and outdoor settings. May work weekends, evenings and holidays. On call 24 hours for emergencies. Some driving required. Work may require long periods of standing and walking, and recurring bending, stooping, reaching and similar activities. Work may also include frequent lifting of moderately heavy items weighing less than 49 pounds. Work involves exposure to weather, dirt, waste, odors, chemicals, pesticides, wildlife and insects. Work requires special safety precautions or protective clothing and equipment.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.