Urban Forester (SBP)

Urban Forester (SBP)

Salary

$58,786.00 - $88,608.00 Annually

Location

City of San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Regular Full Time

Department

Urban Forest Services

Opening Date

10/28/2026

Closing Date

11/16/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Non-Exempt

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB DESCRIPTION

The City of San Luis Obispo is seeking a passionate and knowledgeable Urban Forester to help maintain, protect, and enhance the Citys urban forest and green spaces. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to make a lasting impact on the communitys environmental sustainability, public safety, and quality of life.

This classification is part of the Citys Skills-Based Pay (SBP) advancement series. Skills-Based Pay is a compensation and classification system that determines an employees salary and position within a broad pay range based on demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities that align with defined performance criteria for each level. This approach differs from traditional time-in-grade advancement systems by recognizing and rewarding demonstrated competency and professional growth.

If you are selected for interviews, they will take place in person on Tuesday, December 8, 2026, so please hold that date.

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

The successful candidate is a dependable, motivated, and team-oriented individual with a strong work ethic, integrity, initiative, and a willingness to learn. While knowledge and experience of municipal field work are desirable, character, accountability, sound judgment, and a commitment to safety are the highest priorities. Technical skills and software proficiency can be taught; a positive attitude, professionalism, and strong work ethic are foundational.

The candidate must be solution-oriented, organized, adaptable, and able to communicate calmly and effectively with coworkers and diverse community groups while working within City policies. Above all, they take pride in their work, embrace challenges, and are committed to the long-term health, safety, and sustainability of the Citys Urban Forest.

JOB SUMMARY:

This classification is a "Skills Based Pay" (SBP) advancement series which performs a variety of semi-skilled, skilled, and highly specialized functions in urban forest maintenance, and operates and maintains related equipment. Positions in this classification have primary responsibility for maintaining the urban forest, including pruning, planting, regulation and outreach. Positions in this classification may perform work independently, or as part of a crew with other maintenance staff or staff outside the section or department.

Positions in this classification are responsible for the successful completion of a wide variety of specialized work projects, from routine to complex maintenance duties. Employees in this position generally provide front line work and response for urban forest maintenance, and support for private property tree related issues, and are responsible for the performance of the full range of the classifications tasks and duties in accordance with standard operating procedures and safety practices.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Each employee in this Skills Based Pay classification has the opportunity to advance within the class to the highest step. Individual employees pursue career development through work, training, and certifications, to gain leadership skills, and become highly skilled in the urban forest maintenance field. This job class starts at an entry level classification. As knowledge, background, and skills increase, promotion to the next higher level step may be reasonably expected. Such advancement is based on attainment and ongoing use of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities, as defined through the skills based pay criteria matrix.

SUPERVISION

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in this classification receive supervision within the framework of standard policies and procedures, and in accordance with the level of independence identified in the skills based pay matrix. Employees in this position exercise independent judgment in the selection of work means, methods, and procedures.

Employees in the upper levels of this classification will monitor and direct the work of others in a lead or oversight capacity as needed to accomplish specific projects as assigned, and oversee volunteers and contract maintenance work managed by their section.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Provide safe working environment for themselves and others under established guidelines.
• Maintain assigned areas, tree wells, work sites, and equipment in a clean and orderly condition.
• Maintain computerized and manual records related to service and duties performed and equipment used, interpret information, adjust maintenance schedules, complete follow-up on required maintenance and repair, and maintain program documentation
• Operate and care for a variety of hand tools and power equipment, including blowers, weed whips, pole pruners and chain saws
• Operate, care for, and complete operational checks; and troubleshoot, transport, and conduct routine field repairs for basic, intermediate, and specialized equipment, such as chipper, fork lift, trailer, water truck and aerial lift truck
• Perform skilled urban forest maintenance work, including general maintenance work, such as pruning, planting, watering, and tree well maintenance.
• Review private property removal applications.
• Perform and prepare written tree evaluations and valuations.
• Work safely and effectively on ladders, and in lifts, ropes and saddles.
• Plan work methods, materials, and assignments for projects, including, traffic control, equipment, labor, and materials.
• Respond during emergencies and work in adverse weather conditions.
• Review, investigate and comment on engineering plans and specifications.
• Establish and maintain good working relationships, and communicate effectively with others encountered through work.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Tree related diseases, insect problems, and tree maintenance practices.
• Urban tree species and their environmental needs.
• Tools, equipment, and methods used in tree trimming and maintenance.
• Safety precautions and procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain, and expand experience, skills, and training.
• Meet physical requirements necessary to safely and effectively perform required duties.
• Work in outdoor environments, performing work safely, efficiently, and with the minimum of disruption.
• Respond to emergency call-outs.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or G.E.D.;

