Urban Forester (14217, Grade 24)

The Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission•Gaithersburg, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is seeking an Urban Forestry Specialist (Urban Forester) to work within the Montgomery Parks Department. 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. Montgomery Parks is an award-winning park system and part of The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC). Supported by more than 800 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, along with trails, sports fields and natural spaces across Montgomery County. Our team members work in a wide range of roles, including park operations, public programs, planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well-maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of: taxonomy; arboriculture and urban forestry; pesticides/integrated pest management; Commission activities, organization, policies, procedures
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.
Ability to: solve complex problems; analyze and evaluate data; calculate fractions, decimals, and percentages; interpret technical reports and correspondence; read and write technical reports and correspondence; effectively communicate and deliver presentations to various audiences; organize work efficiently and effectively; and provide courteous service.
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.

Nice To Haves

ISA Tree Risk Qualification (TRAQ)
Experience working with data collection devices and GIS software

Responsibilities

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.
May serve as the section’s designated Purchase Card (p-card) holder, responsible for procuring authorized goods, materials, equipment, and services in accordance with Commission purchasing policies and procedures.
Performs other duties as assigned