Salary: $63,891.00 - $113,151.00 Annually
Location : Gaithersburg, MD
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 14217
Department: MC Parks
Opening Date: 01/22/2025
Closing Date: 2/6/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Description - Do you love trees?
- Do you want to be a part of an innovative Urban Forestry team working to promote a healthy tree canopy?
If this sounds like you,
Montgomery Parks HFEE Division, located in
Gaithersburg, Maryland is the place you want to be! We are currently seeking a dynamic, highly professional
Urban Forestry Specialist. Under direction, 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. The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is a six-time National Recreational and Parks Association Gold Medal Award Winner. Behind the vast and diverse Montgomery County Department of Parks system is a career staff complement of nearly 800 employees, 420 parks and over 37,000 acres of park land that serves a diverse population of more than one million residents in the Washington DC area. Go to our website to learn more:
https://www.montgomeryparks.org/ DIVERSITY STATEMENTThe 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 ofrace, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factorWe will do what we can to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at 301-495-4525 to request accommodation. Please Note: The salary range listed above represents the earning potential for this position. Salary is commensurate with experience.
Examples of Important 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
- 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 - ISA Tree Risk Qualification (TRAQ)
- Experience working with data collection devices and GIS software
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's Degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or any related field.
- Two (2) years of progressively responsible professional forestry, arboriculture experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total six (6) years.
- Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture.
- An appropriate Maryland Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicator Certificate is required within 12 months of employment.
- 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/May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing. 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.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION
2025 BENEFIT SUMMARY FOR MERIT SYSTEM EMPLOYEES The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M-NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all-inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long-Term Disability plans.
Eligibility
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
Retirement Programs
- Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) - Plan E excludes FOP members.
PlanEmployee ContributionPlan C9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)
Plan E4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
- Deferred Compensation ICMA-RC 457 plan (Optional)
- Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
Health Insurance Plans (FOP Members Pay 23% for Medical, Prescription and Dental and same as all other employees for Vision.) All other employees pay percentage below.
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) with Prescription Plan - (15%)
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) - (20%)
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) - (20%)
- Prescription - CVS Caremark - (15%)
- Dental - Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO - (20%)
- Vision - EyeMed - (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
- Low, moderate, and high options are available. Frequency of covered services differs.
Flexible Spending Accounts (Employee Pays 100%)
- Medical Account - Maximum annual contribution: $3,200
- Dependent Care Account - Maximum annual contribution: $5,000
Long-Term Disability Insurance (Mandatory Participation)
- Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month
Supplemental Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80%)
- Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
- Automatic coverage with opt-out provision
Supplemental and Spouse/Dependent Life Insurance (Employee Pays 100%)
- Supplemental - 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
- Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000
Sick Leave Bank (Contribution and Benefit hours prorated for part-time employees)
- Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
- Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
- Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birthadoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member
Leave Programs
- Annual: 15 days per year
- Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
- Sick: 15 days per year
- Holidays: 11 days per year
Other Benefits
- Credit Union
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Legal Services Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Work-Life Program
For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission's Health and Benefits Office at or 301-454-1694.
01
Do you possess a 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.
Required Question