Urban Forestry Director

Company: Eastern Landscape Contractors, Inc.

Location: NYC Metro Region (projects throughout NJ, NYC & NY State)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: $90,000 – $130,000 annually (commensurate with experience)

Schedule: Monday–Friday, daytime hours; occasional nights/weekends based on project needs

Eastern Landscape Contractors, Inc. is a union‑signatory, WBE & DBE‑certified public works contractor specializing in large‑scale landscape construction, tree operations, vegetation management, and environmental restoration. Our teams support complex public‑sector and infrastructure projects across New Jersey and New York, operating in dense urban corridors, transportation facilities, campuses, parks, and environmentally sensitive areas.

As our public‑sector tree work continues to expand, we are seeking experienced leadership to help guide, execute, and grow our Tree Operations program.

Eastern Landscape Contractors is seeking an Urban Forestry Director to oversee and execute public‑sector tree operations while remaining hands‑on in the field. This is not a desk‑only role. The successful candidate will actively perform tree work, lead crews, and serve as a key field and technical resource across multiple projects.

This role includes an estimating‑support component. While the Tree Operations Lead will not be responsible for preparing bids in the traditional sense, they will play a critical role in reviewing project scopes, evaluating tree work requirements during site walks, and assessing quantities and constraints using tools such as Google Earth, satellite imagery, drawings, and specifications
. This input will directly support accurate bidding and successful project execution.

• Perform and lead hands‑on tree operations including pruning, removals, clearing, salvage, and stump grinding
• Operate and oversee bucket trucks, spider lifts, chippers, and related equipment
• Lead crews in urban, high‑traffic, and infrastructure‑driven environments
• Plan and execute safe rigging and controlled removals
• Review project scopes and tree work requirements during site visits and digital reviews
• Evaluate quantities, access, logistics, and constraints to support accurate estimating
• Coordinate daily operations with project managers, general contractors, arborists, engineers, and agency representatives
• Read and interpret construction drawings, details, and technical specifications
• Maintain high standards for safety, productivity, and quality
• Track job performance, production rates, and efficiency metrics (training available if needed)
• Work collaboratively with internal teams including Ownership, Operations, Purchasing, Estimating, and Payroll
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, contract requirements, and company safety protocols

• 10+ years of public‑sector tree operations experience
• Extensive hands‑on experience with pruning, removals, clearing, and stump grinding
• Proven ability to lead crews while remaining active in the field
• Experience with bucket truck and/or spider lift operations
• Experience reviewing scopes of work and evaluating tree operations for pricing and execution
• Ability to assess projects using site walks, plans, specifications, and satellite‑based tools (e.g., Google Earth)
• Strong communication skills with contractors, engineers, and public agency representatives
• Highly organized with strong time‑management skills
• Willingness to travel throughout NJ, NYC, Long Island, and NY State based on project assignments

Required:

• ISA Certified Arborist
• OSHA Certification

Preferred:

• Climbing experience and associated arborist skills
• LTE preferred
• Familiarity with PM tools or construction software
• Experience with job cost tracking or willingness to learn

• Competitive salary with room for growth
• Long‑term career opportunity within a growing division
• Direct access to ownership and operational leadership
• Stable pipeline of public‑sector work
• Opportunity to help shape and grow a tree operations program
• Strong estimating, operations, and back‑office support
• Safety‑first, professional team culture

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Eastern Landscape Contractors, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employment is contingent upon verification of qualifications and eligibility to work in the U.S.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties as necessary to meet business needs. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all pre‑employment screenings, including verification of qualifications and eligibility to work in the U.S.