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Job Description
JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM
At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.
What Makes the City of Austin Special?- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Job Description:
Purpose:
Under minimal direction, this position develops, monitors, and/or performs activities related to the conservation, preservation, and proliferation of trees in the City of Austin.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
Essential duties and function, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.- Reviews construction plans, specifications, contracts, etc. for compliance with codes, ordinances, zoning, etc. related to trees.
- Monitors and coordinates tree-planting activities for the City of Austin.
- Coordinates division/section activities with other divisions/departments, public agencies, and private entities. Inspects and treats trees for diseases, parasites, etc.
- Confers with architects, developers, contractors, etc. to discuss tree preservation techniques.
- Drafts/writes and enforces ordinances, policies, etc. relating to arboricultural and urban forestry practices.
- Manages and/or coordinates specific tree programs, i.e., Oak Wilt Program, Austin Releaf Program, etc.
- Answers citizens’ questions and assists. Investigates consumer/citizen complaint to determine validity.
- Researches information as needed or requested.
- Compiles and calculates data/information for reports, cost estimates, etc.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:- Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.- Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to train others.
Minimum Qualifications:- Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or a related field, plus two (2) years of experience developing or coordinating urban forestry programs. Experience may substitute for the education up to the maximum of four (4) years.
Licenses or Certifications:- Valid Texas Class "C" Drivers' License.
Preferred Qualifications:
Preferred Experience:- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified Arborist, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), or the ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
- Experience in secured tree climbing and/or working at height from an aerial lift for tree maintenance operations.
Other:- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Notes to Candidate:
The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.
The Forester position is responsible for providing leadership within the Parks tree maintenance program. This includes supervising up to six (6) tree maintenance staff responsible for providing proactive and reactive maintenance for over 300,000 trees across three-hundred (300) city-maintained parks.
Other:
Ability to travel to more than one work location.
Salary Range :
$25.74 - $30.50 per hour.
Work Location:
Central Maintenance Complex (CMC) - 2525 S. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin, TX 78741
Work Schedule:- Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends and holidays.
- Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
- May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
Application Instructions/Job Requirements:- Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
- Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
- Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
- Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
- Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
- Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty (30) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
Other Information:- Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you will drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
- 90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
- Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.
We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.
EEO Statement for City of Austin:
The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-10 - Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Austin
Show moreThe City of Austin
This vibrant and dynamic city tops many lists for business, entertainment, and quality of life. One of the country’s most popular, high-profile “green” and culturally rich cities, Austin was recently selected the number one Best Place to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report). In 2016, Forbes named Austin the city most likely to prosper over the next decade on their America’s Cities of the Future list, and the City of Austin ranked in the top ten on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for 2017.
Austin continues to lead with its vision of being the Most Livable City in the Country, emerging as a player on the international scene with such events as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula 1, and being home to companies such as Apple, Samsung, Dell, and Ascension Seton Healthcare. From the home of state government and the University of Texas to the Live Music Capital of the World and its growth as a film center, Austin has gained worldwide attention as a hub for education, business, health, and sustainability.
The City offers a wide range of events, from music concerts, food festivals, and sports competitions to museum displays, exhibits, and family fun. Austin is also home to a wonderful ballet, world-class museums, one-of-a-kind shopping, and beautiful outdoor spaces. You can just as easily spend your morning paddling the lake as you can strolling through a celebrated history museum.
Located at the edge of the Texas Hill Country—rolling terrain of limestone bluffs, springs, rivers, and lakes—Austin’s temperate climate is ideal for year-round jogging, cycling, hiking on the City’s many trails, or swimming at Barton Springs or one of the area’s many other swimming holes.
There are a number of excellent golf courses in the area as well as recreational opportunities for rowing, kayaking, canoeing, camping, rock climbing, disc golf, mountain biking, fishing, and more. Austin truly has something to offer for everyone.
City Government
The City of Austin is a progressive, full-service municipal organization operating under the Council-Manager form of government. Austin has a 10-1 council system with an at-large Mayor and Council Members that represent ten districts. The Mayor and Council Members may serve in their respective seats for four years with a maximum of two consecutive terms.
The City Council appoints the City Manager who is the chief administrative and executive officer of the City. The City Manager is responsible for guiding and directing day-to-day operations, as well as providing strategic research, recommendations, and management leadership to the City Council on the city budget, programs, policies, and services. The City Manager implements the organization’s administrative responsibilities with a strong team of Assistant City Managers and department executives. Supported by a staff of more than 14,000 and a budget of $4.1 billion, the City Manager and staff deliver a broad range of services to the citizens of Austin.
The City Council and City Manager of Austin are committed to the mission of delivering the highest quality, cost-effective services. Austin is a beacon of sustainability, social equity, and economic opportunity; where diversity and creativity are celebrated; where community needs and values are recognized; where leadership comes from its community members, and where the necessities of life are affordable and accessible to all.
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