Crew Leader - Forestry & Trails

HIRING RANGE: $23.97 - $29.35 HOURLY
FULL SALARY RANGE: $23.97 - $34.75 HOURLY

• People First- Giving priority to others
• Respect- Treating others with courtesy and dignity
• Integrity- Serving with honesty, trust and hard work
• Deliver- Following through on commitments while exceeding expectations
• Excel- Creating an innovative and improving work environment

The purpose of this position is to lead a forestry and trails crew in ensuring the safety, ecological health, and quality of City Park properties and trails. This is accomplished by directing and coordinating staff in the maintenance, inspection, and improvement of multi-use trails, greenbelts, and natural areas, as well as maintaining park amenities to provide safe, functional, and inviting public spaces. This position provides direction to other employees.

• Assist with recruitment and oversee training, scheduling, and supervision of crew members, assign and adjust work based on priorities or site conditions. Lead volunteer and community trail projects, ensure compliance with safety policies, provide feedback and guidance on work performance, administering corrective actions as necessary.
• Conduct regular inspections of trails, greenbelts, and natural corridors to identify and address repairs, erosion, drainage, surface damage, and safety hazards.
• Maintain trails and natural areas by performing vegetation control, tree pruning, and hazard removal; repair and maintain trail surfaces, drainage features, retaining walls, bridges, and other structural elements.
• Remove debris and invasive species, maintain trail amenities, and coordinate with GIS staff to document conditions, closures, and improvements.
• Manage inventory, procurement, and inspection of tools, materials, and supplies; oversee maintenance and repair of vehicles and equipment; and ensure safe storage, calibration, and documentation of chemicals, PPE, and trail maintenance assets.
• Prepare logs, reports, budgets, and project documentation; coordinate with City departments, utilities, and contractors on trail and infrastructure activities; assist with emergency response and post-event recovery; and support special events through trail preparation, signage, and cleanup.
• Respond to public inquiries and complaints; communicate trail closures and maintenance activities; educate trail users and volunteers on stewardship and safety; and represent the department in meetings.

Education & Experience
Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• High School diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years or more relevant experience working in natural areas, parks, or forestry/landscape operations.

Other combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Certification and Other Requirements

• Valid Texas Class C Driver's License.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist Certification or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from date of hire.
• Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) Pesticide/Herbicide Applicator License preferred.
• American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months from date of hire.

Knowledge of:

• Trail systems, greenbelts, natural corridors, and associated maintenance practices.
• Tree care, vegetation management, and hazard mitigation.
• Safety protocols, regulations, and best practices for park and trail operations.
• Equipment, tools, and chemical handling for trail and vegetation maintenance.
• Project management and inventory control.
• GIS mapping, trail documentation, and public reporting procedures.
• Public engagement, community volunteer coordination, and municipal operations.

Skilled in:

• Leading, mentoring, and supervising crews; assigning and prioritizing work.
• Inspecting trails, greenbelts, and infrastructure to identify hazards and maintenance needs.
• Performing trail and vegetation maintenance, erosion control, and minor structural repairs.
• Operating, maintaining, and managing forestry equipment, including chainsaws, skid steers and related tools.
• Coordinating projects, schedules, and logistics across teams and departments.
• Communicating effectively with staff, volunteers, the public, and municipal stakeholders.
• Responding to emergencies, trail closures, and post-event recovery operations.
• Preparing reports, documentation, and project records accurately.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it does not address the potential for accommodation.

• Ability to work in the field, outdoors, in extreme weather conditions, and around mechanical, electrical, fire, and respiratory hazards.
• Ability to stand and walk for long periods.
• Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, and machinery.
• Ability to push, pull, reach, kneel, crouch, crawl, bend, twist, climb, and balance frequently.
• Ability to lift 50-100 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10-20 lbs. constantly.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, or holidays as needed for events or emergencies.
• Ability to operate city or personal vehicle for business purposes.