Arborist III

  • City of Portland, Oregon
  • Portland, Oregon
  • Apr 23, 2024
Full Time Grounds and Landscaping Services Parks and Recreation
  • Salary: $36.05 - $40.98 Hourly USD

Job Description

The Position

Job Appointment: Full-Time
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 am-3:30 pm. This position responds to emergency call outs during and after scheduled work shifts.
Work Location: Urban Forestry, 10910 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217
Benefit: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position
Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.
Union Representation: LiUNA Laborers' Local 483 - Portland City Laborers . To view this labor agreement, please click here .
Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

Position Summary:
The Arborist III role demands a proficient level of arboricultural expertise, encompassing extensive experience in tree care methodologies such as tree climbing using harnesses with ropes, operation of aerial lift devices and various ground-based equipment essential for tree maintenance. This position holds responsibility for executing all on-site tree maintenance activities, including pruning, removal, planting, plant health care, and emergency operations. All tasks are carried out employing the latest industry standards, safety protocols, and utilizing cutting-edge equipment.

Arborist III personnel specialize in above-ground work within trees, requiring adept climbing skills, operation of aerial lifts, and utilization of specialized rigging equipment for diverse arboricultural tasks.
Are you a woman or person of color with a passion for urban forestry? We invite you to be part of our vibrant team! At the City of Portland, we celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table.

Our city is more than just a place to work - it's a community where every voice matters. Join us in shaping the future and making a positive impact together. Apply now and let's build a brighter tomorrow, hand in hand!

What you'll get to do:
  • Perform standard tree maintenance and emergency tree operations removing hazards and fallen trees, including during storm operations.
  • Oversee on-site tree care activities, provide instruction and/or training to lower Arborist classifications and fill out daily work reports.
  • Examine trees for hazards, health, apply pesticides, and conduct ground duties as required.
About Urban Forestry and Portland’s Forest:
Urban Forestry 's mission is to manage and ensure Portland’s urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest is valued at over $6 billion and comprised of over 1.2 million park trees, 218,000 street trees and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure system. Urban Forestry’s work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies, and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; implementing, enforcing, and proposing improvements to the City’s tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to tree emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health, and services; offering community education and stewardship programs; and oversight and support of the City’s volunteer advisory tree board. Portland is a Tree City USA for 46 years; a Tree City of the World and the Urban Forestry program is accredited by the Urban and Community Forestry Society (formerly the Society of Municipal Arborists).

About the Bureau:
Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, refugee and immigrant communities in accessing our parks and natural areas, or from the benefit of our services. We recognize, understand, and encourage celebration of the differences that surround us. Diversity and equity are vital to PP&R’s ideals and values. The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 650,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. PP&R values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates that can fluently speak another language to include that information in their application materials. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Virtual Zoom Meet & Greet Opportunity

Come meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter! We'll be talking about the position duties and responsibilities, day to day life in the role, review the announcement, discuss how to apply, and answer questions you may have about the position.

View Recording

Passcode: w=h6!q$z

Have a question?
Contact Information:
TroyLynn Craft
Senior Recruiter
troylynn.craft@portlandoregon.gov

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position: Experience in the techniques used in the care of trees including rigging, climbing, pruning, removal, planting, plant health care and any other related tree work. Experience working at heights in all weather conditions, tree climbing, evaluating tree conditions and hazards, identifying and treating pest problems. Ability to utilize tools and equipment safely and efficiently for tree care, as well as for the maintenance and repair of such equipment, such as cranes and Aerial Lift devices. Experience in clear and effective communication across various mediums such as verbal, electronic, and written forms, along with adeptness in handling compiled work orders and maintaining records. Applicants must also possess:
  • ISA Arborist Certification or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire
  • ISA Certified Tree Climber or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire
  • Class A Oregon Commercial Drivers' License within nine (9) months of hire
  • Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator License within nine (9) months of hire
  • Crane Certification within nine (9) months of hire
  • EHAP Certificate or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire
  • Flagger-Traffic Certificate within nine (9) months of hire
  • Any other certifications, certificates or licenses required by law or regulation to perform duties of Arborist III.


The Recruitment Process

STEP 1: Apply online between April 22 and May 13, 2024

Required Application Materials:
  • Work History
  • Answer to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions)
Optional Application Materials:
  • If you would like to request Veteran's Preference, please submit your Veteran documents (ex, DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter, etc.) by the closing date of the recruitment.
Application Tip
  • Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement.
  • Your work history should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions.
  • Salary Range/Equity Pay Analysis : Please note per the Oregon State Pay Equity Law your salary is determined based on the experience and education listed in your application. It is strongly encouraged to include any transferable experience (paid or unpaid regardless of how recent) to ensure your offer is reflective of all directly related and equivalent experience.
  • Do not attach any additional documents.
  • Please note, all completed applications for this position must be submitted no later than on the closing date and time of this recruitment.
  • All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process.
  • E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted.
Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 1: Week of May 13, 2024
  • An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their work history and supplemental questions.
  • Your work history and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our pass/fail evaluation of your qualifications for participation in the next step. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.
  • You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation phase 1 results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.
Step 3: Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 2: Work Skills Demonstration
  • Applicants who successfully pass Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 1 of the recruitment process will be scheduled to participate in the work skills demonstration, weighted 100%. The work skills demonstration test will cover the following:
    • Gear Inspection
    • Site and Tree Inspection
    • Secured Entry into Tree
    • Climb Line Installation
    • Proper Tie-In
An invitation will be sent via email. Out-of-town candidates will be required to travel to participate in phase II.Phase II is tentatively scheduled for the Week of May 27, 2024 We understand that barriers, including financial ones, can sometimes stand in the way of pursuing opportunities. That's why we're committed to ensuring that qualified applicants have an equal chance to showcase their skills. If you live more than 300 miles away and are worried about travel costs to participate in our work skills demonstration, travel assistance may be available. We're here to support you.A photo ID will be required for admittance to the test.All Safety protocols must be followed.You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation phase 2 results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation result. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information.Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection.Step 4: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of June 10, 2024
  • Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list.
Step 5: Selection (Interview): Late-June
  • Hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview.
  • Please note, the selection process may take up to 90 days from the notification of being placed on the eligible list.
Step 6: Offer of Employment: July
  • Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment.
Step 7: Start Date:
  • A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
*Timeline is approximate and subject to change.

Additional Information

Click here for additional information regarding the following:
  • City of Portland Core Values
  • Recruitment Process - Work Status
  • Equal Employment Opportunity
  • Veteran Preference
  • ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations


An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to
  • Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)
  • Carrot Fertility
  • Wellness Benefits
  • Life Insurance
  • Short- and Long-term disability coverage to eligible employees and their families.
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Retirement
  • Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), includingcontributions to the PERS IAP plan paid by employer
  • Family Medical Leave
  • City Paid Parental Leave
AND SO MANY MORE!

Benefits may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status. Click here to review the many different benefits the City of Portland offers .

Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Address

Portland, Oregon United States View Map