Program Specialist II (Tree Montgomery Program), Grade 21
Montgomery County Government
Department of Environmental Protection
2425 Reedie Drive, Wheaton, Maryland 20902

Salary Range: $68,501 to $108,899

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is a nationally recognized and award-winning agency with the mission 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.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
The Department of Environmental Protection is seeking an experienced Program Specialist II to assist with the development and implementation of an efficient inspection program as well as conducting inspections and other in-field activities for the Tree Montgomery shade tree planting program. This tree planting program is consistent with the goals of the Montgomery County Tree Canopy Law, the MS4 permit, and the Climate Action Plan.

The ideal candidate will have considerable knowledge of shade trees, planting and establishing young trees, and evaluating growing conditions for trees, as well as experience in providing guidance to property owners and contractors to improve tree survival, identifying and correcting issues with newly installed trees, and understanding maps and development plans.

The successful candidate will have the ability to convey technical information regarding trees and build strong relationships to assist people equitably, effectively, and tactfully as well as work in a collaborative environment within a large organization with multiple priorities.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING
This position will be responsible for implementing an efficient inspection program, as well as identifying and carrying out a range of field adjustments to enhance the long-term survival of newly planted trees. Activities will center on working with other Tree Montgomery staff, applicants to the Tree Montgomery program, and planting contractors and their in-field crews to help meet program goals by inspecting newly planted trees, reporting outcomes, identifying solutions, and working with all stakeholders to implement adjustments. This position will also assist with managing data and maps pertaining to applicants, orders, inspections, and invoicing.

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Carrying out most aspects of the inspection program including completing inspections of newly planted shade trees before, during, and after installation.
• Monitoring activities of contractors for compliance with contracts and industry standards.
• Identifying and approving or completing a range of field adjustments to enhance long-term survival of newly planted trees.
• Establishing and maintaining communication with contractor’s field representatives and interacting with participants and stakeholders in the Tree Montgomery program.
• Advising staff and program participants of outcomes and needed corrections for trees and working with staff and contractors to identify and implement enhancements to the Tree Montgomery program.
• Maintaining up-to-date and accurate information about trees planted by the Tree Montgomery program using databases, spreadsheets, mapping and other electronic systems to fully document orders, plantings, inspections, and invoicing.
• Overseeing most aspects of the inspection program for trees reported for credit under the County’s MS4 permit by performing inspections and handling associated tasks to complete required inspections and ensuring compliance with the permit.

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.

The majority of the work is performed outside and requires considerable daily driving between work sites. This position is subject to some light physical effort. This includes standing or driving for long periods of time, walking long distances over varying terrain and occasional stooping, bending, and reaching. Some activities may occasionally require using hand tools from the ground level including hand pruners, loppers, and carrying small branches removed from newly planted trees. Working outside in most weather conditions is involved.

This position requires possession of a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive a County vehicle to travel in all areas of Montgomery County to perform site visits to evaluate newly installed trees or participating properties for compliance with program requirements and industry standards, inspect contractor plantings, and generally to perform work and attend meetings at locations outside the office. Most of the site visits will be in areas of the County lacking in readily available public transportation.

Occasional evening or weekend work outside of normal business hours may be required.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Experience:  Two (2) years of professional experience in tree planting, tree inspection or evaluation programs, arboriculture, forest technology, forestry, or tree nursery operations.
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree.
Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education or experience may be substituted.
License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class “C” (or equivalent) driver’s license from the applicant’s state of residence is required.

PREFERRED CRITERIA, INTERVIEW PREFERENCES
All Applicants will be reviewed by the Office of Human Resources (OHR) for minimum qualifications. Those applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be rated “Qualified,” placed on the Eligible List, and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade or higher will be placed on the Eligible List as a “Transfer” candidate and may be considered for an interview.

Preference for interviews will be given to applicants with experience in the following. Please address this information in a separate section of the resume.

• Experience with and knowledge of tree species, site requirements, planting techniques, and care and maintenance of young trees to provide guidance to contractors and program participants regarding newly planted shade trees.
• Experience in communicating and collaborating with field crews, individuals, homeowners, business owners, and/or the public, particularly related to trees and the care of young trees.
• Experience in inspecting young trees for compliance with industry standards and/or contract specifications, summarizing findings concisely, and using findings to recommend actions needed to correct issues or enhance program procedures and requirements.
• 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, review our comprehensive benefits and to apply, please visit Program Specialist, Tree Montgomery Program (Program Specialist II, Grade 21).

The Job Number for the Program Specialist II recruitment is 2025-00045. Interested candidates must create an online account in order to apply.

This Recruitment Closes February 19, 2025.

If interested in other DEP job opportunities, please filter by “Department” and click on Department of Environmental Protection.

All resume submissions must address the preferred criteria for the position, preferably in a separate section of the resume.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Resume Preparation Tips
listed under the “Career Resources” tab at https://www.Work4MCG.com 

EOE. M/F/H.