Program Manager I – Trees (Grade 23)
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $67,206 to $107,367

The mission of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is to enhance the quality of life in our community by protecting and improving Montgomery County’s air, water, and land in a sustainable, innovative, inclusive, and industry-leading way while fostering smart growth, a thriving more sustainable economy and healthy communities.  DEP is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. DEP encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.

DEP is seeking a Program Manager I to be part of the Watershed Restoration Division and will assist in managing and implementing tree and forest programs and initiatives, particularly the Tree Montgomery program.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Implementing tree planting activities under the Tree Montgomery program by identifying potential participants in the program that own residential, commercial, and institutional property; meeting participants on-site to identify planting locations and select shade tree species; and providing follow-up assistance to program participants as needed.
  • Directing and monitoring activities of contractors planting and inspecting newly installed shade trees under the Tree Montgomery program.
  • Implementing and refining tracking processes to maintain up-to-date information on plantings and orders, collecting data and developing reports related to Tree Montgomery and other tree and forest programs, including information on shade tree plantings, mortality rates of newly planted trees, canopy goals, and other data necessary to evaluate the success of the County’s tree and forest programs.
  • Developing and implementing outreach and education strategies designed to inform the public about the County’s tree planting and conservation programs, including updates and revisions to program websites and written materials. Providing information during one-on-one meetings with residents and business owners on tree planting techniques, the care of young trees, species selection, and related activities.
  • Providing program support for tree related activities, including responding to inquiries from residents and businesses, preparing budget information, and supporting stakeholders such as the Forest Conservation Advisory Committee.

In order to promote and implement tree and forest planting programs and generally increase the awareness by residents and businesses of tree conservation within Montgomery County, the ideal candidate should have a good understanding of and experience with urban trees and forests, tree planting, tree-save measures, canopy conservation, and the benefits of trees; as well as a thorough understanding of state and local regulations related to trees and forests. Experience evaluating hazardous trees, as well as familiarity with social media and computer-based tools to communicate with participants in programs, are a plus.

The successful candidate will have the ability to work in a collaborative environment within a large organization with multiple priorities and have excellent oral and written communication skills. The successful candidate will also be highly organized and detailed oriented, as well as an enthusiastic ambassador for the County’s tree programs.

Possession of a Maryland Tree Expert license or certification as an arborist by an accredited program is a plus.

Bilingual applicants in the Spanish/English languages are encouraged to apply. If the candidate selected for this position possesses multilingual skills, they will be required to successfully pass an examination assessing oral communication, reading comprehension, and interpreting skills. For Advanced proficiency, the candidate must also pass an examination requiring translating text from Spanish to English and vice versa.

This position requires possession and maintenance of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to perform site visits to evaluate properties for shade tree planting opportunities, inspect contractor plantings, and generally to perform work and attend meetings at locations outside the office, which includes locations throughout Montgomery County where public transportation may not be readily available.

This position involves field work, including occasionally standing or driving for long periods of time, walking long distances over varying terrain and occasional stooping, bending, and reaching. Working outside in most weather conditions is involved.

Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required, typically with advanced scheduling, to meet with applicants who are unavailable during typical working hours and to assist contractors during peak planting seasons.

To ensure a positive workplace and to comply with federal, state and County laws, the incumbent is responsible for completing mandatory trainings within the first three to six months or within the specified timeframe.

For information about Montgomery County Government’s comprehensive benefits package, please visit the MCG Total Rewards webpage and check out our competitive benefits!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS  

Experience:  Considerable (3 years) of professional experience in tree planting, inspection or evaluation programs; landscaping; forestry; natural resources management; arboriculture; or tree nursery operations.

Education:  Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

License:  Possession and maintenance of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence.

PREFERRED CRITERIA

All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant’s responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria status. Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on Eligible List as a “Lateral Transfer” candidate and may be considered for interview.

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

  • Experience with and knowledge of tree species, site requirements, planting techniques, and care and maintenance of young trees to provide guidance to residents and businesses on opportunities to plant new trees on their property.
  • Experience in communicating and collaborating with individuals, homeowners, business owners, and/or the public, particularly related to trees and the care of young trees.
  • Experience directing and monitoring the activities of contractors, particularly tree planting contractors, to ensure effective service delivery to residents and businesses; evaluation of program services; and monitoring of program budgets.
  • Experience maintaining detailed information and data, accurately and timely, in databases and spreadsheets.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume.

Montgomery County Government offers competitive salaries and excellent benefits.

To view the complete job announcement and to apply, please visit our website at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/HR/Recruitment/MCGCareers.html
and click on the “Job Openings” tab.  Read the full job description under the “General Professional” Job Category.  Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

The requisition number is IRC60042.

This Recruitment Closes October 27, 2023.

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position, which are listed in the full advertisement, preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips listed under the “Career Resources” tab on the Office of Human Resource’s WORK4MCG webpage.

EOE. M/F/H.