UCF Specialist: Local Implementation Forester

Job Summary:
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.

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:

Required:

• 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.

How to Apply:

Please submit resume and cover letter via email: urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov, noting “UCF Specialist: Reg 2 Forester Position” in subject line of email by close of business, Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Additional Comments:

NHT is committed to building and encouraging an inclusive workplace that strives for respect and promotes and values diversity. We believe that organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, or any other trait that makes an individual unique, are proven to be better organizations. Please consider joining the team as we work together to build a welcoming workplace where employees recognize their unique characteristics, skills, and experiences are respected, valued, and celebrated.

To support our employees, NHT provides a generous benefits package similar to what is offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (14 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in the NYS Employees Retirement System. Additionally, employees may be eligible for partial remote work schedules.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Long Island City, NY: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Long Island City, NY