Urban Forestry Maintenance Specialist

City of Richmond, Virginia; Forest (VA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Virginia Retirement System (VRS)

Language Incentive

Referral Bonus

Tuition Assistance Program

Job summary

A local government entity is seeking an Urban Forestry Maintenance Specialist in Virginia. The role involves tree maintenance, safe operation of aerial equipment, and emergency response during inclement weather. Candidates should have a high school diploma and experience in forestry operations. Preferred qualifications include ISA certification and a valid CDL. This position offers benefits such as a retirement system and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• Three years of experience directly related to tree maintenance and forestry operations.
• A current and valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification for tree maintenance preferred.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional, Tree Care Industry Association preferred.
• Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Carries out tree maintenance applications in accordance with ANSI standards.
• Participates in tree removal activities using various equipment.
• Demonstrates safe use and operation of tools and PPE.
• Operates trucks to tree maintenance work sites.
• Responds to weather-related emergencies.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment and log information from dispatchers.

Skills

Tree identification

Pruning

Removal

Safe operation of aerial lift equipment

Emergency response

CDL driving

Education

High school diploma or GED

ISA certification

Certified Tree Safety Professional (CTSP)

Tree Care Industry Association certification

Tools

Aerial lift truck

Articulated knuckle‑boom loader

Stump grinder

Job description

Job Overview

Urban Forestry Maintenance Specialist at City of Richmond, Virginia

This role is essential to maintaining the City’s forestry system, requiring proficiency in tree identification, pruning, and removal, and the safe operation of aerial lift equipment.

Responsibilities

• Carries out ground‑based and aerial tree maintenance applications, including tree identification, crown cleaning, crown restoration, crown reduction, crown elevation, sanitation pruning, and initial form establishment pruning in accordance with ANSI ZI33.1 and ANZI A300 Standards.
• Participates in tree removal activities using an aerial lift truck, articulated knuckle‑boom loader, and stump grinder, managing site preparation, hazard identification, traffic control, debris staging, and transportation of removed material.
• Demonstrates safe use and operation of hand and power tools, PPE, and work zone protocols to emergency response backup personnel.
• Safely operates and drives an aerial lift truck, articulated knuckle‑boom loader, flatbed, and water trucks to tree maintenance work sites.
• Responds to weather‑related emergencies, including snow, ice removal, and storm damage trees that may involve clearing roadways, removing broken hanging limbs, and other related activities.
• Maintains tools, vehicle, and equipment and records relevant information from emergency dispatchers.

Qualifications, Certifications, and Licenses

• High school diploma or GED.
• Three years of experience directly related to tree maintenance and forestry operations.
• A current and valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with a satisfactory driving record.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification for tree maintenance (preferred).
• Certified Tree Safety Professional, Tree Care Industry Association (preferred).

Benefits

• Virginia Retirement System (VRS).
• Language Incentive.
• Referral Bonus.
• Tuition Assistance Program.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to participate in the job application and/or the interview process, please contact Jessica McKenzie, Human Resources Manager by email at [e-mail].

The City of Richmond is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, the City of Richmond will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations.

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