and

One year of tree trimming and tree care, or other tree maintenance experience;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Aptitude and demonstrated interest in advancement in a challenging maintenance field will be evaluated through the interview process.

Additional education and experience in tree maintenance, and other knowledge skills, and abilities beyond the minimum may allow for placement above entry level.

Attainment of the top step is dependent upon obtaining and maintaining requirements outlined in the skills-based pay criteria matrix.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C drivers license and a satisfactory driving record.
• A valid Class "B" or "A" California drivers license with tanker endorsement within six months of hire.
• ISA Tree Worker and Arborist certifications.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Pre-employment Physical
• Pre-employment DOT Drug Screening
• Livescan Fingerprinting (DOJ)

Equal Opportunity & Language Access Notice

The City of San Luis Obispo values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. We are committed to fostering a community where all individuals are treated with dignity, respect, and inclusion, and where everyone can thrive. Our job posting site is compatible with tools such as Google Translate, which applicants may use to view postings in their preferred language. Please note that all application materials and responses must be submitted in English, as English is the working language of the City.

La Ciudad de San Luis Obispo valora la diversidad, la equidad, la inclusión y el sentido de pertenencia. Estamos comprometidos a fomentar una comunidad donde todas las personas sean tratadas con dignidad, respeto e inclusión, y donde todos puedan prosperar. Nuestro sitio de publicación de empleos es compatible con herramientas como Google Translate, que los solicitantes pueden usar para ver las publicaciones en su idioma preferido. Tenga en cuenta que todos los materiales de la solicitud y las respuestas deben enviarse en inglés, ya que el inglés es el idioma de trabajo de la Ciudad.

For questions or assistance, please contact recruitment@slocity.org. Si tiene preguntas o necesita asistencia, por favor comuníquese con recruitment@slocity.org.

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our Benefits Summary.

Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Masters degree or higher
• Bachelors degree
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School/G.E.D.
• None of the above

02

How many years of tree trimming and tree care, or other tree maintenance experience do you have?

• 8 years or more
• 7 years to 7 years 11 months
• 6 years to 6 years 11 months
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

03

Please explain your tree trimming, tree care, or other tree maintenance experience in detail. If you selected "no experience" in response to the previous question, please put "N/A".

04

Do you possess an ISA Tree Worker and/or Arborist certification? If so, please explain.

05

Do you have a valid Class "C" California drivers license? If you do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license, do you have the ability to obtain one within six months of hire? Please select the answer that best applies.

• Currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license and HAVE the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire
• Do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire

06

If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Drivers License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Drivers License
• Other

07

This position requires the incumbent to obtain a valid California Class "B" or "A" drivers license within 6 months of hire if they do not possess one at the time of hire. Please review the following options carefully and select the answer that best applies to your drivers license status.

• Currently possess a valid Class "B" California drivers license
• Currently possess a valid Class "A" California drivers license
• Currently possess a valid Class "C" California drivers license and HAVE the ability to obtain a Class "B" or "A" California drivers license within 6 months of hire
• Do not currently possess a valid California drivers license and DO NOT HAVE the ability to obtain a Class "B" or "A" California drivers license within 6 months of hire

Required Question

Employer City of San Luis Obispo

Address 990 Palm St

San Luis Obispo, California, 93401

Phone 805-781-7250

Website http://www.slocity.org