Tree Maintenance Inspector

City of Corona; Corona (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Corona is seeking a Tree Maintenance Inspector to perform routine inspections, plan maintenance, and support the Urban Forest Program within the Community Services Department. This on-site role emphasizes safety, public service, and collaboration with contractors to preserve Corona’s urban canopy.

Ideal candidates will have 2+ years in forestry operations, hold a California Driver’s License, and ISA Arborist certification. TRAQ is desirable.

Qualifications

• Two years of forestry/tree maintenance/arboriculture experience, including leading/evaluating work.
• Valid California Class C Driver's License to be maintained throughout employment.
• ISA Certified Arborist credential is required.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and urban forestry guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine tree inspections and assess basic risk conditions.
• Provide direction to contractors or small field crews.
• Follow established policies and industry standards for tree care.

Skills

Tree inspections

Public inquiries handling

Direction to contractors

Arboriculture basics

Tree biology

Pruning/removals

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Arboriculture/forestry coursework desirable

Job description

The City of Corona is seeking motivated and dependable individuals to join the Urban Forest Program team within the Community Services Department as a Tree Maintenance Inspector. This position offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the preservation and enhancement of Corona’s urban forest and community infrastructure while developing valuable skills in municipal maintenance operations and arboricultural practices.

3% Cost of Living Adjustment effective December 26, 2026, for positions represented by the Corona Public Service Employees Association.

Ideal Candidate

Ideal candidates will demonstrate a strong work ethic, commitment to public service, and the ability to work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions. This role requires teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks while following established safety procedures and operational guidelines.

Class Characteristics

This is a journey-level classification in the Parks Maintenance series. Incumbents perform routine to moderately complex tree inspection, maintenance planning, and program support activities in support of the City’s Urban Forest Program. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program management independence or decision-making authority as higher-level classifications, such as supervisors. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits established procedures and standards.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Conduct routine tree inspections and assess basic risk conditions.
• Provide direction to contractors or small crews in the field.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and industry standards for tree care.
• Respond effectively to public inquiries and service requests.
• Basic principles and practices of arboriculture, tree biology, and urban forestry.
• Tree identification, growth habits, and common diseases and pests.
• Standard tree maintenance practices including pruning, removals, and planting.

Education & Experience

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade. Supplemental coursework in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry, or a related field is desirable.
• Two (2) years of experience in forestry operations, tree maintenance, or arboriculture, including some experience leading and/or evaluating the work of others.

Licenses and Certifications

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist credential is required.
• Possession of an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is desirable.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Community Services Department in the City of Corona is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents through recreational programs, cultural events, and essential community resources. It offers a wide range of services, including parks and facility maintenance, senior programs, youth activities, and special events that bring the community together. The department also provides educational opportunities, volunteer programs, and assistance resources to support residents of all ages. With a focus on engagement, health, and enrichment, it strives to create a vibrant and connected community.

COMMUNITY

A City whose heritage spans more than 125 years, the City of Corona, located in Riverside County, California, encompasses approximately 40 square miles and has a vibrant, culturally diverse population of approximately 170,000 residents. Residents of Corona enjoy a variety of cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities that provide a first-rate quality of life for its residents and visitors. Within an hour's travel time, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy winter activities such as snowboarding and skiing and summer activities including surfing, boating, or simply relaxing on world class beaches. Corona's economy is strong and getting stronger; more than 84,000 people work here. Our retail, commercial, and housing areas are expanding, and office development continues to be strong.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Corona is a General Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policy making and legislative authority is vested in the City Council, consisting of a Mayor and four Council Members. Members of the City Council are elected by District to a four-year term. The Mayor is selected by the Council and serves as the presiding officer for one year.

The City is organized into the following departments/organizational units: Community Services, City Manager’s Office, Economic Development, Finance, Fire, Human Resources, Information Technology, Legal and Risk Management, Police, Planning & Development, Public Works, and Utilities. Oversight of these departments is divided between the City Manager and an Assistant City Manager.

The City's total operating budget for Fiscal Year 2026 is $422.7 million with a General Fund operating budget of $231.3 million. Corona enjoys a workforce of 935 dedicated employees who provide high-quality services to its residents and visitors each day.