Urban Forest Technician

DESCRIPTION

Recruitments posted as "Continuous" are subject to close at any time following an initial two-week posting period. Upon closing, the applications received will be screened and notices will be sent to the applicants regarding the status of their application.

This position is based on a limited-term, grant-funded assignment. In 2025, the City of Ukiah was awarded a $1.39 million Climate Resilient Forest Grant to expand and improve the urban forest. The project includes planting approximately 772 trees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen climate resilience, address urban heat, improve environmental quality, and enhance benefits to residents. The anticipated end date of this grant program is currently March of 2028.

Under general supervision of the Urban Forest Manager and Chief Planning Manager, perform skilled and semi-skilled field work related to urban forestry, tree planting, irrigation, and maintenance in support of the City’s Climate Resilient Forest Grant Program. The position requires regular use of tools and tree care equipment in all weather conditions; and provides education to the community.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The examples of work performed are neither restricted to nor all-encompassing of the duties to be performed under this job title.

• Plant, establish, water, stake, mulch, and maintain approximately 772 trees in parks, along streets, and at approved community sites.
• Perform routine tree establishment and maintenance activities in accordance with ISA or equivalent arboricultural standards.
• Engage directly with the City’s underserved and disinvested communities, to better understand community needs and priorities, and to co-develop equitable strategies for building resilience through implementation of grant programs.
• Participate in professional training, providing education and outreach services to community to improve their understanding of the benefits and importance of trees from a climate action and resilience perspective.
• Excavate and enlarge tree wells; assist with asphalt and concrete reduction projects.
• Operate hand tools, power tools, irrigation equipment, and City vehicles, including vehicles towing watering trailers.
• Assist with operation and maintenance of the City’s tree nursery and irrigation systems.
• Assist the Urban Forest Manager and the City’s procurement team in purchasing program supplies.
• Maintain records and assist with grant documentation and reporting.
• Coordinate work activities with the Urban Forest Manager and other City staff.
• Respond to emergency calls after normal duty hours.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Arboriculture, irrigation systems, landscaping, and grounds maintenance practices. Experience working directly with trees is preferred.
• Principles of Community Outreach and Engagement. Experience working directly with the public is preferred.
• Basic knowledge of plant identification.
• Safe work practices.
• Microsoft Office Suite for email, calendar, virtual meetings, etc.

Ability to:

• Perform outside work in all weather conditions.
• Perform a wide variety of park, trail, and street arboricultural maintenance work.
• Operate the hand and power tools and equipment required in general grounds maintenance work. Perform outside work in extreme weather conditions.
• Be able to bend, kneel, climb up ladders, sit at a desk, and perform work
• Perform heavy manual labor and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.
• Drive safely with city vehicles towing watering trailers.

Education and Experience:
Two years of relevant experience in arboriculture, landscaping, irrigation, forestry, or parks maintenance; Certificate or license in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, irrigation, or related field preferred. Associate of Science degree desirable.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Valid Class C California Driver’s License.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications must be filled out completely. Resumes submitted in lieu of completing an application will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee and those applicants who appear to be among the best qualified will be selected for the examination process. This process may include a variety of techniques designed to test applicants’ knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of the job. An eligibility list will be established by ranking candidates by their overall score and a selection will be made from the candidates on this list. All employment offers are subject to a City-paid physical examination and a thorough reference and background check.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform Act of 1986, the City must verify, once an employment offer has been made, that all persons have written proof of their right to work in the United States.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the testing process, please notify the Human Resources Department in advance at (707) 463-6244 so your request may be reviewed prior to the occurrence of the test.

The City of Ukiah is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse workforce.

Continually working to promote diversity, equity, transparency, and justice through the adoption and implementation of City practices, policies, and procedures.

Retirement:

• CalPERS "Classic" members: 2.7%@55 with employee contributing 8% of pre-tax salary.
• "New" members: 2%@62 with employee contributing 7.25% of salary.
• The City of Ukiah does not contribute to Social Security.

Medical:

• The City pays 85% of the premium for medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Enrollment in the City's health coverage includes AirMed helicopter emergency transport services.

Leaves and Holidays:

• Vacation leave is accrued at 104 hours per year and increases with City service.
• Personal leave is provided at 24 hours per fiscal year.
• Sick leave is accrued at 96 hours per year with no limit.
• The City pays for 13 fixed holidays per year, in addition to one floating holiday.

Life Insurance:

• The City pays the premium on a $10,000 life insurance policy for eligible employees.

Longevity Program:

• Upon the 7thanniversary date of employment, and each year thereafter on the anniversary date, a full-time employee will receive $1,000.
• Upon the 12th anniversary date, the amount increases to $2,500 annually.
• Upon the 20th anniversary date, the amount increases to $3,500 annually.

Other Benefits:

• City-paid membership in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for eligible employees and their dependents.
• Optional participation in supplemental health coverages such as Aflac.
• Optional enrollment in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) forpre-taxed unreimbursed medical and dependent care assistance programs.
• Optional participation in AirMed helicopter emergency transport services.
• Optional participation in tax-deferred retirement savings plans (457 plans).

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• City of Ukiah

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