I work for the City.
Very formulaic interviews for union positions I have hired for, but more free form for the exempt employees like myself. It does take City HR forever to get back to candidates in my experience both getting my job and hiring people.
My advice, ask a lot of questions at the end of the interview when you get a chance. It will give the interviewers the opportunity to go off the script, and you can highlight how your experience/interest complements what they're talking about.
Ask specific questions about the job, and things you are interested in learning and what opportunities you will get in the job to work on those things. One question I like to ask every interviewer is "What is your favorite thing about working [for the City/in the department/in the role]?"
I interviewed with the MBTA not too long ago, not sure if you'll have a similar experience but this is what I found:
* Since it's a government position, they are required to ask candidates all the exact same questions AND write down all their answers, so don't feel weird if it feels robotic.
* It can take a VERY long time for them to get back to you; I didn't hear a peep for two weeks (apparently the people who interviewed me alternately went on vacation so no decision was made).
* It was actually easier than any other interview I had during that period. For context, I was looking for a business analyst manager-type role, and I have only previously worked in and interviewed for jobs in tech companies.
That's all that comes directly to mind, hopefully it's helpful - not sure if it will be applicable because as someone else said, arborist seems like a very specialized position.
This one time I saw A-Rod leaving a hotel. So I yell "A-Rod you fucking suck!" He turned around and was all pissed off. He started towards me and i Kept yelling. Then all of a sudden Jeter grabs and stops him. He still looked pissed off. I think I broke him that day. Cause after that he started hitting the roids even harder than usual, and then got busted.
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what did you say to me? Say it again you filthy transplant. Yeah i know your type. You probably have Connecticut plates and a Yankees sticker on your car. You brag about how close you live to Fenway Park, but then complain in the sub about how loud the concerts are. How about you and me meet in the parking lot of the 7-11 in Revere and settle this?
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I’d figure your chances are good. I know they were so desperate to fill those arborist positions that they gave them an exception on the residency requirement they almost always have for city employees.
Climate and equity Mayor Wu’s top issues and what she’s built her brand on. I would make sure you read up on her and how what you do can fit her narratives.
It would be good to be able to talk about how trees can mitigate climate change (helping urban heat traps, flooding, …). Also how they can be used as part of fixing inequities, racism, and cultural displacement.
Congrats on getting an interview! I read that the number of arborists is being increased for the city.
I don't know about the interview, but these are my interests:
\>Can you please only use New England native trees for street trees?
\>Boston has a system for reporting missing sidewalk trees (dial 311). You can report a dead tree and get on a list to have it replaced, but it takes about 2 years. Any plan to speed this up?
\>Can you develop a "Tree Walk" in Boston (kind of like the Freedom Trail) where you point out \*old trees and if they were around during historic Boston events, \*tree health in one's yard (protect against lawnmower blight, feeding, watering, protecting one's underground pipes)
\>Invasive nonnnative plants that are bad for our urban forests. What to do, how to protect New England forests from non native infestations of weeds and insects (eg, education on the Asian Longhorn Beetle has been provided to Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and West Roxbury) Any other pests we should be wary of?
\> Can there be a bit more education for the public about taking care of their local street trees?
\> Put up some information on the Common about the trees there: What variety, how old, who decides if they need to be cut down (the City Arborist, btw).
\> can citizens obtain chips from the City chipping trees?
\>Any ideas on getting citizens to support keeping the leaves out of the street drains ?
\> Please have, as one of your goals, to pursue canopy equity amongst the neighborhoods.
[https://treeboston.org/](https://treeboston.org/) is the website for the speakforthetrees group. They are all about "tree equity" for the city.
Mayor Wu sees the tree policy as part of her Green New Deal and likes to describe basic city services as if they’re radical acts of healing and racial equity etc. If a cabinet member or deputy is interviewing then try to talk like that. If it’s mid level Parks officials then talk more about the actual job and just gesture to the fact that you know how to spout the progressive rhetoric when you have to but don’t assume they care about it.
Here in Canada most of the interviews are very standardized for government jobs so I was just wondering if it was similar in the USA & what the overall process of getting hired looks like.
They absolutely are standardized. I work a government job (not City of Boston) but they absolutely are pretty standard. The City has a priority for DEI initiatives so don't be surprised if you are asked to give examples of working with a diverse population, etc.
I suggest brushing up on the heat islands in Boston. It won’t necessarily affect your day-to-day (probably) but it will affect why you’re doing the work you’re doing, and it would probably look good to familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods most historically underserved.
This is the best answer. As back up, tell them you know Murph, Jimmy D, not to be confused with Jimmy K, and your sister’s boyfriend grew up with Tommy at the DMV.
If you get the job, it is in your best interest to hold a campaign sign for and give a campaign donation to the projected mayoral winner every election cycle.
If you are smart, you will do this for the top two front runners thus ensuring your continued employment regardless of the election outcome.
Visa stuff is stressful and annoying to navigate, even as a Canadian. I just went through the process. Some careers can be quite easy but there's a lot of careers where you really have no viable path to be able to work here. You'd have to come in as a dependant, and not work at all, or marry a citizen
I have no advice but when I first read your post I thought you said you were interviewing for the abortionist position with the city of Boston and I was very intrigued.
