Urban & Community Forestry Specialist: Local Implementation Forester

(Paid Opportunities) Return to Paid Opportunities

 Compensation: $65,000 per year + benefits

The UCF Specialist: Local Implementation Forester will support the 25 Million Trees Initiative in New York City by providing technical assistance, outreach, and education to local communities and organizations, and partner organizations in support of local urban and community forestry programs.  

Responsibilities/Duties

The UCF Specialist: Local Implementation Forester will support the 25 Million Trees Initiative in New York City by providing technical assistance, outreach and education to local communities and organizations, and with partner organizations in support of local urban and community forestry programs.  The UCF Specialist will also assist in managing ReLeaf Committee activities. As the Urban and Community Forestry Program expands to address climate carbon sequestration this position is critical to ensure that the unprecedented levels of funding are delivered through efficient and effective programing in the state’s largest city.  The Department was awarded an Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) grant by the USFS for the purpose of implementing the NYS Forest Action Plan by providing technical advice, assistance, education and training to communities and organizations in New York City, in which 40% of the state’s population resides.  The individual hired for this position will help to ensure that more than $30 million of additional state and federal funding for urban forestry enhancement is expended in a timely manner and conducted in a manner consistent with the Federal grant requirements. 

Specific Duties: 

  • Provide technical assistance to municipalities, local schools and others in Region 2 (New York City) on topics such as urban forestry grants, Tree City USA, Tree Campus and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, planting programs, Arbor Day events, best management practices in tree planting and care, and other community forestry issues. 
  • Co-chair the Region 2 ReLeaf Committee including working with volunteer co-chairs, facilitating committee planning, workshops, and outreach activities.  
  • Assist with UCF grant inspections as needed. 
  • Give tree talks with partner NGO’s.  
  • Participate in Forest For All NYC action teams. 
  • Host City of Forest Day events. 
  • Host and participate in partner Earth Day events. 
  • Assist with annual CARS reporting and volunteer hours tabulation 

Qualifications/Requirements

  •  A bachelor's or higher degree in ecological forest management, forest biology, forest ecosystem science, forest health, forest resource management, forestry, natural resources planning, natural resources management, natural resources conservation, or urban forestry. or
  • A bachelor's or higher degree including or supplemented by 24 credits in any of the following; dendrology, entomology, environmental planning (as part of a forestry program), environmental policy (as part of a forestry program), environmental resource management (as part of a forestry program), forest ecology, forest ecosystem, forest entomology, forest inventories, forest pathology, forest management, forest measurement/inventory, forest recreation, forest recreation management, geographic information system (GIS), natural resources planning, natural resources policy, pathology, plant entomology, plant pathology, silviculture, soils, surveying, ecological restoration, or wilderness management. Two years of forestry-related work may be substituted for 12 credits. 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license. 

Preferred: 

  • ISA Certified Arborist credentials or willingness to become an ISA Certified Arborist within 6 months of hiring. 

Additional Information

  • Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume via email: urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov. Transcripts will be required prior to interview.  Note “UCF Specialist: Reg 2 Forester Position” in subject line of email.
  • Deadline to apply: COB, April 30, 2026
  • Title: UCF Specialist: Local Implementation Forester Agency: Natural Heritage Trust 
  • Agency Assignment: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation  
  • Location: 1 Hunters Point Plaza, 47-40 21st Street, Long Island City, NY
  • Compensation: $65,000 and benefits package 
  • Work Schedule: Full-time 37.5 h/week; Monday-Friday 

It is the policy of the State of New York and NHT to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service, member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception. The NHT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. 

Contact Information

Natural Heritage Trust
Email: urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov
Website: Apply Online