FOREST TECHNICIAN (CITY OF SYRACUSE)                                                      69130     (Competitive)                                                                           

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for a variety of technical and administrative tasks to support management and urban forestry operations activities.  Supervision is not typically a function of this class.  Work is carried out under the general supervision of the Arborist.  Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

        Collects data, prepares cost estimates and develops specifications for tree maintenance, planting, removal and pest control, and inspects and monitors contractor's work.

        Recommends payment of contractors, documenting inferior work when necessary.

        Reviews requests for emergency work on public and private trees, inspects site and recommends actions to be taken.

        Inspects privately owned trees for compliance with City codes, recommends condemnations and/or other necessary work and assures that mandated work is performed within specified time frames, and in accordance with accepted work and safety standards.

        Inspects and monitors reconstruction projects as they relate to preserving existing trees or planting new ones.

        Assesses damage to City-owned trees occurring during construction operations, prepares documentation related to the incident and follows case through to resolution.

        Reviews work requests and recommends actions to the Arborist regarding removal, planting or trimming trees in City owned or maintained property.

        Identifies limitations on planting of new trees, such as the location of sidewalks, property lines and underground and surface utilities.

        Inspects existing City-maintained trees, and collects data on their location, species, health and structural condition.

        Maintains automated database of City-maintained trees, updating files as changes in tree conditions occur and work is performed.

        Responds to questions and complaints, via phone or in person, from the public, contractors and other City offices regarding proposed or in-progress forestry projects.

        Keeps current with advances in urban forestry by reading various relevant publications.          

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

        Thorough knowledge of street and utility construction specifications and tree preservation techniques to minimize the impact of construction work to tree health.

        Thorough knowledge of City, Bureau and Division policies, rules and regulations.

        Thorough knowledge of how to successfully perform forestry work in the public right-of-way and near power lines, homes, buildings, etc.

        Good knowledge of the principals of Integrated Pest Management.

        Working knowledge of maintenance methods and requirements for large, mature trees in an urban or residential environment, including trimming, cabling, removal, disease treatment and pest control.

        Working knowledge of tree species commonly planted in cities and parks, growth habits, hardness of wood, susceptibility to pests or disease, and maintenance needs.

        Ability to calculate percent of decay or strength loss values for decayed wood and recommend corrective action.

        Ability to use and access the Division's automated tree inventory and information systems.

        Ability to identify the symptoms of trees under stress and systematically investigate causes through literature searches and sampling methods.

        Ability to select appropriate tree species and planting methods for various needs and locations.

        Ability to identify potential safety hazards caused by trees and take necessary corrective actions.

        Ability to develop cost estimates for the planting and maintenance of trees.

        Ability to communicate effectively with technical, supervisory and skilled labor personnel.

        Ability to explain policies, procedures and technical information in clear, simple language.

        Ability to identify and correct unsafe work practices.

        Ability to complete forms, write brief reports, keep organized records and create systematic and simple reports.

        Ability to read and interpret a variety of maps, plans, contracts and technical documents.

        Ability to plan, assign and oversee the work of employees.

        Ability to deal with the public and employees tactfully and courteously.

        Ability to be on-call for emergency situations.

        Ability to work outdoors for extended periods of time in all types of weather.              

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Competitive: 

1. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with a Bachelor's degree in  Environmental Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related field and three (3) years of full-time paraprofessional or professional-level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in urban and community forestry related activities, such as working in tree care operations, educational and programming roles related to volunteer or workforce stewardship in tree planting and maintenance, or tree protection and enforcement activities.; or,

2. Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees with an Associate's degree in Environmental Science, Forestry, Horticulture, Plant Science or a closely related field and five (5) years of full-time paraprofessional or professional-level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in urban and community forestry related activities, such as working in tree care operations, educational and programming roles related to volunteer or workforce stewardship in tree planting and maintenance, or tree protection and enforcement activities.; or,

3. Seven (7) years of full-time paraprofessional or professional-level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in urban and community forestry related activities, such as working in tree care operations, educational and programming roles related to volunteer or workforce stewardship in tree planting and maintenance, or tree protection and enforcement activities.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT:  When required to operate motor vehicles, possession of a valid New York State driver's license appropriate to the type of vehicle being operated.  Licensure must be maintained throughout the course of employment.

10/2021 Revised