Junior Forester- Tree Planting

Jersey City, City of•Jersey City, NJ

About The Position

The City of Jersey City is seeking a Junior Forester to support the Department of Infrastructure, Division of Sustainability. The position reports to the Director of Sustainability and supports the Division’s Request a Tree program, tree planting contracts, and tree procurement contracts. The role may include planting and maintaining trees throughout Jersey City, with a focus on urban and community forestry and sound forest science, management, and conservation. The Junior Forester assists with tree planting, pruning, removal, chemical applications, field inspections, citizen requests, project coordination, tree inventory management, recordkeeping, and public education and outreach. The role also involves operating forestry and horticultural equipment under the Senior Forester’s direction, coordinating with contractors and consultants, and communicating with residents and community groups about parks, forestry, and tree services.

Requirements

At least two years of experience in forestry, or a bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture, or a related field.
Three years of experience planting, caring for, and maintaining trees and shrubbery.
Extensive knowledge of landscape architecture, urban forestry management, and arboricultural techniques, including identifying native and introduced tree species.
Knowledge of techniques for cultivating and preserving trees and shrubbery.
Knowledge of how trees and shrubbery can enhance grounds and buildings and help control wind and water erosion.
Knowledge of diseases, insects, and fungi affecting trees and methods for controlling or eliminating these problems.
Knowledge of the types and uses of powered and manual tree-care tools and equipment.
Knowledge of tree-planting principles and practices, hazard-tree assessment and abatement, and tree pests, diseases, and remedies.
Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, monitoring, evaluating, and concluding projects.
Demonstrated experience managing inventory and maintaining and growing tree and shrub populations.
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 when making tree-planting recommendations.
Must eventually pass and qualify for the applicable Civil Service title.
The role is subject to the residency requirements set forth by NJ First Act.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Environmental Science, Arboriculture, or a related field.
New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) certification.
ISA Certified Arborist certification.
At least four years of professional experience in forestry and/or arboriculture.

Responsibilities

Assist the Senior Forester in overseeing tree planting, pruning, removal, and chemical application work.
Operate trucks, chippers, tractors, chain saws, pumps, small engines, and other specialized forestry, horticulture, and open-space equipment under the Senior Forester’s direction.
Select or negotiate the purchase of trees and shrubs and determine appropriate species for particular locations or functions.
Participate in tree planting, pruning, removal, grass and tree maintenance product applications, field inspections, and management of citizen requests.
Perform or support planting, fertilizing, trimming, grafting, spraying, and other tree and shrub care tasks.
Support parks and forestry projects, including tree canopy maintenance and growth.
Manage tree planting, procurement, and maintenance projects operated through the Division of Sustainability.
Review schedules, reports, and correspondence prepared by consultants, contractors, and other divisions.
Consult regularly with contractors, consultants, and engineers throughout projects.
Assist with the tree inventory database and maintain project records and files.
Assist the Sustainability Manager with public education and outreach programs focused on the City’s urban canopy.
Liaise with residents and community groups concerning parks, forestry, and Sustainability’s Tree Services.
Lecture and hold discussions with civic groups on arboricultural matters.
Prepare articles to inform the public about relevant programs.
Participate in the development and implementation of department and division initiatives.
Assist with recordkeeping for plant maintenance work and maintain records and files.
Perform other duties as assigned.