Forester - New York City Fire Department : Job Details

IMPORTANT: All Applicants must be serving Permanent in the Forester title to be considered for Interview.

The Forestry, Horticulture, and Natural Resources Group is responsible for citywide urban forestry, ecological and horticulture initiatives, policy standards and performance measures, including street tree planting, Greenstreets, Green Infrastructure, natural areas restoration, and horticultural training and education. The Green Infrastructure Unit of the NYC Parks Department (DPR GI Unit) focuses on stormwater capture in priority Combined Sewage Overflow (CSO) tributary areas, primarily in the right of way. This work improves the city's sewer system function and transforms grey space into green, providing New Yorkers with the benefits of green space.

The mission of the division is to protect, restore, expand, and manage NYC's natural spaces and green infrastructure to maximize benefits and promote their value within the urban ecosystem. The division handles citywide urban forestry, ecological, horticulture initiatives, and broader green infrastructure projects like green roofs, daylighting, wetland restoration, and stormwater capture related to water quality. Specifically, the Green Infrastructure Unit reviews designs for engineered landscapes that transform impervious grey space to green space and retrofits of parkland to maximize environmental benefits, especially stormwater capture, in a cost-effective manner. This work is performed in partnership with NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and other agencies.

Foresters will conduct site surveys to identify potential tree issues for green infrastructure siting and issue permits for trees in the right of way and on-site, under NYC Parks' jurisdiction. Sites are constructed through DEP and other city agencies' Green Infrastructure Program. The role includes reviewing and approving best practices for tree planting and preservation protocols. DEP plans to install bioswales and other green infrastructure projects requiring NYC Parks permits. Approximately 50% of the work involves fieldwork.

Major Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Position: FORESTER - 81361

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in forestry or a related field from an accredited college or university, or
• Baccalaureate degree with specialization in forestry or related field plus one year of professional forestry/arboricultural experience, or
• Associate degree with specialization in forestry or related field plus three years of professional experience, or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, with at least an associate degree in forestry or related field.

License Requirement

A valid Motor Vehicle Driver License in New York State, maintained throughout employment.

Preferred Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, experience working with the public.
• Ability to work independently.
• Valid New York State driver license.

This position is open to qualified persons, including those eligible for the 55-a Program. Indicate your interest in the top of your resume and cover letter.

Additional benefits include potential eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness programs. For more details, visit

Residency in NYC is not required.

The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, prohibiting discrimination based on protected characteristics.