An employee in this title performs a variety of technical and administrative tasks to support management and field operations activities in the Forestry division of the Department of Environmental Services. This employee works independently under general supervision of the City Forester. While some work is performed in an office environment, most is performed outdoors, in all weather conditions. Forestry Technicians may be required to respond to emergencies at night and on weekends. Related work is performed as required. CITY RESIDENCY WILL BE REQUIRED WITHIN ONE YEAR OF HIRE. Typical Work Activities Collects data, prepares cost estimates, and develops specifications for tree maintenance, planting, removal, and pest control, and inspects and monitors contractor's work; Recommends payment of contractor, documenting inferior work when necessary; Reviews requests for emergency work on public and private trees, inspects site and recommends actions to be taken; Inspects privately owned trees for compliance with city codes, recommends condemnations and or other necessary work, and assures that mandated work is performed within specified time frame, and in accordance with accepted work and safety standards; Inspects and monitors reconstruction projects as they relate to preserving existing trees or planting new ones; Assesses damages to city-owned trees occurring during construction operations, prepares documentation and follows case until resolution; Reviews work requests and recommends actions to the City Forester regarding removal, planting, or trimming trees in City owned or maintained property; Identifies limitations on planting of new trees, such as the location of sidewalks, property lines, and underground and surface utilities; Inspects existing city-maintained trees and collects data on their location, species, health and structural condition; Maintains automated database for city-maintained trees, updating files as changes in tree conditions occur and work is performed; Responds to questions and complaints, via phone or in person, from the public, contractors, and other city offices regarding proposed or in-progress forestry projects; Keeps current with advances in urban forestry by reading various relevant publications. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED AND I, II, or III: I. A. Bachelor’s or Associate's degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, or other related degree; AND I. B. Two (2) years of experience identifying tree disease, insect infestation, or other tree maintenance needs AND performing maintenance on large trees. OR II. A. Thirty (30) semester credits in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, or a related field; AND II. B. Three (3) years of experience as described in I-B above. OR III. A. Fifteen (15) semester credits in Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science, or other related field; AND III. B. Possession of a Arborist Certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture. SPECIAL REQUIREMENT : Valid NYS Class D operator's license at time of appointment. Licensure must be maintained throughout employment. J-18808-Ljbffr
