Salary : $78,757.12 - $94,434.08 Annually
Location : Santa Maria, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-7550-01
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/29/2026
Closing Date: 11/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
DescriptionSALARY$37.86 - $45.40 HourlyWe are currently accepting applications to fill one (1) full-time Urban Forestry Inspector vacancy for the Transportation Division of the Public Works Department in Santa Maria.
BENEFITS: The County of Santa Barbara offers generous benefits, please to learn more.
In addition, applicants from other public sector employers may qualify for:
- Retirement reciprocity
- Time and service credit towards an advanced vacation accrual rate
THE POSITION: Under general direction, inspects the work of contractors completing urban forestry projects for the County; assists with contract administration; and performs related duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: This class is responsible for inspecting the work of contractors performing urban forestry (i.e., tree management) projects in an assigned geographical area within the County, including tree maintenance, removal, and replacement, as well as related hardscape (i.e., sidewalk, curb, gutter, ramp, apron, etc.) repair, modification, and construction. This class is distinguished from the Engineering Technician series by its primary responsibility for inspecting arboricultural projects rather than solely performing paraprofessional-level civil engineering work.
The IDEAL CANDIDATE will possess:- 2-5 years of knowledge of basic concrete functionality, such as installation, curb and gutter, sidewalks, ADA ramps.
- 2-5 years of urban forestry, arboriculture, tree care practices, and applicable industry standards.
- Strong observational and analytical skills, with the ability to identify deficiencies and make sound, well-supported recommendations.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact professionally with property owners, contractors, tree care professionals, employees, and the public.
- Ability to work independently in a variety of outdoor environments while maintaining a strong commitment to safety.
- Proficiency with computers, mobile technology, GIS, inspection software, and other tools used to document and track field activities.
Examples of Duties - Conducts field inspections of tree and cement contractors performing tree maintenance, removal, and replacement and hardscape repair, modification, and construction activities for the Street Tree Partnership Program, to ensure contract compliance and that industry standards are met; inspects tree planting, removal, and trimming to ensure proper methods, materials, and species are being used; inspects concrete forms to ensure the forms are set properly; inspects the batch to ensure the appropriate amount of cement is being used; inspects concrete grade and depths; calculates the measurement of an area to determine if appropriate quantities of materials are being used; tests soil samples; ensures hardscape accessibility for physically-challenged individuals; ensures proper traffic control procedures are used during construction; and conducts field inspections of tree maintenance work funded through Measure D (sales tax revenues).
- Assists the Urban Forestry Supervisor with planning, coordinating, and prioritizing the work of contractors, as well as interacting with the public; discusses various tree and hardscape problems with the Urban Forestry Supervisor, and recommends solutions; implements recommended solutions; and collects payments from the property owners who partially fund the Street Tree Partnership Program.
- Uses a variety of computer software programs to maintain accurate and up-to-date records of tree plantings, maintenance, and removals, as well as program costs, tree inventory, and property identification; and surveys rights-of-way to property to determine whether property is County fee-owned land or public easement.
- Investigates vegetation obstructions; responds to complaints from the public; contacts the property owner regarding the obstruction; researches whether the vegetation is within a public easement or the responsibility of the property owner; sends letters of notification; and effectively resolves the obstruction complaint.
- Reviews and responds to daily work orders from the public; determines needs and prepares the work order; documents the nature of complaints; investigates complaints; and documents work performed once completed.
- Provides information and assistance to the general public; and explains County rules, regulations, programs, policies, and procedures.
Employment Standards - Two years of experience performing or inspecting tree maintenance duties, including planting, trimming, and/or removing trees, including some experience performing or inspecting hardscape repair, modification, and construction work; OR,
- Two years of experience performing duties equivalent to those of a Santa Barbara County Maintenance Worker I/II assigned to tree maintenance duties; OR,
- A combination of training, education, and experience that is equivalent to one of the employment standards listed above and that provides the required knowledge and abilities.
Additional Qualifications: Independent travel within the County is necessary. Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required at time of appointment.
Knowledge of: local tree species; tree maintenance, planting, and removal methods and equipment; principles and practices of tree assessment, tree removal, site preparation, landscaping, species selection, and planting; arboreal insect and disease control methods and techniques; proper methods of repairing, modifying, and constructing sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ramps, and aprons; surveying methods and techniques; basic mathematics; and safety practices related to tree maintenance, construction projects, and traffic control.
