Arborist III

This is an Internal Recruitment Job Appointment: Full-Time Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00 am-3:30 pm. This position responds to emergency call-outs during and after scheduled work shifts. Work Location: Urban Forestry, 10910 N Denver Avenue, Portland, OR 97217 Benefit: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position is or may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees. Union Representation: LiUNA Laborers' Local 483 - Portland City Laborers. To view this labor agreement, please click here. Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume. Position Summary: The Arborist III role demands a proficient level of arboricultural expertise, encompassing extensive experience in tree care methodologies such as tree climbing using harnesses with ropes, operation of aerial lift devices and various ground-based equipment essential for tree maintenance. This position holds responsibility for executing all on-site tree maintenance activities, including pruning, removal, planting, plant health care, and emergency operations. All tasks are carried out employing the latest industry standards, safety protocols, and utilizing cutting-edge equipment. Arborist III personnel specialize in above-ground work within trees, requiring adept climbing skills, operation of aerial lifts, and utilization of specialized rigging equipment for diverse arboricultural tasks. Are you a woman or person of color with a passion for urban forestry? We invite you to be part of our vibrant team! At the City of Portland, we celebrate diversity and welcome individuals from all backgrounds to bring their unique perspectives and talents to the table. Our city is more than just a place to work – it's a community where every voice matters. Join us in shaping the future and making a positive impact together. Apply now and let's build a brighter tomorrow, hand in hand! As an Arborist III, you will: • Perform standard tree maintenance and emergency tree operations, removing hazards and fallen trees, including during storm operations. • Oversee on-site tree care activities, provide instruction and/or training to lower Arborist classifications and fill out daily work reports. • Examine trees for hazards, health, apply pesticides, and conduct ground duties as required. About Urban Forestry and Portland’s Forest: Urban Forestry's mission is to manage and ensure Portland’s urban forest infrastructure for current and future generations. Portland’s urban forest is valued at over $9.5 billion and comprises over 1.2 million park trees, 333,000 street trees, and 2.9 million private property trees. The Urban Forestry team is responsible for the overall management, stewardship, and improvement of this essential infrastructure. Urban Forestry’s work includes delivery of sustainable and equitable forest services to all Portlanders; establishing and enacting best management practices, plans, policies, and technical standards for tree care and protection and urban forest expansion; proposing improvements to the City’s tree regulations; providing tree maintenance services including 24/7 response to tree emergencies on City properties and public streets; tree planting and expansion of urban forest services; measurement and assessment of urban forest coverage, health, and services; offering community education and stewardship programs; and oversight and support of the City’s volunteer advisory tree board. Portland is a Tree City USA for 49 years; a Tree City of the World, and the Urban Forestry program is accredited by the Urban and Community Forestry Society. About the Bureau:Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is committed to the overall Citywide vision that race will have no detrimental effect on people of color, refugees, and immigrant communities in accessing our parks and natural areas, or from the benefit of our services. We recognize, understand, and encourage celebration of the differences that surround us. Diversity and equity are vital to PP&R’s ideals and values. The City of Portland, Oregon, is a growing and diverse city of 650,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. PP&R values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization and with the public. PP&R encourages applications from candidates with knowledge, ability, and experience working with a broad range of individuals and communities with diverse racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates who can fluently speak another language to include that information in their application materials. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Have a question? Contact Information: Amanda Hillebrecht Senior Recruiter amanda.hillebrecht@portlandoregon.govApplicants must be full or part-time, permanent, temporary (does NOT include contract workers), limited-term or seasonal/casual City of Portland employees by the closing date of this announcement OR must have an effective lay-off date with recall eligibility (See HRAR 7.06) from the City of Portland within 24 months of the opening date of this announcement. Applicants must describe in their supplemental question responses and résumé how their education, training, work experience and/or lived experience, meet each of the following minimum qualifications: • Experience in the techniques used in the care of trees, including rigging, climbing, pruning, removal, planting, plant health care and any other related tree work. • Experience working at heights in all weather conditions, tree climbing, evaluating tree conditions and hazards, identifying and treating pest problems. • Ability to utilize tools and equipment safely and efficiently for tree care, as well as for the maintenance and repair of such equipment, such as cranes and Aerial Lift devices. • Experience in clear and effective communication across various mediums, such as verbal, electronic, and written forms, along with adeptness in handling compiled work orders and maintaining records. Applicants must also possess: • ISA Arborist Certification or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire • ISA Certified Tree Climber or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire • Class A Oregon Commercial Drivers' License within nine (9) months of hire • Oregon Public Pesticide Applicator License within nine (9) months of hire • Crane Certification within nine (9) months of hire • EHAP Certificate or equivalent within nine (9) months of hire • Flagger-Traffic Certificate within nine (9) months of hire • Any other certifications, certificates, or licenses required by law or regulation to perform the duties of Arborist III. STEP 1: Apply online between June 1 - 8, 2026 Required Application Materials: • Résumé • Note: Do not include your age, date of birth, or the dates you attended or graduated from school. Only provide this information if it is specifically requested to meet job requirements or to follow federal, state, or local laws or rules. • Answers to the Supplemental Questions (click on the Questions tab to preview the questions) Optional Application Materials: • Veteran’s Preference documents (e.g., DD214-Member 4, VA Benefit Letter) must be submitted by the closing date. • Update: As of March 3, 2025, if you have already submitted veteran documents and qualified for preference, you do not need to resubmit them for future recruitments. • To update or remove veteran preference for this recruitment or from your profile, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement. Application Tips: • Your responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training, and/or experience, and where obtained, which clearly reflect your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the "To Qualify" section of this announcement. • Your résumé should support the details described in your responses to the supplemental questions. • Do not attach any additional documents. Do not attach a cover letter; it will not be reviewed. • All applications must be submitted via the City's online application process by the closing date and time. • E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted. • You can use AI tools to assist with your job application, but please make sure to personalize your responses to supplemental questions. Avoid copying and pasting. We encourage using AI to generate ideas and then tailor them to reflect your own experiences and skills. Step 2: Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 1 – Application Review: Week of June 8, 2026 • An evaluation of each applicant's training and paid and unpaid experience, as demonstrated in their résumé and supplemental questions, is weighted 100%. • Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification. • You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. • Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection. Step 3: Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 2 - Work Skills Demonstration: Tentatively June 17, 2026 • Applicants who successfully pass the Minimum Qualification Evaluation Phase 1 of the recruitment process will be scheduled to participate in the work skills demonstration, weighted 100%. The work skills demonstration test will cover the following: • Gear Inspection • Site and Tree Inspection • Secured Entry into Tree • Climb Line Installation • Proper Tie-In • An invitation will be sent via email. • All Safety protocols must be followed. • You have 14 days from the notice of the minimum qualification evaluation phase 2 results to let us know if you would like to review and discuss your evaluation results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. • Additional evaluation may be required before the establishment of the eligible list and/or final selection. Step 4: Establishment of Eligible List: Week of June 22, 2026 • Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be placed on the equally ranked eligible list. Step 5: Selection (Interview): Late June 2026 • The hiring bureau will review and select candidates for an interview Step 6: Offer of Employment: Late June 2026 • Some positions will require those offered employment to complete and sign a criminal background statement before being considered for employment. Step 7: Start Date: July 2026 • A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met. • Timeline is approximate and subject to change. Click here for additional information regarding the following: • City of Portland Core Values • Recruitment Process - Work Status • Equal Employment Opportunity • Veteran Preference • ADA, Pregnancy, and Religious Accommodations An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer