Maintenance Worker I – Forestry

City of Iowa City; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Iowa City seeks a Maintenance Worker I - Forestry to maintain urban forests in parks, trails, and public grounds. The role supports forestry operations under supervision, including site maintenance and grounds care.

Responsibilities include abiding by CDL/ELDT requirements, obtaining necessary certifications within 12 months, and passing a pre-employment drug screen. A valid driver’s license and clean driving record are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED or equivalent.
• Experience in tree maintenance, arboriculture or urban forestry.
• Must obtain forklift and backhoe certification within 12 months of hire.
• Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record.
• Must possess Iowa CDL permit on day one; CDL Class A with air brakes within 6 months.
• Pre-employment drug screen and background check required.
• Must be 18 years or older.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and care of the urban forest in parks, trails, natural areas and public grounds.
• Work under direction to support city forestry operations and facilities.

Skills

Tree maintenance

Arboriculture

Urban forestry

Driving

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Forklift certification

Backhoe certification

CDL ELDT training

CDL Class A with air brakes endorsements

Job description

Maintenance Worker I - Forestry

Parks & Forestry Division / Parks & Recreation Department

Application deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026

Permanent full-time position available

Salary Range: $48,817.60 - $62,857.60 (starting wage contingent upon experience)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm

Job Summary:

Under immediate direction, performs a variety of tasks in the maintenance and care of the urban forest in parks, along trails, in natural areas and other public facilities and grounds within the City.

Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other:

High school education or G.E.D. and four to six months of related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in tree maintenance, arboriculture and/or urban forestry. Must obtain forklift and backhoe certification within 12 months of hire. Satisfactory driving record. Valid State of Iowa commercial driver’s license instruction permit upon first day in position. Valid State of Iowa Class A commercial driver’s license with air brake endorsements within 6 months of hire. Meet federal drug testing requirements. Requires a pre-employment drug screen. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check.

Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other:

High school education or G.E.D. and seven to twelve months of related experience or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Pesticide applicator’s license.

More information:

Entry-level Driver Training (ELDT) for employees who need to obtain a required Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is provided by the City. Employees are provided paid time to complete ELDT and to take required CDL tests. Information on how to obtain an Iowa CDL including the CDL manual and practice test are available on the Iowa Department of Transportation website.

A full job description including a listing of essential duties and responsibilities and necessary knowledge, skills and abilities is available at www.icgov.org/jobs under Job Descriptions.

The City of Iowa City is an eligible employer under Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please visit the PSLF website for more information.

It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to afford equal employment opportunities for all employees and potential City employees. Disability-related accommodations can be requested at 319-356-5020 or [e-mail].