NYC Parks Seeks Chief of Forestry Programs

Posted on January 1, 2023

Position Title:

Chief of Forestry Programs

Position Summary

NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. At NYC Parks, our mission is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for the present and future generations, and care for parks and public spaces.

The mission of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources (FHNR) is to protect, restore, expand and manage New York City’s natural spaces and green infrastructure to maximize their benefits and promote their value within and outside of the urban ecosystem.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Forestry and Horticulture, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and decision-making, oversee programs including tree preservation tree procurement and planting forestry maintenance contracts, sidewalk repair, tree work permits building plan review and forestry emergency response.

• Provide senior level management for the design, procurement, and implementation of capital, expense, and grant funded Tree Planting, Trees & Sidewalks, Pest and Disease Management, and other forestry management programs.

• Provide leadership in enforcing forestry performance management standards to maximize efficiency, equity, and customer service.

• Contribute to the division’s stewardship efforts and apply GIS & analytical tools, scientific research, monitoring, and adaptive management to enhance policy decisions and program management.

• Work with senior staff on all associated budget, procurement, personnel, administrative, productivity reporting, database management, tracking, and related programs for the entire division.

• Develop policy to ensure coordination and effective delivery of forestry services to other divisions of the agency, other agencies, and the public.

• Manage and motivate assigned staff to meet agency objectives. Help plan and implement staff training programs and perform staff evaluations. Communicate clearly and effectively with all levels of management.

• Pursue grants and funding and develop partnerships with other agencies, environmental groups, and universities.

• Manage complex jobs and projects that require prompt attention and resolution. Address and resolve time-sensitive issues that impact agency services and/or completion of division and agency initiatives.

• Represent the agency and division at meetings, hearings, conferences, and other venues.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major study in horticulture, arboriculture or landscape architecture and four years of full-time, paid experience in horticultural work of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity

2. A satisfactory equivalent. However, all candidates must have at least a high school diploma or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma and one year of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described above.

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency required for all other candidates.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

1. A master’s degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject or 10 years of experience in forestry or related field.

2. Strong knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.

3. Certification as an Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist, or Qualified Tree Risk Assessor from the International Society of Arboriculture.

4. Excellent executive level skills in management, administration, supervision, and communication. Record of goals-based accomplishment.

5. At least five years of direct supervision of supervisory and line staff in diverse task areas including technical functions.

6. Experience in fiscal and personnel management, contracts, and inventory management.

7. Proficiency in computer software including, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Internet usage.

8. Valid New York State driver license.

Salary: $130,000 - $140,000 plus excellent benefits

Work Location: Olmsted Center, Queens

Apply

Apply by: 01/13/2023

For external applicants, please apply through www.nyc.gov/careers

1) Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search

2) Search for Job ID#: 565157

For details about NYC Parks: www.nyc.gov/parks

References will be required upon request.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK IS AN INCLUSIVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 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, VETERAN STATUS, GENDER IDENTITY, OR PREGNANCY.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF: (212) 504-4115

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