SENIOR FORESTER - COMPLIANCE

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW


APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION: GREENSPACE
SECTION: Urban ForestryLOCATION: 12025 Sowden Rd, Houston, TX 77055
WORKDAYS & HOURS : MON-FRI; 6:30 AM TO 3:30 PM *
*Subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department is dedicated to building a sustainable community and enhance the quality of urban life by providing safe well-maintained parks and offering affordable programming for our community. To achieve this mission, HPARD is seeking a Senior Forester (Compliance) to join its Greenspace Management team.

The potential candidate will play a key role in the following:

• Reviews and approves landscape plans for single or multi-family residential, non-residential, capital improvement projects, and park construction.
• Authorizes the removal or pruning of trees included in the city’s Tree Protection Ordinance.
• Reviews construction plans for tree protection compliance.
• Reviews tree planting plans for Adopt-An Esplanade, Adopt-A-Tree and NeighborWoods programs.
• Conducts and/or participates in meetings held on construction sites to resolve issues and ensure contractors compliance with city code requirements.
• Works with contractors and department managers on joint projects and conflict resolutions.
• Represents departments at meetings, external organizations and agencies.
• Ensures work vehicle is safely operated, properly maintained, and serviced when required.
• May be assigned management responsibilities on a limited basis for certain functions, units or programs.
• May be required to be on-call, and report to work during all significant weather events or random incidents.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS
There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Arboriculture, Construction, Forestry, Landscape Architecture or a closely related field.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Three years of progressively responsible professional work experience in forestry is required.

Substitution: An Associate’s degree in Arboriculture, Forestry, Botany or a related field, with at least one course in Dendrology; and two years of journey level forestry or tree care maintenance experience, may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**

Preference will be given to applicants who have valid Texas Driver's License.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED
The selection process will involve application review and/or interview.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade 24

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-395-8357.

If you need special services or accommodations, call (832.395.8357). (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Central