Urban Forestry and Sustainability Assistant

City of Auburn, AL; Auburn (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Auburn, AL seeks an Urban Forestry and Sustainability Assistant to support the Public Works Department. This temporary, part‑time role reports to the Urban Forestry Specialist and helps manage trees, data, and outreach.

Requirements include a high school diploma and 1–2 years of related experience, plus a valid driver’s license. The position emphasizes safety, professionalism, and strong teamwork in a municipal setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 1–2 years of relevant experience.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Assist in urban forestry and sustainability programs.
• Evaluate trees and maintain city GIS inventory.
• Support public outreach and sustainability efforts.
• Communicate progress and issues to supervisor and team.
• Attend meetings and stay current on arboriculture practices.

Skills

Urban forestry

GIS/CityWorks

Data entry

Communication

Time management

Independence

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

1–2 years experience in related field

Tools

ArcGIS

CityWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

URBAN FORESTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY ASSISTANT

Department: Public Works

Pay Grade: Temporary Pay Table

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Personnel Status: Temporary Part-Time

Job Summary

This position is responsible is responsible for assisting the Public Works Department in support of the Urban Forestry and Sustainability Programs. This position reports to the Urban Forestry Specialist.

Essential Job Functions

• Evaluates trees with regard to species, size, location, health risk to right-of-way, City property, and private property.
• Records data manually and within the GIS inventory of City trees.
• Contributes to the City’s sustainability efforts, both within the organization and through participation in public outreach events.
• Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audio-visual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments is assigned work areas.
• Responds to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Perform other related job duties as assigned.

AGENCY-WIDE COMPETENCIES

Professional Excellence

Sense of responsibility and commitment; ability to meet expectations; quality of work output; willingness to admit and correct mistakes.

Communication

Ability to express oneself clearly, credibly, and respectfully in an appropriate tone; quality of judgment exercised in what information should be communicated; ability to adjust to different communication styles.

Teamwork

Commitment to team activities; placing value of team success over personal recognition; altruism; impact on team success; willingness to fulfill a variety of roles.

Engagement

Initiative exercised in solving problems; willingness to take on new responsibilities; acting on opportunities and presenting ideas; modeling a positive attitude and resilience; volunteering for group work; praising work of the City and coworkers; demonstrating pride in public service.

Public Service

Views citizens as a priority; demonstrates ethical, trustworthy behavior, stands as an example of servant leadership; maintains trust of the Auburn citizens.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent; one (1) to two (2) years’ experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the methods, principles, techniques, equipment, tools, and practices of contemporary arboriculture and urban forestry.
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of relevant safety regulations, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of tree species, tree diseases and pests, and common treatment methods for trees afflicted by disease or pests.
• Knowledge of grounds and landscape maintenance principles.
• Knowledge of job-related software and computer programs (e.g., CityWorks and ArcGIS).
• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Skill in the development of urban forestry planning, street tree master planning and contemporary streetscape design.
• Skill in the evaluation of tree health.
• Skill in the use and maintenance of a variety of grounds maintenance equipment.
• Skill in using computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Skill in the use of small office equipment, including calculators, copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
• Ability to work independently, work well with others, and manage time effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is medium work, which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work is typically performed while intermittently sitting, standing, stooping, bending, climbing, crouching, or walking. The employee uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity and climbs ladders and distinguishing between shades of color.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in an office and various outdoor environments. The employee is exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and occasional cold or inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

This position is Temporary and not eligible for benefits.