Arborist III Examination

Cleveland Division of Police; Hall City (FL); On-site; USD 47,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cleveland is seeking a Field Supervisor within the Division of Urban Forestry to lead arborist crews, ensure high-quality tree care, and uphold safety standards. You will oversee scheduling, training, and on-the-ground operations, while performing arborist duties half the time to model best practices and ensure continuity of services.

Responsibilities include coordinating tools and inventory, supervising work, and responding to storm-related events; the role requires strong

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of professional tree-care experience, including pruning, removals, equipment operation, and general arboricultural practices.
• At least Two (2) of crew leadership or lead-worker experience in tree care, forestry, or related field operations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding arborist work in varying weather conditions.
• Proficiency with industry-standard tools and equipment such as chainsaws, chippers, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, grapple trucks and climbing gear, and the ability to apply safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to respond to emergency or storm-related events, or other emergency incidents and/or instances, which may include working outside normal business hours.

Responsibilities

• Crew Leadership & Supervision — Provide daily direction, oversight, and support to arborist crews; ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with division standards.
• Scheduling & Work Coordination — Support District Forester and adjust daily and weekly work plans, assign tasks, and coordinate personnel and equipment.
• Training & Staff Development — Mentor and coach field staff, support skill advancement, assist with onboarding, and reinforce safe practices.
• Field Operations — Perform arborist duties alongside crews, including pruning, removals, equipment operation, and site assessments.
• Equipment, Tools & Inventory Management — Oversee maintenance, tracking, and readiness of tools, vehicles, and supplies.
• Facility & Yard Oversight — Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces; ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Emergency Response & Storm Support — Participate in storm-related and emergency tree response, including after-hours work when necessary.

Skills

Crew leadership

Arborist work

Safety practices

Communication

Emergency response

Physical fitness

Tool operation

Tools

Chainsaws

Chippers

Bucket trucks

Aerial lifts

Grapple trucks

Climbing gear

Job description

Description

(OPEN) CS2026-122

Application Open Date: 09/28/2026

Application Close Date: 10/12/2026

SALARY: $33.86 - $38.66 per hour.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is not for an immediate opening, by submitting an application you are applying to take a Civil Service Examination for the opportunity to be placed on an Eligible List for a future opening. To learn more about the Civil Service examinations and Eligible Lists please visit the Cleveland Civil Service Webpage: FAQs | City of Cleveland Ohio

To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver’s License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications at the time of submitting your application. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE: Candidates will be notified of the time, date, and place of the examination.

Examples of Duties

Job Duties

Under general supervision, serves as a field supervisor within the Division of Urban Forestry. Provides day-to-day leadership to arborist crews, ensuring high-quality tree care, safe work practices, and consistent operational performance. Supports staff development; assigns schedules and oversees workflow; monitors work activities and inspects completed work to ensure compliance with established standards.

Manages tools and supply inventories; maintains facility standards; and coordinates training and mentorship for field staff. Performs skilled arboriculture work alongside crews approximately fifty percent of the time to support operations, ensure continuity of services, and model best practices. Performs other job-related duties as required.

Typical duties, percentages are estimate and not intended to established fixed provisions:

• Crew Leadership & Supervision (10%) — Provide daily direction, oversight, and support to arborist crews; ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with division standards and union requirements.
• Scheduling & Work Coordination (15%) — Support District Forester and adjust daily and weekly work plans, assign tasks, and coordinate personnel and equipment to meet operational priorities.
• Training & Staff Development (10%) — Mentor and coach field staff, support skill advancement, assist with onboarding, and reinforce safe and modern arboricultural practices.
• Field Operations (50%) — Perform arborist duties alongside crews, including pruning, removals, equipment operation, and site assessments, modeling best practices and maintaining continuity of operations.
• Equipment, Tools & Inventory Management (5%) — Oversee maintenance, tracking, and readiness of tools, vehicles, and supplies; identify needs and coordinate repairs or replacements.
• Facility & Yard Oversight (5%) — Maintain clean, organized, and safe workspaces, ensuring compliance with safety standards and supporting efficient daily operations.
• Emergency Response & Storm Support (5%) — Participate in storm-related and emergency tree response, including work outside normal business hours when necessary to support public safety and service continuity.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License – B with Airbrake endorsement at time of hire.
• Five (5) years of professional tree-care experience, including pruning, removals, equipment operation, and general arboricultural practices.
• At least Two (2) of crew leadership or lead-worker experience in tree care, forestry, or related field operations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform physically demanding arborist work in varying weather conditions.
• Proficiency with industry-standard tools, and equipment, such as chainsaws, chippers, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, grapple trucks and climbing gear, and the ability to apply safe work practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively with staff, supervisors, and the public.
• Ability to respond to emergency or storm-related events, or other emergency incidents and/or instances, which may include working outside normal business hours.

Preferred Skills

• Single Rope Technique (SRT) climbing experience
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP)
• Crew Leader Qualification through Tree Care Industry Association

Supplemental Information

Reminder: Minimum qualifications must be met as of the last day of the accepting applications. You must upload these documents at the time of submitting your application or email the documents to [e-mail] and include the Job Title in the email.

CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL SCHOOL DISTRICT (CMSD) PREFERENCE CREDIT

An applicant who is a graduate of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) and is participating in an open competitive entrance-level examination, as determined by the Commission, shall receive an additional five (5) points upon achieving a passing score, as established in the examination announcement. Applicants must provide acceptable proof of graduation from a CMSD school at the time of application to qualify for this credit.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE

Veterans' preference will be awarded, when applicable, to eligible veterans in accordance with Civil Service Rules 4.40E, 4.40F and 4.40G. Proof of active service or a DD Form 214, must be presented to the Commission at the time of filing application for the examination in which credit is sought in order to qualify for veterans' credit. If the applicant has received an honorable discharge or a general discharge under honorable conditions that applicant shall receive an additional five (5) points added to their raw score on the examination; or ten (10) points are added to their raw score on the examination if applicant’s supporting documentation indicates more than fifteen percent (15%) service connected disability. NOTE: Only DD Form 214 (long form) or an official armed service document indicating type of discharge or separation and the dates of active service will be accepted as proof of active service.

Reminder: To determine if you qualify to take the examination you must include/attach any required documents (i.e. Resume, Certifications, Driver’s License, etc…) to support you meet the Minimum Qualifications. Please read the Minimum Qualification section carefully, you may attach PDF or JPEG

The City's guiding principles are as follows : Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin/ancestry, military status, disability, age and religion.