Ability to: inspect and direct the work of contracted personnel; calculate area measurements and quantity of materials; effectively respond to and resolve complaints and inquiries from the public; learn basic contract administration methods and practices; follow oral and written instructions and departmental safety practices and procedures; work independently and make independent decisions; represent the department with tact; establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with coworkers, members of other County departments/divisions, contractors, and members of the community; keep records and prepare accurate written records/reports; and communicate clearly and effectively with management, contractors, representatives from other agencies, and members of the public.
Desirable Qualification: Some contract administration/coordination experience and possession of a "Certified Arborist" designation by the International Society of Arboriculture are highly desirable.
Supplemental Information APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS:- Review applications and supplemental questionnaires to determine those candidates who meet the employment standards.
- Supplemental Questionnaire Ranking. Responses to the required supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and scored. Candidates' final score and rank on the employment list will be determined by their responses to the supplemental questionnaire. This process may be eliminated if there are fewer than 11 qualified candidates.
Candidates must receive a percentage score of at least 70 on the supplemental questionnaire ranking assessment to be placed on an employment list. An adjustment may be made to raw scores based on factors listed in Civil Service Rule VI. Those candidates who are successful in the selection process will have their names placed on the employment list for a minimum of three months. At the time the employment list is established, all candidates will receive an email notice of their score on the exam(s), rank on the employment list, and exact duration of the employment list.
Conditional Job Offer: Once a conditional offer of employment has been made, candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check, which includes a conviction history check, and satisfactory reference checks. Appointee may be subject to a post-offer medical evaluation or examination.
The appointee must satisfactorily complete a
one-year probationary period.
Disaster Service Worker: Pursuant to Governmental Code section 3100, all employees with the County of Santa Barbara are declared to be disaster service workers subject to such disaster service. Activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law.
APPLICATION AND SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE DEADLINE: November 12, 2026, at 4:59 PM PST. Applications and job bulletins can be obtained 24 hours a day at
Kim Clark, Public Works Human Resources,
Retirement Plans - Generous County Defined Benefit Plan
- Eligible to participate in 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
- Retirement Reciprocity with CalPERS, CalSTRS, and 1937 Act plans
- For more information on our retirement plans, please visit: and
Health Benefits - Choice of dental, vision and medical plans. In addition to the Benefit Allowance noted above, the County contributes toward medical premiums and dental premiums
- On-Site Employee Health Clinics in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria which provide ongoing and episodic services to eligible employees and their eligible dependents
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers free, confidential assistance with personal and workplace problems to employees and their immediate family members
- Healthcare Advocacy Program to help employees navigate the complexities of health plan benefits
- Available Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Supplemental Term or Whole Life Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance and more!
- For more information on our health benefits, please visit:
Paid Time Off - Vacation Leave 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment
- Sick Leave 12 days annually with unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement
- Paid Holidays based on bargaining unit (view the compensation summary for this bargaining unit, link below)
- Alternative Transportation Benefit (TDM) up to 2 days of additional vacation for using alternative methods of commuting
- For more information on Paid Time Off please view the Compensation Summary for this bargaining unit (available below)
Miscellaneous Benefits - County Paid Term Life Insurance
- County Paid Long Term Disability Insurance
- Childcare and Employee Discounts
- Relocation Assistance may apply
- Flexible work schedule may apply
- For more information on all of these benefits, please visit:
Compensation Summary - To view the Compensation Summary specific to the bargaining unit for this position (link to full Memorandum of Understanding also available at bottom of the summary), please visit:
*This benefits list is for convenience only; please refer to the Memorandum of Understanding for complete details of terms and conditions. Amounts are generally prorated for part-time employment.
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All applicants must meet the Employment Standards (Minimum Qualifications) listed below at the time they apply. It is the applicant's responsibility to provide all supporting information on their application and not on their resume. If you realize you do not meet the qualifications listed below or do not provide enough information on how you meet the employment standard you selected; please be aware, your application will not be accepted. Which Employment Standard did you clearly state on your application?
- Two years of experience performing or inspecting tree maintenance duties, including planting, trimming,
