Street Tree Maintenance Program Tree Inspector – Multiple Vacancies

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Portland is seeking skilled Tree Inspectors to support a citywide effort to care for public street trees, funded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund. This program will inspect and maintain approximately 330,000 public street trees to improve tree health, public safety, and neighborhood livability. Inspectors will perform systematic inspections, risk assessments, create work orders, and manage contractors. The role requires extensive public communication, collaboration with various agencies and stakeholders, and operates under the guidance of Portland Parks & Recreation leadership. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform timely evaluations, field assessments, and inspections for tree preservation, removal, pruning, chemical application, planting, and root pruning. - Provide technical program and arboricultural expertise through clear, detailed written responses to diverse urban forest stakeholders. - Respond to inquiries from residents, property owners, and internal stakeholders to provide education and information on tree regulations. - Maintain accurate records of tree conditions, inspections, and actions taken, and utilize City tree management software to develop work orders. - Maintain professional working relationships with City contractors, holding them accountable and communicating needed corrections respectfully. - Collaborate with supervisors, the City Forester, infrastructure bureaus, and public agencies to implement the Street Tree Maintenance program. - Participate in fostering a positive, equitable work culture that values safety, diversity, inclusion, and productivity. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Knowledge and technical expertise in inspecting and evaluating trees in an urban environment, including extensive experience performing whole tree and tree root inspections to detect hazardous conditions. - Experience applying arboricultural best practices and principles of urban forest management, including tree risk assessment, to independently evaluate urban trees. - Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing, exercising tact and diplomacy. - Experience interpreting work plans, reviewing professional reports, and utilizing modern database systems to accurately input and analyze data. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid state driver's license and an acceptable driving record at the time of hire. - Ability to obtain and maintain an ISA Certified Arborist credential within nine months of hire. - Ability to obtain and maintain an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) within nine months of hire. - Ability to obtain and maintain Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) certification within nine months of hire. - Ability to obtain and maintain a public pesticide applicator license or pesticide consultant license within nine months of hire. SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Review (Week of August 31st): Review of application materials to ensure minimum qualifications are met. 2. Notice/Feedback (Week of September 7th): Email notification of review results, with a 14-day window to request a review if disagreeing. 3. Selection Process (Late September): Hiring bureau reviews qualified applications, conducts interviews, and checks references. 4. Conditional Job Offer (October): Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a resume and responses to supplemental questions via the City of Portland's online portal by the closing date (8/31/2026 11:59 PM Pacific). - Do not include age, date of birth, or school attendance/graduation dates unless specifically requested. - Optional: Submit Veterans' Preference documents (DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter) if applicable. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Delta Sports Complex, 10850 N Denver Ave, Portland, OR 97217-7728. Primarily in-person at field locations throughout the City. - Job Type: Full-Time, Limited Duration. - Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm. - Bureau: Portland Parks & Recreation. - Union Representation: Portland City Laborers 483. - Remote Work: Limited remote work may be available based on operational needs, but must be performed within Oregon or Washington. - Additional Benefits: May be eligible for Language Pay Differential.