Chief of Forestry Operations

Title: Chief of Forestry Operations

NYC Parks helps bring together people from all over our great city. From the iconic Central Park to neighborhood playgrounds, we own and operate some of the most exemplary green spaces in the world. At NYC Parks, our mission is to plan resilient and sustainable parks, public spaces, and recreational amenities, build a park system for the present and future generations, and care for parks and public spaces.

The Environment and Planning Division aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City Parks and manage natural areas and tree canopy, all to maximize benefits for environmental and community health and resilience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Forestry and Horticulture, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and decision-making, oversee forestry maintenance operations throughout the five boroughs of New York City.
• Participate in the development and implementation of forestry standards, policies, procedures and performance metrics.
• Plan, coordinate and direct the delivery of forestry programs throughout the city.
• Analyze and adjust operations based on performance measurements, efficiency, equity and customer service.
• Coordinate with the Chief of Forestry Programs to ensure complimentary implementation of tree preservation and contract programs and operations.
• Liaise with other Parks divisions and City agencies to optimize maintenance and procurement of forestry vehicles and equipment.
• Plan, coordinate, and direct Forestry Operations in response to forestry storm emergencies, coordinating with Agency executive staff, other Agency divisions and other City and State agencies.
• Contribute to the development and management of forestry training, safety, certification and workforce development programs.
• Direct borough forestry management, crew supervision, and field crews to prioritize safety throughout forestry operations.
• Contribute to the division’s stewardship efforts and apply GIS & analytical tools, scientific research, monitoring, and adaptive management to enhance policy decisions and program management.
• Work with senior staff on all associated budget, procurement, personnel, administrative, productivity reporting, database management, tracking and related programs for the entire division.
• Develop policy and ensure coordination and effective delivery of forestry services to other divisions of the agency, other agencies, and the public and to obtain support from other divisions as appropriate. Help plan and implement staff training programs.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major study in horticulture, arboriculture or landscape architecture and four years of full-time, paid experience in horticultural work of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or
2. A satisfactory equivalent.  However, all candidates must have at least a high school diploma or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma and one year of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described above.

Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam or Westchester counties required for employees with over two years of city service.  New York City residency required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

1. A master’s degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject; or 10 years of experience in forestry or related field.
2. Strong knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.
3. Familiarity with the Agency’s Forestry Management System and Tree Risk Management policies and procedures.
4. Certification as an Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist, or Qualified Tree Risk Assessor from International Society of Arboriculture.
5. Excellent executive level skills in management, administration, supervision, and communication. Record of collaborative and goals-based accomplishment.
6. Demonstrated commitment to principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the workplace. 
7. At least five years of direct supervision of supervisory and line staff in diverse task areas including technical functions.
8. Experience in fiscal and personnel management, contracts, and inventory management.
9. Proficiency in computer software including, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint and Internet usage.
10. Valid New York State driver license.
11. Availability to work evenings and weekends.

Salary: $140,000 plus excellent benefits

Work Location: TBD       

Apply by: 04/21/2023

For external applicants, please apply through www.nyc.gov/careers

1. Go to www.nyc.gov/careers/search
2. Search for Job ID#: 580449

For details about NYC Parks: www.nyc.gov/parks   

References will be required upon request.

THE CITY OF NEW YORK IS AN INCLUSIVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER COMMITTED TO RECRUITING AND RETAINING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE AND PROVIDING A WORK ENVIRONMENT THAT IS FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT BASED UPON ANY LEGALLY PROTECTED STATUS OR PROTECTED CHARACTERISTIC, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO AN INDIVIDUAL'S SEX, RACE, COLOR, ETHNICITY, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, RELIGION, DISABILITY, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, VETERAN STATUS, GENDER IDENTITY, OR PREGNANCY.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF: (212) 504-4115