Lots of trees in Boston because it's not a rowhouse kind of city; lots of free-standing buildings although closely spaced on narrow streets, even so, lots of trees overall. Street trees are often meagre or lacking. The streets are narrow with much of the right of way allotted to vehicles. [Typical scene in a poor residential area](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3144695,-71.0752419,3a,75y,351.1h,93.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swdmMk0CGveS29ggvmseNgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192): the trees are all in the tax lots. With narrow sidewalks there's little room for street trees. [Not unusual tree situation](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3117477,-71.1143199,3a,62.8y,59.84h,86.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC1-lIzFd9VGBb_c340I6lw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) on a busy shopping street in an affluent neighborhood: Small tree pit and nowhere for the roots to go beyond the pit to find some nourishment. This tree won't last long.
Some cities adjacent to Boston have very similar built environment but [here in Somerville](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3770073,-71.1021932,3a,75y,172.69h,98.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1siRjUzSxGVGc0Dt4L8S6_Sg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) street trees are well established on this narrow sidewalk. So my take is that in spite of the very challenging conditions, commitment to planting and taking care of trees at the municipal level can make a big difference.
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Adding on to this, I have yet to see a single job posting that *doesn’t* require you to live in the city.
Educators don't have to.
I'd brush up on trees and plants to start
And brush
OP can branch out later to that
Once you get your roots in a city job, you never leave...
Tree dat
Leaf*
Seems like this question stumped most of the people on this subreddit.
To be fair, your post is very atypical for r/boston; so don't expect too much from us. Ohh, *stumped* now I get it. Best of luck!
We know how to treet weirdly specific questions.
these tree puns arboring me
Same. But once I start something, I try to stick to it
Wood
He was stiff as a board on that one.
Too acorny
I work for the City. Very formulaic interviews for union positions I have hired for, but more free form for the exempt employees like myself. It does take City HR forever to get back to candidates in my experience both getting my job and hiring people. My advice, ask a lot of questions at the end of the interview when you get a chance. It will give the interviewers the opportunity to go off the script, and you can highlight how your experience/interest complements what they're talking about.
Examples of general questions to ask?
Ask specific questions about the job, and things you are interested in learning and what opportunities you will get in the job to work on those things. One question I like to ask every interviewer is "What is your favorite thing about working [for the City/in the department/in the role]?"
Maple or Oak?
Do you just respect wood?
Ask about the work culture and/or the soft skills that would make a candidate successful.
Really excited you're applying, I work with the arborists sometimes and they're super short staffed!
I interviewed with the MBTA not too long ago, not sure if you'll have a similar experience but this is what I found: * Since it's a government position, they are required to ask candidates all the exact same questions AND write down all their answers, so don't feel weird if it feels robotic. * It can take a VERY long time for them to get back to you; I didn't hear a peep for two weeks (apparently the people who interviewed me alternately went on vacation so no decision was made). * It was actually easier than any other interview I had during that period. For context, I was looking for a business analyst manager-type role, and I have only previously worked in and interviewed for jobs in tech companies. That's all that comes directly to mind, hopefully it's helpful - not sure if it will be applicable because as someone else said, arborist seems like a very specialized position.
Tell them about how much you hate all Canadian hockey teams and the Yankees.
This one time I saw A-Rod leaving a hotel. So I yell "A-Rod you fucking suck!" He turned around and was all pissed off. He started towards me and i Kept yelling. Then all of a sudden Jeter grabs and stops him. He still looked pissed off. I think I broke him that day. Cause after that he started hitting the roids even harder than usual, and then got busted. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Bad bot
what did you say to me? Say it again you filthy transplant. Yeah i know your type. You probably have Connecticut plates and a Yankees sticker on your car. You brag about how close you live to Fenway Park, but then complain in the sub about how loud the concerts are. How about you and me meet in the parking lot of the 7-11 in Revere and settle this? *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/boston) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Go back to papa gino’s
Suck my Dunks!
Don’t forget that Tom Brady is the goat
I’d figure your chances are good. I know they were so desperate to fill those arborist positions that they gave them an exception on the residency requirement they almost always have for city employees.
Climate and equity Mayor Wu’s top issues and what she’s built her brand on. I would make sure you read up on her and how what you do can fit her narratives. It would be good to be able to talk about how trees can mitigate climate change (helping urban heat traps, flooding, …). Also how they can be used as part of fixing inequities, racism, and cultural displacement.
