Are you ready to branch out and take your arboriculture skills to new heights? If you’re passionate about trees and thrive in dynamic environments, we have the perfect opportunity for you! We're looking for a skilled professional to join our team, where you’ll perform a variety of technical tree work, including aerial tasks and physical labor, all while ensuring the health and safety of our urban forests.

The Park Technician - Urban Forestry performs a variety of skilled technical duties and physical labor associated with technical tree work and other arboricultural duties.   Assists with, and performs, aerial tree work including climbing and lift-truck operation.  Organizes, prepares and sets up climbing and rigging gear, setting up anchors and rigging points, and operates lines and lowering devices.  Reviews and comments on developers’ Arborist Reports. Serves as lead to assigned staff, providing training, technical guidance and day-to-day direction in all areas of tree work.  Work zones include interfacing with public and private properties, occasionally under stressful or hazardous conditions such as storm damage

Salary Information and Benefits:

This position will start at Step 1 ($30.54/hour). Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the and City policy. The full hourly range for this position is $30.54 - $37.39. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. 

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here’s a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can and

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Works closely with the Park Arborist as a team to carry out technical tree work.   Provides input to the Park Arborist in developing the technical work plan.  Assists in assessing the site, checking for safety hazards, determining equipment and personnel needs for tasks, and determining the scope and magnitude of the job. Monitors the worksite to ensure the safety of the work crew and the public. 

2. Supports the Park Arborist in the program area to meet the operational goals of the program. 

3. Performs a variety of technical tree work.  Organizes, prepares and arranges climbing and rigging gear; establishes anchors and rigging points, and operates lines and lowering devices.  Climbs with rope, saddle, spurs and flip line as well as aerial lifts. Operates chainsaws and rigging systems in aerial situations as well as on the ground. Performs work on the ground including tree felling, bucking, and chipping limbs. Conducts work in City streets within the street tree program; prunes, plants and removes trees. Sets up traffic control when needed.

4. Assists in inspecting and monitoring trees and forest stands for safety concerns and maintenance needs using written and GIS-generated plans, maps and Tree Risk Assessment documents, and public and private drawings. 

5. Operates a wide variety of equipment and vehicles such as trucks, brush chippers, tractor/loaders, chainsaws, blowers and trimmers, as well as other power equipment and hand tools. Operates large dump trucks with large brush chipper in tow. Conducts daily visual inspection of assigned equipment. Repairs and maintains chainsaws and other equipment used in the Urban Forestry program and housed at Park Operations. Reports equipment issues or damage to supervisor.

6. Works independently or with a crew in other areas of the Parks and Recreation   Department to perform horticulture tasks such as pruning, planting, tree removals and related maintenance.

7. Accurately and professionally answers questions and concerns from the public and other City staff related to Urban Forestry. 

8. Assists the Arborist in maintaining the inventory of assets and recording work assignments by documenting, mapping, in-field surveying and performing data entry.   Works to establish, monitor and document Park Land Boundaries, including encroachments. 

9. Serves as lead worker to park works and seasonal employees in tree care practices, including felling, pruning, and in the safe operation of lifting and lowering devices, chainsaws, aerial lifts and chippers. Provides training, technical guidance and day-to-day direction as assigned.

10. Works to re-vegetate sites including site prep, planting and follow-up care, including removal of existing vegetation; grading and digging by hand or with equipment, planting, pruning and weeding new plantings.

11. Applies pesticides in accordance with City, state and federal regulations under the direction of the Park Specialist.

• Frequently climb and work at heights of at least 150 feet;
• Balance, flexibility and agility to climb and conduct work in trees;
• Frequently communicate accurate information and ideas with others;
• Frequently move between work sites; 
• Frequently lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds and transport objects weighing up to 100 pounds.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The majority of work is performed outdoors, in all weather conditions, performing technical tree work and assessing tree hazards and other situations in the City’s areas of responsibility. The work environment creates potentially hazardous conditions, including working at considerable heights with chainsaws and rigging, and working in traffic zones. Work is conducted in natural areas, developed park sites, and urban streetscapes. Depending on the project or assignment, may be required to use appropriate safety equipment, wear a variety of protective high visibility clothing rain gear, safety boots, safety glasses and gloves. Occasional work indoors at a desk or computer for documentation, to attend meetings and training or perform equipment maintenance. 

• Two years of experience in professional tree care including pruning, felling, removals, and using lowering systems.
  • Two years or coursework or training in horticulture, environmental science, arboriculture, or a related field may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Two years of experience in climbing techniques and rigging systems. 
• Two years Tree Risk Assessment experience.

• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal background check and child and vulnerable adult abuse records check (See fair hiring practices).
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record.  A three-year driving abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Must secure and maintain an I.S.A. Certified Arborist Certification within 24 months of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a Washington State Herbicide/Pesticide License within 12 months of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License within 18 months of hire. 
  • Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout term of employment in position 
• Must secure and maintain a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Certification TRAQ within 12 months of hire.
• Must secure and maintain a Flagging/Traffic Control Certification within 12 months of hire.
• Must secure and maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certification within 12 months of hire. 
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test prior to hire (This position is considered a safety sensitive position; therefore, the pre-employment drug test includes testing for cannabis. Positive test results will exclude an applicant from being hired).
• Must be willing and able to work weekends or evenings to respond to emergency call-out situations. 

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along** 

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed. 

1. Minimum Qualifications: Applicants must provide specific, detailed information so an initial determination can be made regarding your level of qualifications for this position. Applicant status will be updated on or around February 12, 2025. 
2. Experience and Training Rating: Applicants that meet minimum qualifications will go through an Experience and Training Rating Applicant status will be updated on or around February 27, 2025. All candidates who achieve a passing score of 60% or greater on the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in the Oral Board Interview.
3. Oral Board Interview: All applicants who achieve the passing score from the Experience and Training Rating will be invited to participate in an Oral Board Interview, tentatively scheduled for March 6, 2025. Applicants must have a passing score of 60% or higher to be placed on the eligibility register.