Urban Forestry Inspector

County of Santa Barbara; Santa Maria (CA); Presencial; USD 52.000 - 63.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Retirement reciprocity

Time and service credit towards an an?

Descripción de la vacante

The County of Santa Barbara's Public Works Department seeks an Inspector for Arboricultural Projects to oversee contractor work in urban forestry, including tree maintenance, removal, and related hardscape repairs within the County.

You will apply arboriculture knowledge, use GIS and field inspection methods, and communicate with property owners and contractors to ensure safety and compliance while documenting activities. Some county travel may be required.

Formación

• 2-5 years of knowledge of basic concrete functionality, such as installation, curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps.
• 2-5 years of urban forestry, arboriculture, tree care practices, and applicable industry standards.
• Strong observational and analytical skills with the ability to identify deficiencies and make sound recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with property owners, contractors, and the public.
• Ability to work independently in outdoor environments with a focus on safety.

Responsabilidades

• Inspect the work of contractors completing urban forestry projects in an assigned county area.
• Assist with contract administration and related duties as required.

Conocimientos

Concrete basics

Urban forestry

Observational skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Computers GIS

Herramientas

GIS

Inspection software

Mobile technology

Descripción del empleo

SALARY

$37.86 - $45.40 Hourly

BENEFITS:

The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, to learn more.

• Retirement reciprocity


• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

THE POSITION:

Under general direction, inspects the work of contractors completing urban forestry projects for the County; assists with contract administration; and performs related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This class is responsible for inspecting the work of contractors performing urban forestry (i.e., tree management) projects in an assigned geographical area within the County, including tree maintenance, removal, and replacement, as well as related hardscape (i.e., sidewalk, curb, gutter, ramp, apron, etc.) repair, modification, and construction. This class is distinguished from the Engineering Technician series by its primary responsibility for inspecting arboricultural projects rather than solely performing paraprofessional‑level civil engineering work.

ABOUT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:

The Santa Barbara County Public Works Department consists of five divisions: the Laguna Sanitation District and Transportation, Resource Recovery and Waste Management, Water Resources (Flood Control, Water Agency and Project Clean Water), the County Surveyors Office, and Administration. The County's Public Works Department employees are committed to efficiently providing, operating and maintaining public works infrastructure, facilities and services to make everyday life as safe and convenient as possible for the public we serve. To learn more about us, visit https://www.countyofsb.org/193/Administration.

The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:

• 2-5 years of knowledge of basic concrete functionality, such as installation, curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps.


• 2-5 years of urban forestry, arboriculture, tree care practices, and applicable industry standards.


• Strong observational and analytical skills, with the ability to identify deficiencies and make sound, well‑supported recommendations.


• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with property owners, contractors, tree care professionals, employees, and the public.


• Ability to work independently in a variety of outdoor environments while maintaining a strong commitment to safety.


• Proficiency with computers, mobile technology, GIS, inspection software, and other tools used to document and track field activities.

Additional Qualifications:

Independent travel within the County is necessary. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver’s License is required at time of appointment.

Knowledge of:

local tree species; tree maintenance, planting, and removal methods and equipment; principles and practices of tree assessment, tree removal, site preparation, landscaping, species selection, and planting; arboreal insect and disease control methods and techniques; proper methods of repairing, modifying, and constructing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ramps, and aprons; surveying methods and techniques; basic mathematics; and safety practices related to tree maintenance, construction projects, and traffic control.

Ability to:

inspect and direct the work of contracted personnel; calculate area measurements and quantity of materials; effectively respond to and resolve complaints and inquiries from the public; learn basic contract administration methods and practices; follow oral and written instructions and departmental safety practices and procedures; work independently and make independent decisions; represent the department with tact; establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with coworkers, members of other County departments/divisions, contractors, and members of the community; keep records and prepare accurate written records/reports; and communicate clearly and effectively with management, contractors, representatives from other agencies, and members of the public.

Desirable Qualification:

Some contract administration/coordination experience and possession of a "Certified Arborist" designation by the International Society of Arboriculture are highly desirable.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:

• Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.


• Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.

Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS:

The County of Santa Barbara is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants. Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or selection process should contact the recruiter listed on the job posting. We require verification of needed accommodation from a professional source, such as a Medical Provider or a learning institution.

Conditional Job Offer

Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post‑offer medical evaluation or examination. The appointee must satisfactorily complete a one‑year probationary period.

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

The County of Santa Barbara provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation of any type with regard to any characteristic or status protected by any federal law, state law, or Santa Barbara County ordinance. The County continues to be committed to a merit‑based selection process and to eliminating barriers to attracting and retaining top qualified candidates. The County has a long‑standing practice of providing a work environment that respects the dignity of individual employees and values their contributions to our organization.

APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE:

November 12, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sbcounty.

Contact:

Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources, [e-mail]