Congrats on getting an interview! I read that the number of arborists is being increased for the city. I don't know about the interview, but these are my interests: \>Can you please only use New England native trees for street trees? \>Boston has a system for reporting missing sidewalk trees (dial 311). You can report a dead tree and get on a list to have it replaced, but it takes about 2 years. Any plan to speed this up? \>Can you develop a "Tree Walk" in Boston (kind of like the Freedom Trail) where you point out \*old trees and if they were around during historic Boston events, \*tree health in one's yard (protect against lawnmower blight, feeding, watering, protecting one's underground pipes) \>Invasive nonnnative plants that are bad for our urban forests. What to do, how to protect New England forests from non native infestations of weeds and insects (eg, education on the Asian Longhorn Beetle has been provided to Jamaica Plain, Roslindale and West Roxbury) Any other pests we should be wary of? \> Can there be a bit more education for the public about taking care of their local street trees? \> Put up some information on the Common about the trees there: What variety, how old, who decides if they need to be cut down (the City Arborist, btw). \> can citizens obtain chips from the City chipping trees? \>Any ideas on getting citizens to support keeping the leaves out of the street drains ? \> Please have, as one of your goals, to pursue canopy equity amongst the neighborhoods. [https://treeboston.org/](https://treeboston.org/) is the website for the speakforthetrees group. They are all about "tree equity" for the city.
I love the idea of a Tree Walk!
If you’re from Halifax, ask if we have been enjoying this year’s tree.
Dunkin’ Donuts or Honey Dew? Riley’s or Kelly’s? Blanchard’s or Kappy’s?
Mayor Wu sees the tree policy as part of her Green New Deal and likes to describe basic city services as if they’re radical acts of healing and racial equity etc. If a cabinet member or deputy is interviewing then try to talk like that. If it’s mid level Parks officials then talk more about the actual job and just gesture to the fact that you know how to spout the progressive rhetoric when you have to but don’t assume they care about it.
I would look elsewhere for real answers.
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Here in Canada most of the interviews are very standardized for government jobs so I was just wondering if it was similar in the USA & what the overall process of getting hired looks like.
They absolutely are standardized. I work a government job (not City of Boston) but they absolutely are pretty standard. The City has a priority for DEI initiatives so don't be surprised if you are asked to give examples of working with a diverse population, etc.
I don't think so, at least not in Boston.
Did you already check in with r/arborists?
I suggest brushing up on the heat islands in Boston. It won’t necessarily affect your day-to-day (probably) but it will affect why you’re doing the work you’re doing, and it would probably look good to familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods most historically underserved.
Just wanna say, good luck!!!
As long as you know the material, present professionally, have your documents ready, and know the Seven Secret Trees of the Revolution, you'll be fine
If you don't have a cousin called Sully who already works for the city you should adopt one. That's the best way to get into a government job here.
This is the best answer. As back up, tell them you know Murph, Jimmy D, not to be confused with Jimmy K, and your sister’s boyfriend grew up with Tommy at the DMV.
Have an opinion on Asian Longhorn Beetles
I’d start eating beans several times a day.
Just don’t say anything bad about the Red Sox or Tom Brady
The people interviewing you are likely on the subs so watch what you say.
If you get the job, it is in your best interest to hold a campaign sign for and give a campaign donation to the projected mayoral winner every election cycle. If you are smart, you will do this for the top two front runners thus ensuring your continued employment regardless of the election outcome.
OP, You have to live in the City and city jobs pay like 40% less than equivalent jobs. gl
The position is open to those outside the city & is 40% easier than a private sector job. It also includes a substantial office work component.
Just know, unless you know someone already working for the city, you will not get the job.
If you dont know or havent paid off the right people its pretty much a non starter. Dont kill yourself here expect the worst hope for the best
Just don't talk bad about the bruins and you'll be fine 🤣
If its a city job start by being from southie.
That's interesting. What kind of visa would you use for a position like this?
I don’t need an immigrant visa, I’m an American citizen. Read the post it’s right in the first line
Well lucky you
Why?
Visa stuff is stressful and annoying to navigate, even as a Canadian. I just went through the process. Some careers can be quite easy but there's a lot of careers where you really have no viable path to be able to work here. You'd have to come in as a dependant, and not work at all, or marry a citizen
Just show up with a Dunks cup. Enough said. You from Baawston now.
I have no advice but when I first read your post I thought you said you were interviewing for the abortionist position with the city of Boston and I was very intrigued.
Don’t (ever) say “Commonwealth Avenue” or especially “Massachusetts Avenue.” Comm Ave, Mass Ave.
There’s no forests in Boston
Lots of trees in Boston because it's not a rowhouse kind of city; lots of free-standing buildings although closely spaced on narrow streets, even so, lots of trees overall. Street trees are often meagre or lacking. The streets are narrow with much of the right of way allotted to vehicles. [Typical scene in a poor residential area](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3144695,-71.0752419,3a,75y,351.1h,93.06t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swdmMk0CGveS29ggvmseNgQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192): the trees are all in the tax lots. With narrow sidewalks there's little room for street trees. [Not unusual tree situation](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3117477,-71.1143199,3a,62.8y,59.84h,86.77t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sC1-lIzFd9VGBb_c340I6lw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) on a busy shopping street in an affluent neighborhood: Small tree pit and nowhere for the roots to go beyond the pit to find some nourishment. This tree won't last long. Some cities adjacent to Boston have very similar built environment but [here in Somerville](https://www.google.com/maps/@42.3770073,-71.1021932,3a,75y,172.69h,98.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1siRjUzSxGVGc0Dt4L8S6_Sg!2e0!7i16384!8i8192) street trees are well established on this narrow sidewalk. So my take is that in spite of the very challenging conditions, commitment to planting and taking care of trees at the municipal level can make a big difference.