Urban Forester

City of San Marino; San Marino (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marino is seeking a knowledgeable Urban Forester to manage the urban forestry program, oversee tree maintenance, review private tree permits, and collaborate with residents, contractors and City departments to sustain the canopy.

You will conduct field inspections, maintain program records, prepare reports, support Tree Ordinance implementation, and serve as the city’s go‑to expert on tree issues while engaging with the public at meetings and in written communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in arboriculture, landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture or related field.
• Four years of arboriculture experience in urban forestry.
• Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture preferred.
• Certified Municipal Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture is highly desirable but not required.
• California driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, train, direct, and evaluate the work of personnel engaged in planting, care and related maintenance activities.
• Plan, develop, institute, and evaluate programs related to the urban forestry management program.
• Manage the City’s Tree Ordinance; respond to community concerns and/or complaints about trees.
• Inspect trees, maintain records, and prepare reports for arborist maintenance program.
• Attend City Council and Board/Commission meetings as required.

Skills

Arboriculture knowledge

Public communication

Analytical thinking

Budget planning

Public relations

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in arboriculture/related field

Four years of arboriculture experience

ISA Certified Arborist

Certified Municipal Arborist (preferred)

Job description

Welcome

This recruitment is subject to close without advance notice. Interview Date: TBD Finalist Interview Date: TBD The City of San Marino is seeking a knowledgeable, community-focused Urban Forester to manage and support the City’s urban forestry program. The City is known for its beautiful mature tree canopy, which is a defining feature of the community and requires thoughtful planning, maintenance, and professional oversight. This is a unique opportunity to help preserve the health, beauty, and long‑term sustainability of the City’s public and private tree canopy. In this role, you’ll oversee tree maintenance programs, coordinate with contractors and City departments, and review private tree related matters. From conducting field inspections and maintaining program records to preparing reports and supporting the City’s Tree Ordinance implementation, you’ll play an important role in how the City manages its urban forest. The Urban Forester also serves as the City’s go‑to expert on tree‑related issues. You’ll work directly with residents and applicants regarding tree preservation and removal requests, review private tree removal applications, and explain City policies and decisions. You may also attend City Council or board and commission meetings to provide professional insight on tree‑related matters. This position is ideal for someone with strong arboriculture knowledge, sound judgment, and excellent communication skills. If you enjoy being outdoors, applying your expertise to tree‑related challenges, and working with the community to preserve one of San Marino’s most valued features, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to serve the public and make a lasting impact.

Why You'll Love This Opportunity

• Help preserve and enhance San Marino’s beautiful tree canopy
• Serve as the City’s lead arboriculture expert
• Work with City leadership, residents, and community stakeholders
• Manage impactful environmental and urban forestry programs
• Contribute to a community known for excellence, professionalism, and civic pride

General Description

The Urban Forester is responsible for an urban forestry management program designed to optimize the health, beauty and safety of all city‑owned, public trees, plants and shrubs through proper planning, planting, maintenance and care, to include the assessment and review of privately‑owned trees.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general supervision of the Parks and Public Works Director/City Engineer, the Urban Forester classification is distinguished from other classifications by specialized arboriculture knowledge and its responsibility for monitoring all phases of work performed by tree maintenance contractors. This position has the responsibility to communicate the City’s tree policies, practices, and standards to the public.

Essential Functions

The duties, skills, and demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an incumbent to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with a disability to perform the essential duties, skills, and demands.

Duties

• Plan, organize, train, direct, and evaluate the work of personnel engaged in the planting, care and related maintenance activities required to nurture and maintain a healthy and thriving urban forest.
• Plan, develop, institute, and evaluate programs related to the urban forestry management program.
• Plan, coordinate, administer, and monitor the City’s Tree Ordinance; respond to community concerns and/or complaints about the street, park and median trees.
• Coordinate preservation of trees and proper maintenance and trimming pursuant to the City’s adopted procedures and guidelines; inspect trees, develop tree inventory and determine appropriate action; maintain records and reports for arborist maintenance program.
• Review proposed development plans and records to evaluate parkway tree planting proposals in relationship to departmental policies, City ordinances and regulations.
• Review and evaluate reports prepared by other arborists.
• Prepare and submit budget reports anticipating equipment, materials and personnel needs.
• Manage the tree maintenance contracts.
• Review tree removal and planting permits for approval recommendation.
• Interact with other City departments and community members in the development of tree related projects.
• Maintain comprehensive files, records and reports related to citations, violations, and other areas related to the urban forestry management program.
• Prepare a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence; document violations by securing photographs and other pertinent data.
• Attend City Council and other Board and Commission meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Demands

Knowledge Of

• Municipal organizational structure, codes, regulations and ordinances.
• Methods tools and equipment used in the care and maintenance of trees, plants, and shrubs.
• Tree trimming and safety practices and equipment used in tree climbing.
• Plant and tree diseases and pests, and their eradication and control.
• Operation and maintenance of power equipment and tools used in tree work.
• Urban forest management plans and contract specifications.
• Cal/OSHA regulations and safe work practices.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget development and administration; funding sources impacting program and service development; City organization and functions of the various departments.
• Community members, school districts, service clubs, chamber of commerce, business groups, and various community needs related to the provision of services in the San Marino community.
• Practices of communications, government relations, and public education, including the use of social media and website content management; principles of effective public relations.
• Principles of organizational, public administration and management practices as applied to the analysis, evaluation, development, and implementation of programs, policies, and procedures in service areas managed; administrative principles and methods, including goal setting, program development and pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Principles and practices of research techniques, sources and availability of information, and methods of report presentation; applicable legal guidelines and standards affecting the administration of a municipal government.
• Principles and practices of contract administration, contract risk transfer and evaluation; risk management requirements and techniques.
• Social, political and environmental issues influencing program administration.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; business letter writing and other document preparation; office methods, procedures, and equipment and basic mathematics.

Skills And Demands

• Interpret and apply a variety of City and department policies and procedures; analyze situations carefully and adopt effective courses of action.
• Negotiate effective solutions to complex problems; analyze situations accurately, using independent judgment and adopt effective courses of action.
• Guide and encourage others to accomplish a common goal.
• Work skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries.
• Address key factors that influence successful organizational change.
• Initiate tasks and focus on accomplishment by knowing what needs to be done and do it without being told.
• Oversee and participate in the preparation of effective public relations and publicity materials for media and community publications; effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, council members, boards, committees, commission members, and community members.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; operate typical office equipment; communicate effectively and accurately both verbally and in writing, using proper English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Draw meaning and conclusions from quantitative and qualitative data.
• Set priorities, organize workflow and maintain organization of work and records; multi-task and be responsive to time‑sensitive matters; Understand and follow instructions.
• Use time effectively and efficiently to maximize work assignments.
• Exercise good judgment and uphold confidentiality in maintaining critical and sensitive information, records, and reports; understand, interpret, and apply general administrative and departmental policies and procedures.
• Show interest and understand the needs, expectations, and circumstances of internal and external customers.
• Develop and maintain working relationships.
• Fully comprehend spoken communication by picking up on nuances in tone and meaning and being attentive to non‑verbal cues and body language.
• Maintain emotional stability and self‑control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.

Education And Experience

Any combination equivalent to the education and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to gain such knowledge and abilities would be:

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in the field of arboriculture, landscape architecture, forestry, horticulture or a related field.

Experience

Four (4) years of experience in arboriculture to include the planning, planting, maintenance and care of trees, plants and shrubs. Experience in managing an urban forest, including its establishment and maintenance, is highly desired.

Licenses/Certificates

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession and maintenance of “Certified Arborist” designation from the International Society of Arboriculture.
• Possession and maintenance of “Certified Municipal Arborist” designation from the International Society of Arboriculture is highly desired but not required.

PRINCIPLE VALUES

The City Maintains a Strong Culture Of Integrity, Collaboration, And Diversity And Inclusion In The Workplace And The Community At Large. To That End, The Incumbent Is Expected To

• Maintain a strong sense of honesty and integrity by committing to ethical behaviors and taking personal accountability for actions and takes initiative to intervene upon observing unethical behavior.
• Support and appreciate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of the City’s workforce and residents by demonstrating respect to everyone, providing excellent service to all individuals, and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Demonstrate an ability to respond positively and adapt to changes in the workplace.
• Ability to work as a team‑player by collaborating with co‑workers to make sound decisions when necessary and demonstrating empathy towards co‑workers and the community.
• Adhere to all safety practices and procedures as required by City policies and the law and encourage others to do the same.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen, in person and by phone. Employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, crawl, use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, or crouch. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 51 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Operate light and heavy motorized equipment, and/or automobiles or trucks while performing the duties of this position. Intermittently, twist to reach equipment; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and communicate through written means; walk to observe activities; periodically bend and squat; interact with employees and the public in possible challenging situations; drive, operate and sit in a vehicle or equipment; Work outdoors in all weather conditions including hot with sun exposure, cold and wet; know and understand laws, regulations and codes; remember legal and code requirements; and explain policies and procedures; interact with City management, other governmental officials, employees and the public.

Work Environment

This position generally works 70% outdoors and 30% indoors.

While performing the duties of this job indoors, the work environment is generally in a temperature‑controlled office. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, but the employee may occasionally be exposed to loud talking and interruptions from telephones, office equipment and/or members of the public and emergency vehicle sirens.

While performing the duties of this job outdoors, the employee may be exposed to noise, vibration, extremes in temperature or humidity, dust, most weather conditions. Noise levels in the work environment is usually moderate but the employee may occasionally be exposed to high level noises including but not limited to emergency vehicle sirens, road traffic, shouting, and yelling.

This information is available in an alternative format by request to [phone].

The City of San Marino is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and seek diversity in our workforce. San Marino is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Supplemental Information

Cover Letter and Resume Required

Cover Letter and Resume Required

Questions

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the Human Resources Department at [phone] or via email at [e-mail].

RETIREMENT – PERS

CalPERS 2% @ 60 (Classic Members) or CalPERS 2% @ 62 (New members). The employee pays the full employee portion of the retirement contribution, and the City does not participate in Social Security.

SOCIAL SECURITY

No contributions are paid by the City or employee into Social Security.

MEDICARE

1.45% of salary paid by the City and 1.45% by the employee

VACATION LEAVE

The City provides full time and probationary employees with 90 hours of annual vacation accrual, increasing up to 180 hours based on years of service. Please refer to the San Marino CEA Memorandum of Understanding for vacation accrual formula