Forestry Crew Lead: Plant Health & Tree Care

City of Evanston; United States; Remote; USD 54,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Evanston is seeking a skilled, senior-level Forestry Crew Leader to manage and direct field crews in tree care, pruning, and health programs at multiple city locations. You will oversee disease and pest management, plant health care strategies, and safety protocols while coordinating with other city departments.

Responsibilities include supervising seasonal staff, scheduling treatments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED. College coursework in forestry or horticulture is preferred.
• Must possess five (5) or more years of relatable forestry or horticultural work experience.
• Must possess a valid Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with air brake endorsement, a safe driving record, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must possess a Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture or the ability to obtain it within one year, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must possess an International Society of Arboriculture Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or the ability to obtain it within one year, and must be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must possess an Illinois Pesticide Operator's License or the ability to obtain it within one year of employment and be willing to maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must possess or be willing and able to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICD 100, 200, and IS 700, 800 Certification within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Directs field staff in tree health care and pruning duties to maintain City trees and grounds.
• Oversees plant health care programs, including disease and pest management.
• Leads root invigoration and watering schedule planning and inspections.
• Assists with tree planting, removal, and establishment following industry standards.
• Responds to service requests and conducts inspections using city software and records.

Skills

Crew leadership

Plant health care

Safety compliance

Tree risk assessment

Equipment operation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Forestry/horticulture coursework preferred

Tools

Commercial driver's license (CDL)

Safety equipment operation

Job description

The City of Evanston is seeking a skilled, senior-level Forestry Crew Leader to manage and direct field crews in tree care, pruning, and health programs at multiple city locations. You will oversee disease and pest management, plant health care strategies, and safety protocols while coordinating with other city departments.

Responsibilities include supervising seasonal staff, scheduling treatments, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.