NYC Parks -Chief of Forestry Programs

The Chief of Forestry Programs at NYC Parks manages New York City's natural spaces and green infrastructure, overseeing tree preservation, procurement, and maintenance. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, the role involves program management, policy development, and collaboration with senior staff on various administrative tasks. The Chief will also pursue grants and partnerships while ensuring effective delivery of forestry services. Strong leadership and complex project management skills are essential.
About the position

The Chief of Forestry Programs at NYC Parks plays a pivotal role in overseeing the management and enhancement of New York City's natural spaces and green infrastructure. This position operates under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Forestry and Horticulture, allowing for significant independent judgment and decision-making. The Chief will be responsible for a variety of programs including tree preservation, tree procurement and planting, forestry maintenance contracts, sidewalk repair, tree work permits, building plan review, and forestry emergency response. This role is crucial in ensuring that the city’s forestry initiatives are effectively implemented and managed to maximize their benefits to the urban ecosystem. In addition to program oversight, the Chief will provide senior-level management for the design, procurement, and implementation of capital, expense, and grant-funded programs such as Tree Planting, Trees & Sidewalks, and Pest and Disease Management. Leadership in enforcing forestry performance management standards is essential to maximize efficiency, equity, and customer service. The Chief will also contribute to the division's stewardship efforts by applying GIS and analytical tools, scientific research, monitoring, and adaptive management to enhance policy decisions and program management. The role requires collaboration with senior staff on budget, procurement, personnel, administrative tasks, productivity reporting, and database management for the entire division. The Chief will develop policies to ensure effective delivery of forestry services to other divisions, agencies, and the public. Managing and motivating assigned staff to meet agency objectives is a key responsibility, including planning and implementing staff training programs and conducting evaluations. The Chief will also pursue grants and funding, developing partnerships with other agencies, environmental groups, and universities to support forestry initiatives. Complex project management is a significant aspect of this role, requiring prompt attention and resolution of time-sensitive issues that impact agency services and initiatives. The Chief will represent the agency and division at various meetings, hearings, conferences, and other venues, ensuring that NYC Parks' forestry programs are well-represented and effectively communicated.

Responsibilities
• Oversee programs including tree preservation, tree procurement and planting, forestry maintenance contracts, sidewalk repair, tree work permits, building plan review, and forestry emergency response.
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• Provide senior level management for the design, procurement, and implementation of capital, expense, and grant funded Tree Planting, Trees & Sidewalks, Pest and Disease Management, and other forestry management programs.
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• Enforce forestry performance management standards to maximize efficiency, equity, and customer service.
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• Apply GIS & analytical tools, scientific research, monitoring, and adaptive management to enhance policy decisions and program management.
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• Collaborate with senior staff on budget, procurement, personnel, administrative tasks, productivity reporting, and database management for the division.
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• Develop policy to ensure coordination and effective delivery of forestry services to other divisions, agencies, and the public.
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• Manage and motivate assigned staff to meet agency objectives, including planning and implementing staff training programs and performing evaluations.
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• Pursue grants and funding and develop partnerships with other agencies, environmental groups, and universities.
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• Manage complex jobs and projects that require prompt attention and resolution, addressing time-sensitive issues that impact agency services.
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• Represent the agency and division at meetings, hearings, conferences, and other venues.

Requirements
• 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, including two years in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or a satisfactory equivalent.
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• 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.

Nice-to-haves
• A master's degree with a specialization in forestry or a related subject; or 10 years of experience in forestry or related field.
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• Strong knowledge of agency structure and divisions and/or government operations.
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• Certification as an Arborist, Board Certified Master Arborist, or Qualified Tree Risk Assessor from the International Society of Arboriculture.
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• Excellent executive level skills in management, administration, supervision, and communication.
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• Record of goals-based accomplishment.
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• At least five years of direct supervision of supervisory and line staff in diverse task areas including technical functions.
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• Experience in fiscal and personnel management, contracts, and inventory management.
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• Proficiency in computer software including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Internet usage.
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• Valid New York State driver license.

Benefits
• Health insurance coverage
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• Dental insurance coverage
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• Life insurance coverage
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• 401k benefit for retirement savings plan
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• Paid holidays
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• Flexible scheduling
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• Professional development opportunities
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• Tuition reimbursement
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• Paid volunteer time