Forestry Worker

The Presidio Trust is seeking a Forestry Worker who will support the Landscape Stewardship Department. Once an Army post, the Presidio of San Francisco is now a new kind of national park. The 1,500-acre Presidio is richly layered in history, is a natural oasis for wildlife, plants, and people, and offers iconic views known around the world. In its third decade as a park, public awareness and enjoyment of this exceptional place continues grow.

This is an entry level position under the technical and general supervision of the Forester and performing the planting, irrigation, weeding, fertilization, and pruning of trees, specifically those reaching heights of up to 20 feet.  The role entails the identification and mitigation of potential hazard tree situations, alongside vigilant oversight of both newly established and pre-existing reforestation plantings within the park’s premises.  These tasks are undertaken with a dedicated commitment to safety, cleanliness, and ecological compliance, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices.

This is a full-time position with benefits and a starting at $29.19 per hour. This position is included in a bargaining unit, specifically The Laborer’s International Union of North America, Local 792, United Public Employees of California. Applications received by September 26, 2023, will receive first consideration.

Responsibilities

• Plant and maintain trees within the park, including the historic forest, natural resource areas, and designed landscapes. Execute duties using horticultural and arboricultural knowledge of tree characteristics; adjust soil and nutrient content; transplant trees; mulch and expand irrigation lines; and prune trees to maintain natural character, control growth and ensure safety.
• Follow tree project plans and tree planting plans prepared by Trust Forester.
• Perform irrigation installation, maintenance, testing and monitoring, including field programming.
• Work with equipment to abate invasive species within reforestation sites.
• Perform minor pruning and removal of small trees, using chain saws, smaller heavy equipment, and chippers.
• Assist with storm-related tree work.
• Identify bird-nesting behavior to minimize impacts to wildlife.
• Perform fire/fuel reduction using a variety of tools.
• Assist tree crew with groundwork involving pruning and removal of trees, hauling debris, and chipping brush. Assist with traffic control and flagging.
• Work with the Trust Volunteer Coordinator and Tree Worker 1 to identify, schedule, and execute forestry volunteer projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED); and
• One (1) year of forestry, landscaping, or related work experience.
• Valid Class C California Driver’s License

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of horticultural/arboricultural practices.
• Experience running volunteer programs.
• Ability to identify bird-nesting behavior.
• Knowledge of local ecology, desirable native plants, and invasive species.
• CDL Class B license.
• Qualified Applicators Certificate

Skill and Knowledge Required

• Basic working knowledge of most trees found in the Presidio.
• Knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, care, use, inspection, and replacement.
• Knowledge of proper planting and pruning techniques and various establishment procedures in accordance with ANSI A300 standards.
• Knowledge of basic tools used in the maintenance of tree and ground care to include but are not limited to hand saw, chain saw, pole pruner, pole saw, and various digging tools.

 Physical Effort

• Ability to frequently lift weights up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift weight up to 75 pounds or more.
• Long periods of physical exertion.
• Prolonged exposure to repetitive motion.
• Moderate effort is exerted to manipulate equipment controls when motor vehicle or tractor operator duties are performed.

 Working Conditions

This type of work is inherently dangerous and may result in serious injury from slips, trips, or falls and could, in the unlikely event; result in death when performed incorrectly. This work is performed outside and is subject to weather conditions ranging from high heat and humidity to sub-zero temperatures. The incumbent may be exposed to a variety of site hazards including extreme environmental conditions; poisonous plants, insects, and/or reptiles; electrical conductors; uneven terrain; pedestrian/vehicular traffic, etc. The incumbent may be exposed to prolonged exposure to noise in excess of 85 decibels (db) when working with or in close proximity to chainsaws, woodchippers, etc. When vehicles are operated there is additional exposure to risk due to traffic accidents, overturning or boom accidents aloft.

About the Department

Over the past 18 years, our Tree Crew has planted 40 acres of young trees at 44 sites. In total, more than 5000 trees have been planted. The rejuvenation is especially visible along West Pacific Boulevard; at the Arguello Gate, where cypress trees planted just a few years ago already rise 30 feet; along Kobbe Boulevard, where wind studies have informed how trees should be placed on the Presidio’s blustery western edge; and near the World War II Memorial, where trees resistant to pine pitch canker are thriving. Trees that have been felled continue to contribute to the park’s vitality – they are used as compost to increase soil fertility, are milled for benches and fencing, and are immortalized through art, as seen in Andy Goldsworthy’s Presidio pieces Wood Line, Spire, and Tree Fall. The Trust’s reforestation effort has also contributed to an increase in the bird population. The Trust also welcomes the public to get involved by participating in a volunteer tree care program. More than 1,000 volunteers have contributed more than 5,000 hours caring for young Presidio trees.

Driver’s License Investigation & Review

This position requires a current, valid Driver’s License prior to starting work, and maintenance of a driver’s license throughout occupancy of the position. You will be subject to a driver’s license investigation as a New Entrant, and annual driver’s license reviews thereafter. An individual’s granting of an investigation and resulting reports thereafter is voluntary, however, employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a driver’s license investigation. The Trust may refuse to hire an individual, rescind an offer of employment, or review and terminate the employment of a current employee who does not successfully complete the driver’s license investigation.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

All Presidio Trust employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. Employment is contingent upon submitting a COVID-19 Certification of Vaccination or qualifying for an exemption when hired.

The Presidio Trust is an equal opportunity employer, offering a competitive benefits package. Complete the employment application on our website and email the completed application to jobs@presidiotrust.gov.