ASSISTANT FORESTER

ASSISTANT FORESTER
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & PARKS
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Assistant Forester for the Reservoir Division of Water Operations within the Department of Public Works & Parks. The Reservoir Division is responsible for managing and protecting roughly 7,000 acres of forest in the City of Worcester Water Supply Watershed. Under the direction of the Forester, the position will contribute to the development and implementation of the City's Forest Management Program as it relates to the water supply for the City. The responsibilities of this position will include forest inventory sampling and analysis, mapping and surveying forested areas, estimating forest products, assessing forest health, and overseeing timber sale administration.

Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

• Assist with Reservoir Division GIS work including mapping projects related to timber harvests, property boundaries, delineation of wetlands, etc.
• Assist with the expansion of the Land Acquisition Program which may include purchase and protection of watershed land, writing and applying for grants and communicating with property sellers
• Assist with the Invasive Species Control Program to help identify invasive species or disease outbreaks, make recommendations for treatment to eradicate or control, and implement those recommendations
• Assist with the timber harvests including mapping forest, creating forest cutting plans, working with timber harvest contractors, and administering the timber sale
• Oversee purchasing for the Forestry Division
• Assist with the bidding process for contractors through the City's Purchasing Department
• Conduct forest inventory sampling and analysis
• Conduct surveys and assessments to evaluate forest health and composition
• Update and improve the Source Water Protection Plans for the City's reservoir systems in accordance with state laws
• Prescribe and conduct timber stand improvement using chainsaws or other methods as appropriate

SECONDARY ELEMENTS:

• Accrue relevant Continuing Education Credits sufficient to maintain both a Massachusetts Forester License and Massachusetts Pesticide Applicators License, by attending seminars, workshops, conferences, symposia, webcasts, etc., or by other means as defined by the licensing regulations
• Perform other related duties as required

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of forest management
• Knowledge of basic forest mensuration
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel
• Proficient in the use of geographical information systems (GIS), ArcGIS Pro and other mapping tools, global positioning systems, tablets, and forest inventory software
• Ability to do forest inventory sampling and analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work outdoors all year round
• Ability to operate a two-way mobile radio after a brief training period
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, or related fields with an emphasis on Natural Resource Conservation, Environmental Conservation OR;




• any equivalent combination of education, training and three (3) years of experience assisting with a forest management program which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered in lieu of above requirement

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Forestry, or related fields with an emphasis on Natural Resources Conservation or Environmental Conservation
• Two (2) years of professional forestry experience
• One (1) year of experience working/collaborating with state, local, or federal agencies
• One (1) year of experience with software such as ArcGIS Pro, sub-meter GPS units and/or Forest Metrix Inventory Software

SALARY RANGE: $28.51 - $34.56 hourly, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.