Senior Engineering Technician - Urban Forestry

City of Hillsboro • Or 97123, OR

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Hillsboro's Public Works department is searching for a Senior Engineering Technician within our Urban Forestry division. This position plays a key role in enhancing environmental quality, public health, and community well-being through the sustainable management of trees on public lands, rights-of-way, and city-owned properties. The Urban Forester Technician works collaboratively with city departments, residents, and external partners to implement urban forestry programs, enforce tree ordinances, and promote tree education and engagement. You will be building a climate-resilient and equitable urban forest that supports canopy health, climate resiliency, equity and community building. You will assist in the planning, implementation, and stewardship of tree-related initiatives that mitigate climate impacts, reduce urban heat, and expand canopy coverage—especially in historically underserved neighborhoods. Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Senior Engineering Technician performs specialized technical activities in support of technical engineering operations. Responsibilities, as assigned, include providing customer service; gathering, compiling, and/or analyzing data for inventory studies and calculations; conducting and overseeing tree protection projects, technical tasks, and initiatives; inventory projects; maintaining data; performing field inspections and associated field work; and testing equipment for operability. The Senior Engineering Technician - Urban Forestry position is under the general Senior Engineering Technician job classification.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in urban forestry, municipal tree care, or a related field.
• 2+ years of public facing/engagement role in any role that can demonstrate community engagement and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge of tree biology, species identification, and urban tree care practices.
• Familiarity with GIS, tree inventory software (e.g., Tree Keeper, i-tree), and Microsoft Office Products.
• Strong communication, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
• Associate’s degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, and at least three years related experience or in a closely related field; field inspection, surveying work, and/or data or computer analysis, including lead worker responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Nice To Haves

• ISA Certified Arborist Credentials (or ability to obtain within 6 months & ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred (or ability to obtain within 1 year).

Responsibilities

• Assist and support with urban forestry plans, policies, and best practices.
• Support, review and update tree inventories and assessments using GIS and tree management software.
• Support planting events, coordinate pruning, removal, and maintenance of public trees.
• Assist with Monitor tree health and respond to and plan management for pest, disease, and storm damage issues.
• Assist in public outreach initiatives, including Arbor Day events, tree giveaways, and workshops.
• Serve as a liaison to neighborhood groups, schools, and environmental/regional/community organizations.
• Provide technical guidance to residents on tree care and species selection.
• Provide guidance to municipal tree ordinances
• Review development plans for tree planting/preservation/care compliance.
• Coordinates with permitting team for tree work and conduct site inspections.
• Collaborate and support planning, engineering, transportation, stormwater, parks, city managers office and water departments on green infrastructure, climate action plan and canopy goals.
• Maintain accurate records of tree work, permits, and urban forest master plan metrics.
• Prepare reports and presentations for various departments and the public.
• Track progress toward canopy cover, climate resilience, and biodiversity targets.
• Implement urban forestry strategies that align with the city’s climate action and resilience plans.
• Prioritize tree planting and maintenance in heat-vulnerable and low-canopy neighborhoods.
• Integrate green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into urban forestry planning and solutions.
• Build relationships with frontline communities to co-create tree planting and stewardship programs.
• Facilitate inclusive public outreach, multilingual education, and culturally responsive engagement.
• Partner with schools, nonprofits, and community leaders to promote environmental equity and tree canopy development.
• Conduct, review and update tree inventories and canopy assessment data using GIS and internal Inventory database
• Support oversight with planting, pruning, and maintenance of public trees with a focus on long-term sustainability.
• Provide guidance to Urban Forestry team to climate-related tree risks such as drought, pests, and extreme weather events.
• Support the development and enforcement of tree ordinances that promote equitable canopy distribution.
• Review development and infrastructure projects for tree preservation and climate adaptation.
• Collaborate with planning, transportation, stormwater, parks and public works teams to integrate trees into resilient city design.

Benefits

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC recreation access for you and your family
• Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree