Forester - Gs

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
DIVISION: GREENSPACE MANAGEMENT
SECTION: 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 Managementteam. 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.
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
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None
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.**
SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITIONYES
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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURESEmployment Type: Full Time