Senior Forester
CityOfNewYork
Posted: April 17, 2026
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Quick Summary
The Senior Forester is responsible for over 10,000 acres of natural areas in the five boroughs, with a focus on forest management, conservation, and restoration.
Required Skills
Job Description
*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES*
The Division of Environment and Planning aims to protect, restore, and expand New York City's green spaces and natural areas to maximize their benefits for environmental and community health and resilience. The Natural Resources Group within Environment and Planning manages over 10,000 acres of natural areas across the five boroughs, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands and has secured tens of millions of dollars of grants from state, federal and private sources over the past decades to fund the restoration and management across these ecosystems.
Major Responsibilities
- Reporting to the Deputy Director of Ecological Construction, manage responsible professional work overseeing construction of forest restoration projects, including contract planning and management, tree procurement and planting, tree inspections and condition assessment, emergency storm response and other priorities.
- Train and supervise Foresters and staff engaged in all aspects of forest restoration, including contract preparation and management, field assessment, oversight and inspections of contract operations, tree condition assessment, consultant supervision, selection of quality plant material, data entry and storm emergency response.
- Track project schedules from award through construction, guarantee and close-out and take appropriate steps to accomplish project completion in accordance with schedule. Coordinate with contract nurseries and the Greenbelt Native Plant Center to manage inventories and anticipated needs of tree material.
- Participate and oversee data entry into Unifier (the division’s project management software), the Natural Areas Management Application and the Plant Allocation Database for missed tasks and incomplete information. Promptly address deficiencies. Retrieve and report data as necessary for Team, Chiefs and Borough review.
- Review site plans and specifications for NYC Parks and other agency construction projects for appropriate best management practices in natural areas care, including tree and plant selection, appropriate pesticide use, construction methods and tree protection measures.
- Lead and manage tree inventory and valuations. Track and report on progress of tree replacement.
- In coordination with other units of the Agency, provide guidance and feedback on design of forest restoration contracts, including site selection, scope cost estimation, conservation and protection needs, and constructability review.
- Assist with management, allocation and tracking of Capital and Expense funds for forest restoration.
- Prepare briefings, reports, evaluations, budgets and correspondence related to above. Research new materials and methods related to Parks’ urban forestry activities.
How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 777777.
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.
Work Location: Rego Park, Queens
NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.
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)
FORESTER - 81361
1. A master’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject, or;
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;
3. An associate degree from an accredited college or university, with a specialization in forestry or a related subject and three (3) years of full-time professional experience in forestry or arboricultural work or;
4. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1",”2", or “3" above. However, all candidates must have at least an associate degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject.
License Requirement
A Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York. This license must be maintained for the duration of your employment."
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.