Director of In-House Tree Planting

*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES* *This vacancy is only open to 1) current permanent Parks employees serving in the Administrative Horticulturist civil service title or 2) on leave from the title or 3) permanent Parks employees in or on leave from a comparable title (e.g. Administrative Park & Recreation Manager or Administrative Community Relations Specialist) or 4) Parks employees who are reachable on the Administrative Horticulturist Civil Service List (Exam No. 6005) or 5) Parks employees who are reachable on a comparable civil service list or qualify for a comparable title. [Please indicate the exam number and your list number or comparable title on your resume.] Major Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Chief of Forestry Programs, with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, lead all aspects of the in-house tree planting program.
• Provide strategic leadership for the program, from daily operational decisions to broader program changes and adaptations.
• Manage program staff, including providing or arranging necessary trainings, professional development opportunities, monitoring daily productivity, and performing periodic staff evaluations.
• Liaise with Agency leadership and OMB on budget and budget tracking needs. Monitor program costs and savings compared to contracted tree planting.
• Research, pilot, and implement tree planting techniques, crew configurations, and equipment to optimize operations and successful outcomes. Develop annual operational plans prioritizing efficient workflows that are complementary to other planting programs.
• Coordinate with other divisions as needed to address needs related to fleet, procurement, operations, site logistics, and others.
• Report on staff and budget needs, vehicle and fleet issues, and program challenges and successes. Work with division leadership to develop and implement solutions to challenges.
• Prepare briefings, reports, evaluations, budgets, and correspondence.
• Support the division and Agency in response to forestry storm events, including activating the In-House Tree Planting team as a response unit.

Work Location: Olmsted Center, Queens How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID#

• All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request. Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee between $40.00 to $101.00 based on the salary range of title. Hired candidates who are not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee.

nyc.gov/parks MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams

• Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

Minimum Qualifications

• 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
• 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.

Preferred Skills

• Certification as “Arborist” or “Board Certified Master Arborist” by the International Society of Arboriculture; or “Registered Consulting Arborist” by the American Society of Consulting Arborists.
• A master’s degree from an accredited university in forestry or a related subject; or 7 years of experience in tree preservation and protection, pruning, installation and establishment, diagnosis and treatment of insect and disease problems, and other related arboricultural services.
• Excellent writing, administrative and interpersonal skills. Strong leadership skills and capacity to reconcile input from multiple stakeholders while meeting overall organizational objectives.
• Experience with and understanding of construction techniques and building requirements and ability to comprehend road, building and construction plans.
• Strong knowledge of agency divisions and/or government operations.
• Valid New York State driver license.

Residency Requirement

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 hiring for all other candidates.