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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 department finds it difficult to recruit applicants who already hold both tree‑care experience and a CDL. Staff said the starting rate for the laborer/arborist classification was about $20–$21 an hour, and that the department typically waits about six months after hire before investing in CDL training for a candidate who proves reliable.
Capital equipment and timing: Staff said the department requested nearly $400,000 for a new log truck (capital request) and will place the order in July, but the vehicle likely will not arrive for at least 18 months because of production and delivery lead times. “It's going to be a while before that gets that we see that in our inventory,” the Assistant Commissioner said.
Budget timing and free cash: A commissioner asked why the fiscal 2025 line for tree removals showed $595,000 while fiscal 2026 shows $75,000. The Assistant Commissioner explained that the larger 2025 amount came from one‑time “free cash” certified by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue and allocated by the city manager and council for one‑time costs such as removals or equipment. “Free cash ends up then getting certified by DOR … and it's available for one‑time costs,” the Assistant Commissioner said.
Staff said budgeted but unfilled salary lines remain in the operations unit and that money for unfilled positions is used for overtime or reallocated within the unit; the department does not automatically lose the funding if a position remains vacant. Officials said budget follow‑ups and discussions with human resources and the city manager’s office will continue after the broader budget process completes in August–September.
Department reorganization: Staff also described a separate, city‑manager budget proposal to separate Parks, Recreation and Cemetery (including Forestry) from the Department of Public Works and reestablish it as its own department. Staff said the split is intended to give Parks and Forestry direct access to the city manager’s office and reflect the department’s operational and capital responsibilities; no final action by council was reported at the meeting.
What this means for work: Staffing shortages and equipment lead times will affect field operations, tree removals, planting schedules, and seasonal capacity. The commission flagged the personnel issue for continued follow up and asked staff to report back after budget certification and any reorganization decisions.
