Forestry Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Forestry Specialist (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

About This Position

Job Description:

Forestry Specialist

Purpose: Under general supervision, develop, monitor, and/or perform activities related to the conservation, preservation, and proliferation of trees in the City of Austin.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

1. Review construction plans, specifications, contracts, etc. for compliance with codes, ordinances, zoning, etc. related to trees.

2. Monitor and coordinate tree-planting and/or tree maintenance activities for the City of Austin.

3. Coordinate division/section activities with other divisions/departments, public agencies, and private entities.

4. Inspect and treat trees for diseases, parasites, etc.

5. Confer with architects, developers, contractors, etc. to discuss tree preservation techniques.

6. Draft/write and enforce ordinances, policies, etc. relating to arboricultural and urban forestry practices.

7. Manage and/or coordinate specific tree programs.

8. Answer citizen’s questions and provide assistance.

9. Investigate consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity.

10. Research information as needed or requested.

11. Compile and calculate data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to train others.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or related field.
  
• Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License
  

Preferred Qualifications/Preferred Experience:

• Experience working in the field of Municipal Forestry or Arboriculture.
  
• Experience performing tree risk assessments.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to use ArcGIS mapping software or similar software.
  

Preferred Certifications or Licenses:

• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential or the ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.
  
• International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or the ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Forestry Specialist position is to perform the role of an inspector, working independently to respond to tree maintenance requests or proactively inspect park trees to develop a scope of work, create tree maintenance work orders and assign priority. This position will frequently interact with constituents, regularly perform tree risk assessments, and frequently use ArcGIS mapping software as a routine part of their day.

Work Location: Central Maintenance Complex - 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Austin, TX 78741

Work Schedule:

• Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

Salary Range:

$49,520.00 - 56,780.00

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Driver Safety Standards: This position requires candidate to possess a valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. If you cannot meet these conditions, you may be deemed ineligible for this position.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and you must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

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At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
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• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
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By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-05-26