Urban Forester

Introduction Are you rooted in urban forestry and ready to lead with purpose? Here’s your opportunity to build an Urban Forestry Program from the ground up in a community that values its urban canopy! The Scottsdale Parks & Recreation Department is a team of passionate professionals delivering Simply Better Service for a World Class Community. We design exceptional facilities, programs, and experiences that enrich the lives of our residents. With a culture built on innovation, dedication, and customer service that consistently exceeds expectations, we’re seeking a relationship‑driven, collaborative, and communicative leader to help our city thrive from the ground up. Urban Forester – Responsibilities Oversee daily operations, projects, and work orders. Build partnerships across departments and with community groups. Inspect park assets and recommend tree care, pruning, planting, pest control, removals, and species selection. Represent the department with credibility, empathy, and service‑oriented leadership. Maintain tree health records and apply pesticides/fertilizers to support data‑driven urban forestry practices. Develop and manage a citywide tree inventory and Urban Forest Management Plan with measurable performance metrics. Support Capital Improvement Projects through mitigation planning, report preparation, and contractor oversight. Communicate clearly and confidently with staff, contractors, residents, and leadership. Coordinate community forestry events and lead staff and volunteers in tree planting and maintenance efforts. Coach, mentor, and develop staff with patience and clarity. Qualifications Associate’s Degree in Urban Forestry, Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Landscape Architecture, or related field. Five years of experience in forestry, arboriculture, or landscape architecture relating to urban forest management, planning, and inventories. Must have one year of lead or supervisory experience which is included in the five years required above. Any equivalent combination of education and job‑related experience that meets the minimum qualifications may be substituted. Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or ISA Urban Forest Professional Certification at time of hire. Valid, unrestricted driver’s license with no major citations within the past 39 months. Out‑of‑state licences must be surrendered within 10 days of relocating to Arizona. Within six months of hire, obtain an Arizona Pest Control Applicator certification with Category 1 (Industrial and Institutional), Category 3 (Ornamental & Turf) and Category 4 (Right‑of‑Way). Every person employed by the City of Scottsdale shall reside in the State of Arizona during his or her active employment. Compensation Effective June 14th the salary range for this position is $40.99‑$55.36 per hour. Anticipated starting salary may be up to the mid‑point depending on candidate’s experience and internal equity. The mid‑point for this position is $48.15 per hour. Benefits 12 Paid Holidays, including one Floating Holiday Vacation Accrual starting at 10.3 hours per month, available for use as soon as it’s earned Medical Leave Accrual at 8 hours per month, also available immediately after accrual Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage, including behavioral health services City‑Paid Basic Life Insurance equal to one year of your annual salary, with optional supplemental coverage Tuition Reimbursement up to $2,500 per year Participation in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) – defined benefit pension plan with mandatory employer and employee contributions currently at 12%, including long‑term disability coverage Post‑Employment Health Plan, employer contribution of $10 per pay period to employee’s PEHP Supplemental Retirement Options through Nationwide (457 plan) Pet Insurance to help care for your animals Bilingual Pay Compensation for eligible employees Employee Wellness Incentives to support your health goals Free Access to multiple city‑owned fitness and recreational facilities Applicants must be eligible for O‑1 immigration status which includes meeting the required license, credentials, and qualifications for their job, unless otherwise specified by city requirements. Equal Opportunity Statement The City of Scottsdale is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We value diversity and encourage application from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Scottsdale