Urban Forester

THIS IS A CIVIL SERVICE POSITION. THERE IS A CURRENT VACANCY.
For further consideration, please submit the City of Saratoga Springs application. The full announcement can be found on We can not interview without a completed application submitted.
Applications are available in the Civil Service Office in City Hall, or online under Civil Service, or email [email protected] to request one be sent to you.
Completed applications can be emailed in to [email protected], mailed in, or dropped off to the office.
This is in office employment. This is not remote employment.

SALARY:

• 2025 $85,048
• 2026 $88,025
• NYS Retirement; Health, Dental, Vision Benefits; Earned paid time off; Yearly increases; CSEA

LOCATION: City of Saratoga Springs – Department of Public Works

RESIDENCY: No residency requirement

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following qualification(s) MUST be met and clearly detailed in the application form on or before the last filing date:

• 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 forestry, horticulture, arboricultural science or a closely related field, and two (2) years of full-time paid professional level work experience in forestry or arboricultural work; OR
• 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 forestry, horticulture, arboricultural science or a closely related field, and three (3) years of full-time paid professional level work experience in forestry or arboricultural work; OR
• Graduation from High School or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of full-time paid professional level work experience in forestry or arboricultural work or professional work in the care and propagation of trees.

SPECIAL NOTES:

• If required to drive a city vehicle, must possess and maintain a valid NYS driver’s license throughout employment.
• Please submit an unofficial copy of your transcript and/or a copy of your degree with your application.
• Anticipated eligibility:
• Must be New York State Certified Arborist at time of appointment and must maintain said certification for the duration of employment.

DUTIES : The work involves responsibility for planning, coordinating, and managing all urban forestry activities for the City of Saratoga Springs. This will include following the Urban Forestry Master and Maintenance Plans along with enforcing City ordinances and regulations governing the planting, maintenance, protection and removal of trees on all City streets, parks and other City owned property. The Urban Forester shall direct the Arborist and crew of workers assigned to the tree removal, tree trimming and tree planting programs. General Supervision is received from the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of Public Works, and DPW Business Manager, with leeway allowed for independent judgement related to Urban Forestry Management. The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: The duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.

• Manages the long-term planning of the Urban Forestry Division in accordance with the Urban Forestry Management and Maintenance Plans;
• Identifies and applies for funding sources outside the budgetary consideration of the City of Saratoga Springs including grant funding;
• Develops policy and procedures for the removal of felled trees and branches, preventing inventory from becoming nuisance or overburdensome;
• Serves as the City’s representative to regional, state and local agencies for all matters regarding Urban Forestry;
• Provides recommendations to the Commissioner of Public Works for necessary amendments to the Urban Forestry plan to ensure the City’s program is compliant with regulatory changes and industry best management practices;
• Assists the DPW Business Manager with developing policy and procedures for the Urban Forestry Division including tree maintenance, inventory, utility coordination, and risk management using the latest arboricultural standards and practices;
• Establishes priorities for the Urban Forestry Division in accordance with the City’s Urban and Community Forestry Master Plan;
• Coordinates policy and procedure updates with the Director of Risk and Safety policy updates for risk management procedures using latest arboricultural standards and practices;
• Maintains, updates and, as necessary, adjusts the City’s urban forest tree inventory;

THIS IS A CIVIL SERVICE POSITION. THERE IS A CURRENT VACANCY.
For further consideration, please submit the City of Saratoga Springs application.