Precinct One’s mission is that we are committed to become a national model for delivering responsive public service utilizing inclusive, innovative and collaborative approaches to improve the quality of life, advance equality of opportunity and promote the fair treatment of all people in Harris County.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
What you will do at Precinct One
The Forestry Manager will oversee and direct the work of crews responsible for preventive and restorative tree maintenance in community areas, parks, and urban spaces. Duties include planning and scheduling tasks, monitoring and evaluating employee performance, addressing personnel concerns, enforcing Precinct policies, park rules, and safety regulations, as well as providing training to staff.
The Forestry Manager will oversee the forestry team responsible for managing 311 service tickets related to tree maintenance and forestry concerns. You and your team will respond to service tickets for park forestry concerns.
Operate and maintain forestry equipment and tools; ensure safe and proper use of equipment and tools. Oversee the removal of fallen trees, hazardous branches and ensure the cleanliness and safety of the work areas. Supervise the maintenance of nature trails, wooded areas, and public green spaces in alignment with community and park needs. Conduct or assign tree inspections to identify hazards, diseases, or areas requiring maintenance, and ensure corrective actions are taken. Complete administrative tasks such as reporting on team activities, tracking progress of service tickets and preparing reports on forestry operations for management. You will collaborate with park maintenance teams to ensure forestry work aligns with overall park operations and support additional park duties when needed.
REQUIREMENTS
What you will bring to the Precinct
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Urban Forestry, Environmental Resources, Park and Resource Management, or a closely related field is preferred. Experience and/or technical training in forestry, arboriculture, or related fields may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
Three (3) years of experience in performing tree maintenance, urban forestry, or related fields including tasks such as tree planting, pruning, removal, pest management and care of urban green spaces.
Must possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Three (3) years of experience leading or supervising the work of others.
Proficiency in Microsoft software applications
Prior government, municipal/county public works experience
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of forestry management, tree health, maintenance operations, occupational hazards, and safety precautions related to tree care.
Familiarity with urban forestry practices including tree selection, planting, maintenance and risk assessment.
Ability to coach and lead staff effectively while practicing good budget management.
Knowledgeable about the operation of forestry and park maintenance equipment and tools.
Work Environment:
The work environment is primarily outdoors, requiring regular exposure to various weather conditions such as extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind. Exposure to environmental hazards such as dust, pollen, insects and animals is common.
The position may involve working at heights (e.g., climbing trees or using aerial lifts) and near moving mechanical equipment.
Work schedules may vary and include weekends, holidays, and after-hours assignments, especially during emergencies or when responding to service tickets.
Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required for special events or emergency responses (e.g., inclement weather,
park safety issues).
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to lift, carry, and move objects up to 100 pounds.
Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, and working in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat, humidity, cold, and rain.
Ability to operate forestry equipment.
What you get in return
You will be surrounded by coworkers who bring their best to work each day. Passionate people that want to make a difference in the communities Precinct One serves along with Harris County as a whole.
Harris County employees receive a competitive salary plus medical, dental, and vision insurance at no cost to the employee after the first two months of full-time continued employment. Vacation, sick time, and floating holidays allow our employees to recharge and balance work and personal time. Mandatory participation in our retirement program allows employees to save for retirement. Various other benefits and discounts lead to the satisfaction and engagement of our employees.
About Precinct One
There are four precincts in Harris County. The four elected commissioners, along with an elected county judge, serve as members of Harris County Commissioners Court, the administrative head of the county’s government.
With approximately 1.1 million residents, Harris County Precinct One is a diverse, urban precinct that covers 363 square miles. Precinct One’s multi-racial, multi-ethnic population is roughly 39 percent African American, 37 percent Latino, 18 percent Anglo, 5 percent Asian and 1 percent other.
Precinct One stretches south to Brazoria County and reaches into eastern and northern sections of Harris County. The Precinct’s territory includes a large section of Downtown Houston, including the Downtown Harris County Courthouse Complex, Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park and the Shell Energy Stadium. Other notable landmarks include the 263-acre NRG Park Complex and the renowned Texas Medical Center. The Precinct is also the higher educational home to Houston Community College, Rice University, Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and the University of St. Thomas. Precinct One manages more than 20 parks, 11 community centers, numerous hike-and-bike trails, three maintenance service centers and several area offices, all of which provide an array of services to Precinct One residents.
How to apply
If this job sounds interesting, you meet the required qualifications and you can see yourself working for Precinct One in our Parks sub-division, we invite you to apply.
