Junior Forester

Job Opening:
Junior Forester- Tree Planting

Department: Infrastructure

Division: Sustainability

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Union/Management: Management

Full-Time/Part-Time/Seasonal: Full-Time

Workweek: 40hrs/week

Salary: $60,000 to $65,000.Based on Qualifications and Experience. Competitive Jersey City retirement and health benefits packages are available, including pension, dental, medical, prescription, FSA (flexible spending account), life insurance and more.

The City of Jersey City is seeking a skilled and experienced Junior Forester to support the Department of Infrastructure - Division of Sustainability. Applicable candidate will report to the Director of Sustainability. The Division of Sustainability operates and manages the Request a Tree program, the Tree Planting Contracts, and the Tree Procurement Contracts for Jersey City. The Junior Forester may be assigned tasks that relate to the planting and maintenance of trees located in Jersey City. The ideal candidate will have multi-year experience working in urban environments, and knowledge in urban and community forestry along with dedication to sound forest science, management and conservation.

Job Duties:

· Assists the Senior Forester in overseeing the work for tree planting, tree pruning, tree removal, and chemical application.

· Operates a variety of equipment in support of essential tree maintenance functions such as trucks, chippers, tractors, chain saws, pumps, small engines and other specialized forestry, horticulture and open space equipment under direction of the Senior Forester.

· Selects and/or negotiates the purchase of specific trees and shrubs.

· Determines the best available species of trees or shrubbery for a particular location or function.

· Participates in tree planting, pruning, removal, and application of grass and tree maintenance products, field inspections, and manage citizen requests.

· Engages in activities concerning proper techniques for planting, fertilizing, trimming, grafting, spraying, and performing other tasks pertinent to the care of trees and shrubs.

· Supports all parks and forestry related projects such as tree canopy maintenance and growth.

· Manage any tree planting, tree procurement, and/or tree maintenance projects operated through the Division of Sustainability.

· Review schedules, reports, and correspondence prepared by consultants, contractors, and other divisions.

· Consult with contractors, consultants, and engineers on a regular basis throughout the projects.

· Assist with managing tree inventory database and maintain records and files for projects.

· Assist the Sustainability Manager with educational and outreach programs for the public focusing around the City’s urban canopy.

· Liaises with residents and community groups concerning parks, forestry, and Sustainability’s Tree Services.

· Lectures and holds discussions with various civic groups on arboricultural matters.

· Prepares articles to keep the public informed about subject programs.

· Participates in the development and implementation of department/division initiatives.

· Assist with record keeping relative to plant maintenance work.

· Maintains records and files.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

*Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Educational Background and Experience: At least (2) two years of experience in forestry or a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture or a related field. Three (3) years of experience in the planting, care, and maintenance of trees and shrubbery.

Essential Skills:

· Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of landscape architecture, urban forestry management, and arboricultural techniques, including the ability to identify native and introduced species of trees.

· Knowledge of principles and techniques concerned with cultivation and preservation of trees and shrubbery.

· Knowledge of the utilization of trees and shrubbery to enhance appearance of grounds and buildings, and in the control or erosion by wind and water.

· Knowledge of diseases, insects, and fungi which can afflict arboreous plants, and of the control or elimination of these problems.

· Knowledge of the types and uses of tools and equipment common to tree care (powered and manual).

· Knowledge of principles and practices of tree planting.

· Knowledge of hazard tree assessment and abatement methods.

· Knowledge of tree pests, diseases, and their remedies.

· Demonstrated experience in planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and concluding projects.

· Demonstrated experience with managing inventory, maintaining and grow tree and shrubbery population.

· Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, public officials and the general public.

· Ability to speak effectively before public groups and respond to questions.

· Ability to exercise professional judgment and consider community and City needs to make recommendations regarding tree planting.

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture or a related field. New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) and ISA Certified Arborist Certification.

Preferred Experience: At least (4) four years of professional experience in forestry and/or arboriculture. Please note, graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in one of the fields specified above may be substituted for one (1) year of the above experience.

You must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.

To apply for this job with the City of Jersey City, please fill out our Employment Application.

Please note that this role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by the NJ First Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• forestry: 3 years (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jersey City, NJ 07305: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person