Urban Forestry/Natural Resources Technician

Position: Urban Forestry/Natural Resources Technician (full-time/non-exempt)

Hiring Salary Range: $48,612 - $59,283

Full Salary Range: $48,612 - $69,954

Application Deadline: 6/25/26

The Urban Forestry/Natural Resource Technician is responsible for maintaining the health, safety, and aesthetics of trees within District parks, trails, open spaces and greenbelts. This position reports to the Urban Parks Supervisor but will be responsible for providing forestry/natural resource/arborist support to other parks departments and golf courses throughout the District. The Urban Forestry Technician will also be required to assist with general park maintenance or other projects as needed.

Job Duties:

• Completes routine maintenance and specialized maintenance programs for the parks, open space and natural resources in the Parks Department with emphasis on urban forestry of our natural areas, specialty sites, trail systems and drainages of related properties along with undeveloped public lands and streetscapes. This is a District wide position.
• Completes routine maintenance and specialized maintenance programs for the Parks, Open Space and Natural Resources in the Urban Parks Department with emphasis on natural areas, specialty sites, trail systems and drainages of related properties along with undeveloped public lands and landscapes. Assist with locating and managing wildlife.
• Maintains tree plantings in parks, open spaces and other facilities within Foothills Park & Recreation District.
• Assists with very technical tasks related to tree climbing, pruning and removal.
• Assists in the selection, purchase and planting of trees and other related plant material throughout the District’s parks and open space system.
• Assists in maintaining and updating the Districts tree inventory database.
• Assists with volunteer events such Arbor Day, Tree City USA, and/or other programs related to urban forestry.
• Assists with inspecting trees and shrubs for insect, disease, and plant health care issues and assists with applying pesticides and chemicals.
• Assists with tree risk assessments.
• Assist with contracted tree removal and oversight.
• Perform a variety of general grounds keeping duties including, trimming trees, fertilizing, transplanting trees and shrubs and pruning hedges and shrubs; planting lawns, trees, shrubs, hedges.
• Maintain site/turf by aerating, slashing and applying top dressing; maintain flower beds and vegetation in park sites and other District sites.
• Collect trash and perform general grounds cleaning (restroom, picnic shelters, tennis/volleyball courts, etc.).
• Operate riding and push mowers, edgers, weed eaters, blower, rakes, brooms, shovels, hose, chain saws, and other ground maintenance tools and equipment.
• Clean and perform routine maintenance on grounds maintenance equipment and tools.
• Willing to gain knowledge on Inspecting the Open Space and Natural Resources areas to determine appropriate methods of treatment. Which includes scheduling, diagnose diseases and pest conditions; spray landscaped areas with low-toxic herbicides, pesticides; preparing mixtures in proper proportions
• Maintain records of work performed including preventive maintenance and needed repairs (field reports).
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, training, and orientations.
• Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; provide information within the area of assignment; resolve complaints in an efficient and timely manner.
• Correct or inform supervisor of any hazards; communicate issues/complaints to supervisor as needed.
• Assist other departments and/or with District events as needed.
• Attend work on a regular, reliable and punctual basis.

Keyword:
Required Experience:

• Associate's Degree in related field such as forestry or natural resource management or demonstrated experience in urban forestry including tree and shrub identification.
• Some experience or knowledge of general construction practices including light and heavy equipment. Experience with chain saw, pruning and removal preferred.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in urban forestry including tree and shrub identification
• Proficiency with Microsoft programs
• Experience with GIS software and GPS field units will be preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which would provide the required knowledge and skills, may be considered.
• Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.
• Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture or ability to obtain within one year.
• Must possess a valid driver's license, provide proof of a safe driving record, ability to drive a District vehicle without restriction, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment.
• Ability to operate a variety of power, hand tools, chainsaws, tree climbing equipment and landscape maintenance heavy equipment such as, mowers, backhoes, aerators, etc.
• Willing to gain knowledge of park operations and maintenance methods, procedures and techniques, tool and equipment safety and tools to perform the job

From: Foothills Park & Recreation District