Urban Forester

Job Description:

Urban Forester

Description

The Position

OPEN EXAMINATION - ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Under the direction of the Assistant Director of Public Works, this mid-management position supervises an urban forestry management program designed to optimize the health, beauty and safety of parkway trees for the public through proper planning, planting, maintenance and care.

Essential functions of the job include, but are not limited to, the following:
Ensures Department services are provided with exceptional customer service and the highest level of ethical standards.

Plans, organizes, trains, directs and evaluates the work of personnel engaged in the planting, care and related maintenance activities required to nurture and maintain a healthy and thriving urban forest. Reviews and evaluates employees' job performance and effectively recommends personnel action.

Plans, develops, institutes and evaluates programs related to the urban forestry management program. Reviews proposed development plans and records to evaluate parkway tree planting proposals in relationship to departmental policies, City ordinances and regulations.

Handles unusual or difficult citizen complaints, checks time and materials expended and prepares reports. Prepares and submits budget reports anticipating equipment, materials and personnel needs. Maintains appropriate records and develops policies related to the urban forestry program.

Manages tree maintenance contracts. Reviews tree removal and planting permits for approval recommendation. Interacts with other City departments in the development of tree related projects.

May assume responsibilities of Assistant Director of Public Works in his/her absence.

May have the opportunity to participate in related divisional cross-training efforts. Experience and qualifications gained in this cross training may apply towards promotional opportunities and transfers.

Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of this position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires.

Minimum Requirements

Experience
Four years experience in the direction and supervision of tree planting, maintenance and removal operations.

Education/Training
Bachelor's Degree in forestry, horticulture or a related field.

License(s)/Certification(s)
Valid California Class C driver's license.
Possession and maintenance of "Certified Arborist" designation with the International Society of Arboriculture.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of:
Commonly used software programs such as MS Word and Excel.
Methods, equipment, tools and safety practices of tree planting, maintenance and removal.
Principles and practices of modern arboriculture of forestry used in park and street tree programs.

Skill in:
Use of a personal computer.

Ability to:
Provide exceptional customer service to all employees and vendors.
Deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period.
Effectively supervise subordinates.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other employees and the general public.
Foster a teamwork environment.
Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
Plan and prioritize assignments.
Read, write and comprehend directions in English.
Review and evaluate employees' job performance.

Other Characteristics
Willingness to:
Works necessary hours and times to accomplish goals, objectives and required tasks in a timely manner.

Initiate, recommend, and carry out personnel actions.
Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
Initiate, recommend and carry out personnel actions.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy
The City of Glendale places a high importance on quality customer service and prides itself for the high level of services it provides by every employee of the organization. As employees of the City of Glendale, we are committed to providing our diverse community and each other with courteous, considerate, and personal attention.
Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy

Note
An equivalent combination of experience, education and/or training may be considered as a substitute for the listed minimum requirements.

Selection Process

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION: Submitted Application will be reviewed to ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements. Only the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the selection process.
Candidates must pass each exam component with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.
ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight of 100%) To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and personal fitness for the position.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED. Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.

The City of Glendale offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance.

The above listed benefits apply to full-time, salaried positions only.

Closing Date/Time: 3/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$6,849.79 - $9,964.17 Monthly