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Job Description
Duties Description
Under the supervision of the Park Manager 1, SG-18, who is responsible for the oversight of tree care within the Niagara Region, the incumbent will play a crucial role in the evaluation, maintenance, and removal of trees throughout the region. This position involves expertly felling, limbing, and bucking trees; identifying and documenting hazardous or diseased trees; and assisting in the planning and implementation of tree replacement strategies in coordination with staff.
• Evaluate tree health and risk based on visual inspection.
• Document locations and conditions of trees scheduled for removal or treatment.
• Collaborate with regional staff to support replanting efforts and tree inventory management.
• Perform general trades-related duties (e.g., carpentry, arborist, masonry, or electrical tasks) as needed for trail and park maintenance projects.
• Build and set up rigging systems, including connecting pulleys, sheaves, and related hardware for controlled tree removals or material handling.
• Perform carpentry tasks, including building shelving and storage racks as needed.
• Adhere to all applicable safety regulations and use proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Develop, communicate, and implement a plan for felling and other removal methods for hazardous or dead trees using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Confers with park managers to identify potentially hazardous trees that will be removed or branches to be pruned. Assist park managers in hazardous tree assessments throughout the region.
• Safely fell, limb, buck, and remove hazardous trees, whether standing, lodged, or downed, using appropriate tools and equipment.
• Perform proper tree care operations including pruning and removals from aerial lifts and the ground.
• Ensures and demonstrates work being performed is done to current arboricultural best practices and safety standards.
• Implement and supervise subordinate staff and volunteers with planting, stump grinding, brush chipping and integrative pest and vegetation management.
• Operate and maintain various equipment including chainsaws, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, dump trucks, chippers, stump grinders, skid steers, and other heavy equipment and hand tools used in tree care and park operations
• Properly identify native and ornamental park trees and knowledge of tree growth and physiological characteristics.
• May interact with park patrons to resolve concerns, answer questions, and give general directions.
Minimum Qualifications
Four years of full-time experience in a trade under a skilled tradesperson which would provide training equivalent to that given in a training, apprenticeship, or equivalent program; or an equivalent combination of experience and training gained by completion of technical courses in skilled trades at a school, institute, or branch of the Armed Services.
When required to operate motor vehicles, candidates must possess a valid driver's license appropriate for the type of vehicle to be operated.
Additional Comments
OPERATING NEEDS:
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
• Must be able to operate and maintain chainsaws and related forestry equipment.
• Must possess OPRHP Sawyer Level 2 (or above) Certification, Game of Logging 1-3, USDA Sawyer Training Level B (or above), or equivalent training as a term and condition of employment.
• Must complete OPRHP Sawyer Certification within the probationary period, if not already certified, as a term and condition of employment.
• Must possess Hazardous Tree assessment certification or be able to obtain certification within the probationary period as a term and condition of employment.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
• Professional or documented experience with tree care, felling, and maintenance.
BENEFITS:
Generous benefits package, worth approximately 65% of salary, including:
• Paid Time Off:
• CSEA: 44 days - 13 Vacation days, 13 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays
• Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
• Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Closing Date/Time: 07/12/25 -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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New York State Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation
Show moreThe mission of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
From the shores of Long Island to the mighty Niagara Falls, New York's 180 state parks offer countless opportunities to explore your natural environment, escape from the grind of the everyday and experience exciting new adventures. Beaches, boat launches, hiking trails, campsites, and golf courses all await you!
New York's state parks... With all there is to see and do, how will you spend your time?
NEW YORK STATE IS KNOCKING IT OUT OF THE PARKS!
Come work with us, and...
- Be a part of the premier park system in the United States - with more than 250 state parks, historic sites, golf courses, swimming pools, beaches, campgrounds, marinas, trails, and museums and nature centers.
- Work in some of the most beautiful, scenic, and historic places New York State has to offer.
- Make a tangible impact on your community. Parks are for everyone, and all are welcome here: People of every age, ability, color, or creed belong here – without exceptions – yourself included! People of every kind come visit us in order to have experiences – and at OPRHP, we get to be part of these special times in truly meaningful ways. See how you can make a difference as a part of Team OPRHP!
State parks and historic sites are staffed by a core of permanent employees who work year-round to maintain these precious resources. During the peak of our operating season (May through September) the permanent staff is supplemented by several thousand seasonal employees who work to ensure that our patrons have a positive and safe experience when visiting our sites.
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