Forester (Urban)

This position is organized within the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Urban Forestry Division (UFD). The incumbent performs duties that involve on-site inspection, evaluation, and management of urban tree populations. The incumbent is responsible for the development, planning, and application of urban forestry methods and practices directed toward the establishment, restoration, and conservation of urban forests.

Duties and Responsibilities

Conducts detailed urban forest planning investigations and inventories to identify characteristics and quantity of trees in assigned areas. This includes pre-inspection project planning, field site visits, studying background location records, analyzing vegetation and soil condition indicators on public lands site-by-site, and determining appropriate work activity to achieve the agency’s mission, vision and goals. Responds to Service Requests, reviews permit applications, schedules, monitors and directs urban forest management activities, taking into consideration factors regarding site suitability and conditions, proper season for work to be performed at a specific location, and generally established industry best practices.

Responsible for executing assigned projects, in-house and by contract, to comply with all applicable Federal, and District of Columbia environmental laws and policies. Observes work and work methods of contractors and in-house crews to ensure that operations are in accordance with UFD’s plans and ensures the use of acceptable work practices. Inspects work that is in progress and verifies work that has been completed.

Assists in providing technical assistance to individual property owners in the development, application and maintenance of soil and tree preservation plans. Advises on the prevention, control, or eradication of a variety of tree diseases, and the use of pesticides. Collaborates with resource specialists inside and outside the organization to foster and maintain an extensive urban tree maintenance control program which includes detection, evaluation of severity, determination of treatment, and implementation of measures to prevent, retard, control, or suppress potential, threatening, or emerging insect infestations, disease epidemics, invasive plant introductions, other identified disturbances, and to restore urban trees damaged by these agents. Ability to plan, develop, coordinate, and monitor tree trimming projects to assure compliance with applicable objectives, standards, and requirements.

Qualifications and Education

Degree: Forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry.

or

Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

and

Specialized Experience: Specialized experience is experience which is directly related to the position and has equipped the individual with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. To be creditable, at least one (1) year of specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the normal line of progression.

A professional knowledge of scientific forestry principles and concepts as demonstrated with a bachelor’s degree or higher in Forestry, Urban Forestry, or other related Natural Resource Management study area, and a practical knowledge of conventional methods and techniques sufficient to undertake routine forestry management in an urban setting is preferred.

Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, local environmental laws, regulations, industry best management practices and other guidance to make decisions and recommendations concerning tree establishment, preservation, maintenance, restoration, compliance, and conservation is preferred.

Working Conditions and Environment

The majority of the work is in the field, however the typical tour of duty will also involve significant time in a professional office setting, as well as occasional evening and/or weekend meetings. The work requires regular and recurring construction and/or field inspections, investigations, inventories, or surveys in which there is a considerable amount of walking, stooping, bending, reaching, and climbing. Sites visited may include areas infested by insects, hazardous plants, or other living creatures.

Licenses and Certifications

Existing ISA Arborist Certification (or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire) is preferred.

Experience with ArcGIS Systems is preferred.

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

Other Significant Facts

Tour of Duty: 6:30 AM - 3:00 PM; Monday - Friday

Pay Plan, Series and Grade: CS-0460-09

Promotion Potential: CS–0460-11/12

Collective Bargaining Unit (Union): This position is not covered under a collective bargaining unit.

Position Desgination:This position will be subject to enhanced suitability screening pursuant to Chapter 4 of DC Personnel Regulations, Suitability - Security Sensitive. Accordingly, the incumbent will be subject to pre-employment checks (criminal background checks, consumer credit check, traffic record checks, if applicable) as a condition of employment, and will be subject to periodic criminal background checks for the duration of your tenure.

Emergency Designation: This position has been designated as an essential employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, your service maybe required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, e.g., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operations, food distribution, and communication. These duties maybe performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.

Employee Benefits May Include:

DDOT is an employer of choice for any job seeker who has passion, energy, and enthusiasm about our city. Employee benefits include:

• Health and life insurance benefits and retirement benefits (More information about these benefits is available on the D.C. Department of Human Resources (DCHR) website at www.dchr.dc.gov.)
• Complimentary Capital BikeShare Membership
• Continued professional development, and professional growth through d.University, the in-house training available for all DDOT employees
• Flexible work schedule (team and role dependent)
• Employer assisted housing loan program, providing payment and/or closing cost financing for first-time home buyers (restrictions apply).

EEO Statement: The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, credit information, homeless status, and/or victims or family members of victims of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking.