Urban Forestry Inspector I/II

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

Job summary

City of San José’s Department of Transportation is seeking Urban Forestry Inspector I/II to maintain a healthy urban forest through field inspections, data collection, and resident support. You will work with residents and DOT teams to improve neighborhood livability and safety.

Candidates must have a High School Diploma or GED and two years of relevant experience; a California driver’s license is required. Substitutions may apply.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Experience: Two (2) years in tree maintenance and/or planting for public streets or landscape programs.
• Substitutions: College coursework in landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, environmental science or related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of required experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex fieldwork in urban forestry management and related administrative tasks.
• Apply general principles of professional tree management to inspections, data collection, and related assignments.
• Communicate effectively with residents and service delivery partners to address concerns and coordinate services.
• Collaborate with DOT maintenance and inspection teams to respond to resident needs and support neighborhood livability.

Skills

Job Expertise

Communication

Constructive Energies

Customer Service

Flexibility

Problem Solving

Reliability

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, develops, operates, and maintains transportation facilities, services, and related systems which contribute to the livability and economic health of the City. We comprise a team of more than 500 people ready to serve the needs of our residents to improve the efficiency and safety of San José streets.We are an energetic and innovative team that is improving transportation in one of the nation’s largest cities, while focusing on safety, sustainability, and active public life! For more information about DOT, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation

The Department of Transportation is currently seeking to fill one (1) vacant position for the Urban Forestry Inspector I/II classification. If you are interested in employment in these classifications, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Salary range(s) for this classification is/are:

• Urban Forestry Inspector I: $89,762.40 - $109,025.28
• Urban Forestry Inspector II: $98,869.68 - $120,054.48

This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Urban Forestry Inspector I/II helps maintain a healthy, thriving community forest through urban tree management, field inspections, data collection, and resident support. This position work closely with residents, service delivery partners, and DOT maintenance and inspection teams to address community needs and improve neighborhood livability. Strong verbal and written communication skills, along with enthusiasm for trees, are essential for success.

Primary duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Perform complex fieldwork in urban forestry management and related administrative tasks.
• Apply general principles of professional tree management to tree inspections, data collection, and related assignments.
• Communicate effectively with residents and service delivery partners to address concerns and coordinate services.
• Collaborate with DOT maintenance and inspection teams to respond to resident needs and support neighborhood livability.

More information on the typical duties can be found in the Class Specifications for Urban Forestry I/II.

Urban Forestry Inspector I

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (General Educational Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate).
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in tree maintenance and/or planting activities related to a public street tree or landscape maintenance program.

Urban Forestry Inspector II

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (General Educational Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate).
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience inspecting trees to determine hazardous conditions or trimming needs

Acceptable Substitutions: Completion of college coursework in landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, environmental science or related field, may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain by time of appointment, a valid California driver's license.

Physical Requirement

The following is a general statement for the classification. Individual positions may have additional or different physical/environmental elements.

• Climbing (X)
• Kneeling (X)
• Crawling (X)
• Balancing (X)
• Lifting (X)
• Reaching (X)
• Stooping (X)
• Fingering (X)
• Standing (X)
• Talking (X)
• Grasping (X)
• Walking (X)
• Hearing (X)
• Feeling (X)
• Pushing (X)
• Crouching (X)

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.

• Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
• Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
• Constructive Energies: A demonstration of energy and drive that comes from within, and a willingness to approach all aspects of work with a generally positive attitude; possessing the inclination to take appropriate action rather than waiting to be told what to do; examples of Constructive Energies include but are not limited to: enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, empathy, dedication, reliable, proactive, respectful, confidence, ethical, and a willingness to help others
• Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers’ needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor
• Flexibility: Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.
• Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
• Reliability: Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
• Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.

Selection Process

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant’s training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Keana Tran at [e-mail].