Forester Guide
Foresters implement professional forestry plans regarding the selection, planting, pruning, repairing, spraying, removal, and inspection of city trees; collect data for work load planning and computer model simulation of work to be done by contractors for stump removal, tree pruning, tree planting and related urban forestry contracts; serve as borough liaison to central office staff for assigned contract work; prepare detailed specifications of agency forestry contracts; attend preconstruction meetings to discuss contract specifications, schedules and payment procedures; monitor daily progress of agency contractors and prepares daily status reports on agency contract work; report results and recommendations to supervisors; collect statistical data concerning mensuration measurements, silvics indicators, and physiological parameters in order to maintain a complete and accurate borough or citywide tree inventory update; modify micro and macro EDP software programs as required; provide professional support and follow-up on consultancy with private and municipal agencies and private individuals on forestry-related matters; conduct research and provides entomological and pathological surveys required for the development of plans and programs regarding forestry methods, practices and procedures; as a member of a team, analyses and budget requests; may supervise subordinate employees involved in professional forestry activities; operate and maintain technical and professional instruments, kits and tools in the performance of the above mentioned professional research and survey duties; operate motorized equipment and vehicles incidental to the performance of these duties. All Foresters perform related work.
SALARY RANGE
$50,458 minimum per annum (Subject to change; appointments generally made to Assignment Level I with two assignment levels available at agency discretion)
DIPLOMA LEVEL
High School / Degree
OPEN WINDOW
Filing Scheds
Key Job Duties
What you will act and execute daily upon appointment:
- Implement professional forestry plans regarding the selection, planting, pruning, repairing, spraying, removal, and inspection of city trees.
- Collect data for workload planning and computer model simulation of work to be performed by contractors for stump removal, tree pruning, tree planting, and related urban forestry contracts.
- Serve as borough liaison to central office staff for assigned contract work; prepare detailed specifications of agency forestry contracts; attend preconstruction meetings to discuss specifications, schedules, and payment procedures.
- Monitor daily progress of agency contractors, prepare daily status reports, and report results and recommendations to supervisors.
- Collect statistical data concerning mensuration measurements, silvics indicators, and physiological parameters to maintain a complete and accurate borough or citywide tree inventory update.
- Modify micro and macro EDP software programs as required, and provide professional support and consultancy on forestry-related matters.
- Conduct research and provide entomological and pathological surveys required for developing plans and programs regarding forestry methods, practices, and procedures.
- Operate and maintain technical and professional instruments, kits, tools, and motorized equipment and vehicles incidental to duties; analyze budget requests and supervise subordinate staff as assigned.
Filing & Appointment Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill these rules BEFORE certification:
- Requirement 1: A master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject; OR
- Requirement 2: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and one year of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work; OR
- Requirement 3: An associate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and three years of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work; OR
- Requirement 4: A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to (1), (2), or (3). Education in forestry or a related subject may substitute for experience under (3) at the rate of 30 semester credits for one year of experience. All candidates must have at least an associate degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject.
- Deadlines for Requirements: The education requirement must be met by September 22, 2027 (Civil Service Law Section 54(2)). The experience requirement must be met by September 22, 2026.
- Driver License Requirement: At the time of appointment, candidates must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York, which must be maintained for the duration of employment.
- Residency: City residency is NOT required for this position.
- English Requirement: Candidates must be able to understand and be understood in English.
- Proof of Identity: Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, you must prove identity and right to obtain employment in the United States prior to employment.
Computerized Examination Pattern
Education and Experience Exam (EEE) evaluated via OASys. Candidates receive 70 points for meeting minimum education and experience requirements, plus up to 30 additional points for full-time experience in urban forestry management (up to 30 pts for 5+ years), arboricultural work (up to 15 pts), commercial forestry (up to 9 pts), relevant college coursework (up to 3 pts), and recognized ISA/SAF forestry certifications (up to 2 pts).
Physical Demands & Environmental Conditions
Physical activities performed and environments experienced in this role:
- Standing for extended periods of time.
- Working outdoors in an urban environment in all kinds of weather.
- Walking on uneven ground and walking uphill.
Special Working Conditions
Operational environments and agency-specific criteria:
- Shift Schedules: Foresters may be required to work various shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
- Driver License Requirement: Must possess and maintain a valid NYS driver license for operating departmental motorized vehicles and equipment.
Filing and Application Fee Process
Apply online through the Online Application System (OASys) at www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs. Application Fee: $68.00 (paying by card incurs a nonrefundable 2.00% service fee; waivers available for eligible candidates). You must finalize and submit your Education and Experience Exam in OASys by midnight Eastern time on September 22, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Important Timelines
Application Period: September 2, 2026 – September 22, 2026. Application Fee: $68.00. Education and Experience Exam must be Final Submitted in OASys by midnight Eastern time on September 22, 2026.
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