Arboricultural Inspector

City of Oakland • Oakland, CA

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill three (3) Arboricultural Inspector vacancies within the Oakland Public Works Department and one (1) vacancy within the Department of Transportation. The ideal candidate is a certified arborist with industry experience and a strong foundation in arboricultural education or field practice, who is self-motivated, comfortable working autonomously, and committed to contributing to a positive team culture and helping the team grow and succeed. We are looking for someone who is: Knowledgeable in tree industry safety, proper work techniques, and arboricultural practices. A strong collaborator who can work closely with other departments, CIP, plan review, and tree preservation staff to coordinate tree-related work and support projects. Safety-focused when assessing tree health and structural conditions to identify hazards and minimize risks to the public and property. Decisive and able to make quick, sound decisions during emergency situations and respond appropriately to immediate safety concerns. Thoughtful and able to carefully consider policy guidance and arboricultural practices when making decisions and developing standards for the Tree Division.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, plus 12 college units in forestry, horticulture, arboriculture, botany, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience working as an arborist, including one year of experience inspecting trees to determine hazardous conditions or trimming needs.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, Class C, to be maintained throughout employment with the City of Oakland.
• Possession of a valid Certified Arborist certificate from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is required and must be maintained throughout tenure of employment.
• Must be willing to work outdoors, subject to inclement weather.
• Must be willing to work irregular days and hours, as needed, for emergency response.

Nice To Haves

• College-level coursework in supervision is highly desirable.
• A related bachelor's degree in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, botany, or a closely related field may substitute for two (2) years of experience.
• One year of experience as a team leader in the care and maintenance of trees is highly desirable.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)
• Certified Urban Forest Professional from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA)

Responsibilities

• Inspecting trees in City parks and along streets to assess their health and condition, helping preserve the urban forest, and identifying potential hazards to the public.
• Reviewing tree removal permits for development and non-development projects on private property to ensure proposed work complies with the City’s protected tree requirements.
• Training staff and others on tree inspection practices, safety procedures, and applicable arboricultural standards.
• Responding to tree-related emergencies and assessing hazardous conditions to help protect the public and property.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records, reports, inspection findings, and other documentation related to tree inspections and permit activities.

Benefits

• 40- hour work weeks
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED