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Worcester forestry staff say hiring woes, capital lead times and free‑cash allocations shape 2025 work plan
Summary
City forestry staff told the Urban Forestry Tree Commission they were denied a requested new position, face three open field roles they cannot fill, have a long lead time on a planned log truck purchase, and that an unusually large 2025 removal budget came from certified free cash.
City forestry leaders told the Urban Forestry Tree Commission that they could not fill multiple open positions and that a requested new position was not approved in the current budget cycle, complicating work plans for 2025.
“Through the chair, we requested an additional position. It was not approved, through the budget process,” Assistant Commissioner said. Staff reported three open field positions — described as arborist/tree climber or laborer roles — that they have been unable to fill and said the jobs are posted on the City of Worcester employment site.
Staff described recruitment constraints tied to required qualifications and pay. The Assistant Commissioner said the arborist/tree climber posting requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL) because staff operate heavy equipment; the…
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