Urban Forestry Inspector

$37.86 - $45.40 Hourly

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

• Retirement reciprocity
• Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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

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.

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;

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