The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, golf courses, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Regional Co-Urban Forester I.

The incumbent will work together in a team with another urban forester and is responsible for implementing the plans for planting trees on public and private property in the Gateway Cities located in the southeastern regions of the Commonwealth; supervising and managing seasonal laborer planting crews; planning and coordinating program outreach; implementing data collection operations after planting; coordinating with nurseries for tree delivery; and performing related work as required.

• Assist in the implementation of program activities on both public and private property, designing outreach strategies and materials for private property owners, conducting site visits to locate trees on private and public property, and coordinating with municipal forestry staff to maximize the number of trees planted in targeted Gateway City neighborhoods.

• Supervise seasonal staff, coordinate daily work plan, record staff time and attendance, conduct training programs, keep moral high by creating a positive and safe work environment, mitigate potential conflicts and determine disciplinary action if needed, maintain high standards of work quality and professionalism.

• Interacts with the public and provides technical advice to landowners about proper tree selection and maintenance.

• Accepts tree deliveries from nursery under contract and monitors and assures compliance of nursery stock with contractual agreements.

• Gathers and disseminates information concerning agency programs by correspondence, telephone, personal contact, and through public education programs.

• Prepares or develops weekly planting reports and memoranda using word processing, spreadsheets and databases and communicates with agency personnel using computer network.

• Maintains various logs and records relating to tree planting location and management, including working with Energy and Environmental Affairs and the University of Massachusetts to deploy and record information from data loggers.

• Use desktop computers in the office and portable devices in the field to record and manage tree planting activities.

• Conduct meetings, task forces and/or conferences with agency staff and professionals in related disciplines on issues such as meeting program goals, updating arboricultural techniques, and new forest resource management procedures.

• Assist in the planting of trees, as needed, with hand tools to dig holes and install plant material. Assist with loading and unloading of trucks and vans and moving of nursery stock in a safe and efficient manner.

• Represent agency at local public hearings, advisory committee meetings and task forces concerning forest resource management.

• Serve as liaison to municipal, federal, and state agencies and other organizations regarding forest resource management and environmental protection.

• Performs related duties as assigned, such as prepares, reads and interprets written reports as required; interprets topographical and GIS maps; represents the agency at meetings and exhibits; operates communications equipment, maintains field equipment, and drives a motor vehicle as required.

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

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