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 the area. This includes pre-inspection project planning, field site visits, studying background location records, analyzing vegetation and soil condition indicators on public space site-by-site and initially determining tree box, curb site or part suitability or condition, and proper season for work to be performed at a specific location. Determines present and projected resource use. Provides data on the magnitude and location of tree problems. Collects data to assist in identifying, classifying, and describing resource-based problems and needs. Assists in preparing environmental impact statements for specific projects. Identifies and evaluates the relative effectiveness of conservation land treatment measures.

Assists in providing technical assistance to individual property owners in the development, application and maintenance of soil and tree preservation plans, 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. Responsible for communicating and coordinating assigned project issues with UFA and DDOT management, team members, regulatory agencies, community and other District of Columbia officials, and/or interest groups.

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.

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 an office setting. However, during site inspections there isregular and recurring exposure to unfavorable conditionssuch as working in areas under construction with conditions such as noise, particulate matter, machinery; water, soil or air under treatment containing chemicals, bacteria and toxic particulates, and concentrated wastesfrom the treatment or cleaning process. Sites visited may include areas infested by insects or 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 emergency employee position under the provisions of District Personnel Manual Chapter 12. As such, your services may be required in emergency situations to perform crucial duties, i.e., snow removal, debris removal, transportation, shelter operation, food distribution, and communication. These duties may be performed when the government is closed or when most employees are dismissed early.

Residency Requirement Statement: If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.

Applicants claiming “Residency Preference” will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.

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.