Forestry Arborist

Join our team!

Are you passionate about working outdoors and caring for trees that shape our city? The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is currently seeking two full-time Forestry Arborists to join our team.

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited Gold Medal Award-winning organization that manages 182 parks and open spaces, 26 recreation centers, more than 120 miles of trails, and a thriving urban forest. The Forestry section plays a critical role in maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of boulevard and park trees across the city.

In this role, you’ll contribute directly to preserving and enhancing Saint Paul’s urban canopy while working as part of a skilled and safety-focused team.

• Perform technical arboriculture work including tree maintenance, preservation, and removal
• Identify tree species, diseases, and pests, and conduct visual inspections of trees and canopy health
• Support the long-term vitality and safety of the City’s urban forest

• Use ropes, harnesses, ladders, and climbing equipment to perform tree work safely and effectively
• Tie and apply arboriculture knots and rigging techniques
• Work in a variety of environments, including challenging and elevated conditions

• Safely operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, motor vehicles, and small engine equipment
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites, including full site clean-up after work is completed
• Assist with general grounds and facility upkeep as needed

• Follow and help reinforce safety practices, including OSHA standards and ANSI Z133.1 arboriculture safety requirements
• Wear required personal protective equipment and contribute to a culture of safety
• Support and guide team members in adhering to Department and City policies and procedures

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily reports and work records
• Respond to emergency situations such as storm damage and snow events, including after-hours callouts
• Adapt to changing conditions and priorities in a dynamic work environment

For more information on essential functions, see our Forestry Arborist job description.

• Location: 1120 Hamline Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Additional Requirements: Availability for after-hours emergency response and occasional weekend work

The City supports ongoing professional development. Employees—especially those with ISA certifications—are encouraged to pursue training opportunities. New employees who do not currently possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be provided support to complete CDL training and testing within six months of hire. A CDL permit is required within three weeks of the start date.

We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.

The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us.

We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.

• One year of experience with a tree maintenance company or a municipal forestry operation where the duties included maintenance and removal of trees utilizing rope and harness and/or aerial techniques.
• Must complete and successfully pass an initial ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Tree Care Operations and Incidental Line Clearance training provided by the City of Saint Paul within one year of appointment.
• Must complete and pass an annual…