Urban Forester (SBP)

City of San Luis Obispo

2 days ago

Salary: $59k – $89k/yr
Location: City of San Luis Obispo, CA, CA
Education: High School
Closing date: Today
Source: GovernmentJobs

Description

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Urban Forester to help maintain, protect, and enhance the City's urban forest and green spaces. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a lasting impact on the community's environmental sustainability, public safety, and quality of life.

This classification is part of the City's Skills-Based Pay (SBP) advancement series. Skills-Based Pay is a compensation and classification system that determines an employee's salary and position within a broad pay range based on demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities that align with defined performance criteria for each level. This approach differs from traditional time-in-grade advancement systems by recognizing and rewarding demonstrated competency and professional growth.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, so please hold that date.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate is a dependable, motivated, and team-oriented individual with a strong work ethic, integrity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. While knowledge and experience of municipal field work are desirable, character, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety are the highest priorities. Technical skills and software proficiency can be taught; a positive attitude, professionalism, and strong work ethic are foundational.

The candidate must be solution-oriented, organized, adaptable, and able to communicate calmly and effectively with coworkers and diverse community groups while working within City policies. Above all, they take pride in their work, embrace challenges, and are committed to the long-term health, safety, and sustainability of the City's Urban Forest.

JOB SUMMARY:

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series which performs a variety of semi-skilled, skilled, and highly specialized functions in urban forest maintenance, and operates and maintains related equipment. Positions in this classification have primary responsibility for maintaining the urban forest, including pruning, planting, regulation and outreach. Positions in this classification may perform work independently, or as part of a crew with other maintenance staff or staff outside the section or department.

Positions in this classification are responsible for the successful completion of a wide variety of specialized work projects, from routine to complex maintenance duties. Employees in this position generally provide front line work and response for urban forest maintenance, and support for private property tree related issues, and are responsible for the performance of the full range of the classification's tasks and duties in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety practices.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Each employee in this Skills Based Pay classification has the opportunity to advance within the class to the highest step. Individual employees pursue career development through work, training, and certifications, to gain leadership skills, and become highly skilled in the urban forest maintenance field. This job class starts at an entry level classification. As knowledge, background, and skills increase, promotion to the next higher level step may be reasonably expected. Such advancement is based on attainment and ongoing use of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as defined through the skills based pay criteria matrix.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification receive supervision within the framework of standard policies and procedures, and in accordance with the level of independence identified in the skills based pay matrix. Employees in this position exercise independent judgment in the selection of work means, methods, and procedures.

Employees in the upper levels of this classification will monitor and direct the work of others in a lead or oversight capacity as needed to accomplish specific projects as assigned, and oversee volunteers and contract maintenance work managed by their section.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

Provide safe working environment for themselves and others under established guidelines.
Maintain assigned areas, tree wells, work sites, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and duties performed and equipment used, interpret information, adjust maintenance schedules, complete follow-up on required maintenance and repair, and maintain program documentation
Operate and care for a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including blowers, weed whips, pole pruners and chain saws
Operate, care for, and complete operational checks; and troubleshoot, transport, and conduct routine field repairs for basic, intermediate, and specialized equipment, such as chipper, fork lift, trailer, water truck and aerial lift truck
Perform skilled urban forest maintenance work, including general maintenance work, such as pruning, planting, watering, and tree well maintenance.
Review private property removal applications.
Perform and prepare written tree evaluations and valuations.
Work safely and effectively on ladders, and in lifts, ropes and saddles.
Plan work methods, materials, and assignments for projects, including, traffic control, equipment, labor, and materials.
Respond during emergencies and work in adverse weather conditions.
Review, investigate and comment on engineering plans and specifications.
Establish and maintain good working relationships, and communicate effectively with others encountered through work.
Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

Tree related diseases, insect problems, and tree maintenance practices.
Urban tree species and their environmental needs.
Tools, equipment, and methods used in tree trimming and maintenance.
Safety precautions and procedures.

Ability to:

Maintain, and expand experience, skills, and training.
Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
Work in outdoor environments, performing work safely, efficiently, and with the minimum of disruption.
Respond to emergency call-outs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.;

and

One year of tree trimming and tree care, or other tree maintenance experience;

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Aptitude and demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging maintenance field will be evaluated through the interview process.

Additional education and experience in tree maintenance, and other knowledge skills, and abilities beyond the minimum may allow for placement above entry level.

Attainment of the top step is dependent upon obtaining and maintaining requirements outlined in the skills-based pay criteria matrix.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
A valid Class "B" or "A" California driver's license with tanker endorsement within six months of hire.
ISA Tree Worker and Arborist certifications.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

Pre-employment Physical
Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)