Salary : $107,280.00 - $130,440.00 Annually
Location : City of Monterey, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-1603
Department: PARKS AND RECREATION
Division: PARKS
Opening Date: 10/01/2026
Closing Date: 10/22/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: MEA
SUMMARY:Under administrative direction, plans, coordinates, and supervises the City-wide urban forestry program, including the care and maintenance of trees on public properties, parks, greenbelts and forested areas. Provides specialized technical expertise and professional guidance in arboriculture and urban forest management; implements the City's urban forestry plans, policies and standards; oversees and evaluates tree maintenance contractors; exercises independent judgement in resolving complex arboricultural and urban forestry issues; develops and implements public outreach and education programs to promote the protection and preservation of the City's forest resources; and performs related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This is the most advanced classification in the Tree Maintenance series. The City Urban Forester is distinguished from the Assistant Urban Forester by advanced and specialized knowledge of arboriculture and urban forestry, responsibility for coordinating the City's urban forestry program, and authority to provide technical guidance and professional recommendations on complex tree-related matters. The City Urban Forester serves as a primary resource for communicating the City's tree-related policies, practices, and standards to the public and promoting the protection and preservation of the City's forest resources.
Examples of DutiesESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Plans, coordinates, leads, and participates in the inspection, planting, removal, pruning, trimming and maintenance of trees on City property; provides operational leadership for Urban Forestry projects and activities.
- Develops, implements, and maintains Urban Forestry management plans, programs, standards, and practices; makes recommendations and decisions regarding urban forestry, tree management, and related planning and development activities.
- Develops recommendations and provides technical guidance related to urban forestry, tree management and urban development.
- Coordinates and monitors tree work performed by utility companies and other outside parties to ensure compliance with City requirements, standards, and applicable regulations.
- Instructs and provides technical guidance to personnel regarding good forestry and arboricultural practices, safe work methods, and the use and operation of related equipment.
- Inspect trees for pests, diseases, structural conditions, and other potential hazards.
- Diagnoses tree and plant health issues and recommends appropriate treatment, including chemical, cultural, and other management practices.
- Maintains current knowledge of developments in arboriculture, forestry practices, pest management, technology, and related regulations.
- Prepares budget recommendations and manages or assists with the procurement of materials, supplies, equipment, and services necessary to support Urban Forestry programs and operations.
- Operates tree and plant maintenance tools and equipment using safe and proper work methods and practices.
- Implements a public relations program for forest resources, prepares press releases and public information.
- Conducts tree surveys and develops, maintains, and analyzes inventories of the City's tree population by species and age groups, condition, and other relevant characteristics.
- Prepares reports, contracts specifications, and other technical documents; solicits bids, administers and monitors contracts and contractor performance in the field; and reviews or processes payments to contractors.
- Communicates, interprets, and enforces the City's Tree Ordinance and related policies, regulations, and standards.
- Responds to tree-related emergencies and must be available after-hours and for weekend work as needed.
- Support the relationship between the City of Monterey and the general public related to Urban Forestry programs and resources by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff.
- Maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information.
- Performs other job-related duties within the scope of this job classification as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Knowledge of:- Methods, tools and equipment used in the care and maintenance of trees, plants, and shrubs.
- Tree trimming and safety practices and equipment used in tree climbing.
- Plant and tree diseases and pests, and their eradication and control.
- Modern supervisory methods.
- Operation and maintenance of power equipment and tools used in tree work.
Forest management principles, practices and planning methods.
Skill in:
- Scheduling, supervising and participating in the work of several crews.
- Making chemical tests of soils.
- Presenting information verbally and in writing.
- Maintaining accurate and complete records of work activities.
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with others.
Typical Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education: Completion of a Bachelor's degree in Forestry or related field, including courses in arboriculture and horticulture, specializing in urban forestry.
Experience: Four (4) years in a supervisory capacity in tree and grounds care and maintenance.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION: - Possession of a valid driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's automobile insurance program.
- Must possess a valid certificate as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
- California Certified Pest Control Application License is desirable.
- Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist by the ISA certificate is desirable.
- ISA Tree Risk Assessment Certification is desirable.
Supplemental InfoPHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:Physical Demands- Standing & Walking - Standing for extended periods of time and/or walking distances (1 or more miles).
- Sitting - Ability to work in a seated position at a computer station for extended periods of time.
- Lifting - Ability to safely lift up to 50 pounds; use proper lifting techniques including bending at the knees.
- Climbing - Ability to ascend 10 ft. or more up ladder(s).
- Manual Dexterity - The ability to perform multiple work activities requiring a significant level of physical and mental coordination, such as using hand and power tools; repair and calibration of instruments.
- Visual - Acuity for driving long periods; reading literature for long periods; industry warning signs and instruments; reading maps and diagrams, computer screen.
- Hearing and Speech - Ability to communicate in person and over the telephone.
- Mobility - Ability to operate a motor vehicle, and reach, push, pull, stoop, bend, and squat.
- Reflexes - Ability to quickly and automatically respond to emergency and safety situations.
- Wear and operate in protective equipment as assigned, when working in hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions, including but not limited to head protection, eye protection, respiratory protection, hand protection, foot protection, knee protection, and full body protection.
Environmental ElementsWork is performed in an office environment as well as outdoors with exposure to inclement weather; exposure to noise, dust, grease fumes, gases and potentially hazardous chemicals. Work is in and around moving vehicles and machinery. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays and be available for work on an emergency basis.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERSAll City of Monterey employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
This is a summary of benefits for employees holding classification in the Management Employees' Association ("MEA") bargaining unit. This summary is for information purposes only. More specific details regarding these benefits can be found in the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and MEAFLSA Status: Exempt
Retirement: CalPERS 2.7% @ 55 with highest year formula is provided for current City of Monterey employees or new employees who were hired prior to January 1, 2013, and who are currently active or have been active within six months of the date of hire in the CalPERS retirement system. The employee retirement contribution for these employees is 11% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The CalPERS retirement formula for new employees who do not meet the criteria stated above is 2% @ 62 with highest three-year compensation. The employee retirement contribution is 7.75% and is deducted on a pre-tax basis. The City participates in the Medicare portion of Social Security.
Health Plan Spending Fund: For plan year 2026, the City shall make a non-elective employer contribution to the flexible benefits plan on behalf of each active empl
