Arboricultural Inspector

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone.

Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.

Are you interested in being part of an urban forestry program in a diverse and dynamic city? The City of Oakland has an excellent opportunity for individuals who enjoy being outdoors, interacting with the public, and working for the benefit and beauty of the community!

The City of Oakland is currently recruiting to fill three (3) Arboricultural Inspector vacancies within the Oakland Public Works Department and one (1) vacancy within the Department of Transportation. The ideal candidate is a certified arborist with industry experience and a strong foundation in arboricultural education or field practice, who is self-motivated, comfortable working autonomously, and committed to contributing to a positive team culture and helping the team grow and succeed.

• Knowledgeable
  in tree industry safety, proper work techniques, and arboricultural practices.
• A strong collaborator who can work closely with other departments, CIP, plan review, and tree preservation staff to coordinate tree-related work and support projects.
• Safety-focused when assessing tree health and structural conditions to identify hazards and minimize risks to the public and property.
• Decisive and able to make quick, sound decisions during emergency situations and respond appropriately to immediate safety concerns.
• Thoughtful and able to carefully consider policy guidance and arboricultural practices when making decisions and developing standards for the Tree Division.

• Inspecting trees in City parks and along streets to assess their health and condition, helping preserve the urban forest, and identifying potential hazards to the public.
• Reviewing tree removal permits for development and non-development projects on private property to ensure proposed work complies with the City’s protected tree requirements.
• Training staff and others on tree inspection practices, safety procedures, and applicable arboricultural standards.
• Responding to tree-related emergencies and assessing hazardous conditions to help protect the public and property.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records, reports, inspection findings, and other documentation related to tree inspections and permit activities.

• You will have the opportunity to assist the community by caring for Oakland’s trees, helping sustain and grow the urban forest, and supporting the benefits of green infrastructure.
• You will have opportunities to grow professionally by applying arboricultural standards and practices in the field, while building a career in the Tree Division and beyond.
• You will work outdoors throughout a beautiful city while being part of an organization that prioritizes employee safety and long-term career longevity.

• You will perform physically demanding work in challenging conditions, including emergency response work during storm events
• You will have to pivot work activities based on changing priorities throughout each…