Salary : $71,066.00 - $92,706.00 Annually
Location : Detroit, Michigan, MI
Job Type: Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number:
Department: General Services
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/27/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit: 9001-Non Union Hourly Regular Service General

Description
GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SENIOR ASSOCIATE FORESTER

Under general direction, to assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising the activities of a large group of employees engaged in forestry, horticulture, conservation, and maintenance work over a city-wide area; and to perform related work as required.
Examples of Duties
In accordance with established policies and general assignments, subject to approval of plans and reports but with considerable latitude for independent action and judgment on the technical phases of the work and with responsibility for results obtained:

• Coordinates and supervises the activities of forestry operations by issuing work orders.
• Reviews reports of subordinate supervisors and advises them on plans and policies.
• Inspects work in the field to see that it is progressing according to plans.
• Coordinates and manages the work of contracted forestry vendors.
• Ensures that the application of pesticides conforms to pertinent safety regulations.
• Confers with other departmental personnel and outside parties on problems of mutual concern.
• Assists in planning and controlling division budget and expenditures, and in the purchase and maintenance of equipment.
• Estimates costs and prepares special reports on proposed landscape projects.
• Reviews and processes vendor invoices for payments.
• Investigates complaints with regard to work of employees supervised.
• Evaluates and reports on the performance of material, equipment and personnel.
• Prepares special and periodic reports on activities supervised.
• Attends meetings as a representative of division; speaks to organized groups.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Landscape Management, Horticulture, Forest Ecology, or a related field of study.
• Four (4) years of responsible experience in forestry and landscape work, two (2) years of which have been in a supervisory capacity.

Licensing and Certifications

• Persons hired in this title shall be required to obtain a State of Michigan Commercial Driver License with a Group B Endorsement. Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner's Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with the State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act-1988.
• International Society of Arbory Culture (ISA) certified Arborist designation.
• Employees in this class must possess a valid State of Michigan Pesticide Certified Applicator License.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Supplemental Information

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: 70%
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 - 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 point

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of municipal forestry and landscaping principles and practices.
• Considerable knowledge of tree and plant life and methods of propagation, planting and care, especially as related to municipal streets and parks.
• Reasonable skill in designing and planning landscape projects.
• Ability to plan and coordinate general landscaping and forestry activities.
• Ability to have good powers of observation.
• Ability to have tact in dealing with subordinates and others.
• Ability to show initiative and resourcefulness in handling unusual forestry and landscape problems.

Physical Demands

• The employee generally engages in light to strenuous physical activity which may include operating machinery, motor vehicles, heavy equipment, and using tools for an extended period of time.
• The employee is expected to move about and ascend/descend (e.g. stairs, ladders, trees etc.) to accomplish tasks.
• The employee must be able to lift, push, pull, and carry up to forty (40) pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments with potential exposure to conditions which may include fumes, extreme heat and cold, wetness, loud noise, dust, inclement weather and hazardous chemicals.
• Some work requires travel to meetings, conferences, and other work sites with exposure to seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:

HEALTH

• Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
• Dental
• Vision

INSURANCE

• Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.

PAID TIME OFF

• Sick Leave
• Vacation
• Holidays

OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave,

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
• Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or

- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
• In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply);
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
• Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.

ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
01

Please indicate your highest level of education completed

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• PhD/J.D.
• No Education experience

02

How many years of responsible experience in forestry and landscape work,

• Less than 4 years of experience
• 4 to 7 years of experience
• 7 to 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experiene

03

Describe your years of responsible experience in forestry and landscape work.
04

How many years of supervisory experience do you posses?

• Less than 2 years of experience
• 2 to 5 year of experience
• 5 to 10 years of experience
• 10 or more years of experience
• No Experience

05

Describe your supervisory experience.
06

Do you have the International Society of Arbory Culture (ISA) certified Arborist designation?

• Yes
• No

07

Employees in this class must possess a valid State of Michigan Pesticide Certified Applicator License. Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Pesticide Certified Applicator License?

• Yes
• No

08

Persons hired in this title shall be required to obtain a State of Michigan Commercial Driver License with a Group B Endorsement. Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner's Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with the State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act-1988. Do you possess a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver License with a Group B Endorsement?

• Yes, I have a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver License with a Group B Endorsement
• I have a valid State of Michigan Operator's License - I do not possess a CDL License
• I do not have a State of Michigan Commercial Driver License with a Group B Endorsement
• I do not have a State of Michigan Operator's License

Required Question