FORESTER

Position Overview

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhancing the quality of urban life by providing safe well‑maintained parks and offering affordable programming for our community. The department seeks a Forester for its Green space Management team.

• Inspect trees and recommend removal of dead, dying or dangerous trees and limbs to mitigate hazards.
• Use ArcGIS tools to collect street tree and neighborhood planting space data (species, diameter, condition, work needed, location, etc.) and analyze tree inventory data to formulate comprehensive management plans.
• Inspect tree maintenance work performed by contractors to ensure satisfactory completion.
• Review construction plans for tree protection compliance and tree planting plans for Adopt‑An‑Esplanade, Adopt‑A‑Tree, and Neighborhood programs.
• Participate in planning, coordinating, and executing the City’s annual Arbor Day planting event.
• Handle inquiries from the general public, property owners, and city officials.
• Prepare and conduct educational training with internal staff or external partners each quarter.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and disaster recovery planning and implementation.
• Assist in the design and implementation of plans and projects to improve efficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with departmental and city‑wide policies and procedures.
• Provide technical advice, consultation, and support to departments, agencies, and groups.
• Provide input into developing codes, ordinances, and specifications.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Routine exposure to extreme weather conditions such as heat or cold, moisture and air pollution. Periodic exposure to chemical substances and minor physical trauma such as cuts, bruises, and minor burns. The position occasionally requires stooping or bending and very light lifting (up to 20 lb).

• Bachelor’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany, or a related field (at least one course in Dendrology) required.
• One year of professional forestry experience required, or an associate’s degree in a related field with at least one course in Dendrology plus two years of journey‑level forestry or tree‑care maintenance experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.
• License requirements: none.
• Preference given to eligible veteran applicants and to applicants with a valid Texas driver’s license.

The City of Houston is 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 characteristic, including sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.