Director of Trees and Sidewalks

New York City

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Flushing, NY, us on site Until 10/7/2026 4+ years exp First posted August 8, 2026 Last posted August 8, 2026
Job description

*ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT FULL-TIME ANNUALLY PAID PARKS EMPLOYEES*

NYC Parks’ mission is to grow, maintain and program a world-class park system prioritizing equity, access, safety, and nature. Environment and Planning, which is inclusive of Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, and Planning, aims to protect, restore, care for and expand New York City Parks, nature, and tree canopy to maximize environmental health, community well-being and resilience.

Major Responsibilities

- Under the direction of the Chief of Forestry Programs, with latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, develop, promulgate and uphold standards and protocols for tree care and preservation through managing the Trees and Sidewalks program.
- Under general supervision, perform challenging and complex administrative work for the Forestry division, including building and maintaining program protocol, leading and supervising a team of forestry professionals and consulting engineers, and directing contractors and contract managers to carry out sidewalk repair tasks adjacent to city trees.
- Oversee all aspects of the program’s contract and project procedures, including contract planning, design, construction, payments, and close outs.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to achieve efficient and effective programmatic results related to contracted sidewalk repair around City trees. Represent the Agency in meetings with other agencies.
- Design and draft contract books, including specifications and engineer’s estimates. Coordinate with other Parks teams, such as procurement and legal to ensure contracts are procured and carried out smoothly.
- Oversee contractor processes and relations. Ensure that vendors are performing repairs according to the contract and its specifications. Troubleshoot and solve issues as they arise.
- Track and maintain program budgets.
- Assist the NYC Parks Legal Department and attend or assign team members for Examination Before Trial hearings.
- Prepare briefings, reports, and evaluations.
- Support the division and Agency in response to forestry storm events, including representing Parks at the Downed Trees Task Force.

Work Location: The Grove, Rego Park, Queens

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 790317.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

ADMINISTRATIVE HORTICULTURIST - 1007C

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major study in horticulture, arboriculture, or landscape architecture and four years of full-time, paid experience in horticultural work of which two (2) years must have been in a supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive capacity; or

2. A satisfactory equivalent. However, all candidates must have at least a high school diploma or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma and one year of supervisory, administrative, consultative, managerial, or executive experience as described above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Compensation (from employer):
120000 – 125000 USD

About this role

Summary

Manage tree care and sidewalk repair programs, supervise staff, oversee contracts and budgets.

Job title

Director of Trees and Sidewalks

Experience level

managerial

Minimum experience

4+ years exp

Industry

public sector

Location requirements

Flushing, NY; on-site work only

Salary

$120k–$125k

Management role

Yes

Skills & keywords

Required skills

contract managementteam supervisionbudget trackingstakeholder collaboration

Preferred skills

None specified

Specializations

forestryurban planningcontract managementenvironmental management
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Flushing, Queens, NY, USA

On-site City