City of Austin, TX - Forestry Technicians

[neums]

The Austin Parks and Recreation Department Urban Forestry Program is hiring three Forestry Technicians. The job is pretty standard tree work, however it is tree work in one of the nicest park systems in the country; Austin made the Top Ten Urban Forest list in 2013. There is a lot of opportunity for additional training and development, including but not limited to ISA certifications. I have worked on this crew before and highly recommend the experience. Happy to answer any questions.

https://www.austincityjobs.org/postings/76423

 

[ATH]

Sounds like a cool job, but not good pay for a high cost of living city. Hopefully good advancement opportunities for whoever they hire.

 

[evo]

Wonder if more experience and a ISA cert could leverage more pay.. Like double..

 

[neums]

Our management has been doing everything they can to have crew pay adjusted to meet national averages. It's an unfortunate situation involving budget allocations and a department that is far from the best funded. Imo this is balanced out with all the training opportunities, vehicular assets at our disposal, and overtime opportunities. Unfortunately pay increases are not based on merit unless there is an official pay review.

There are indeed advancement opportunities to those that are interested. Several position levels exist between the Forestry Technicians and our Program Manager.

 

[neums]

Also the cost of living isn't that bad. I was making $11/hr on the crew in 2011 and was able to live in a decent spot and never went hungry. Last time I checked, Sacramento was the only metro area in CA that is more affordable than Austin, in case that puts things in perspective.

 

[oldoakman]

Actually the rate is pretty much in line with most of the douth and southeast muni positions. Savannah Ga has had two oppenings for a long time now. One is crew leader at $29K and onr climber at $27K.

 

[neums]

Thanks for the info oakman, makes a public servant feel a little better on payday.

 

[cerviarborist]

Actually the rate is pretty much in line with most of the douth and southeast muni positions. Savannah Ga has had two oppenings for a long time now. One is crew leader at $29K and onr climber at $27K.
[/QUOTE

"for a long time" is operative term in that statement. Even monkeys require a certain quantity of peanuts.

 

[ATH]

Yeah...I caught that "for a long time" too.

Not bad for starting, and I'd assume benefits are good. But if that classification tops out at $17.69, they can't expect to keep good talent can they?

 

[oldoakman]

Most of our crew has come from the line clearance contractors. They are tired of jumping from company to company every time the contract changes and tired of having to travel long distances to jobsites. Everything is a tradeoff I suppose. The only issues I have are breaking their bad habits.