Tree Inspector na City of Boise, ID

About the Department

The Tree Inspector coordinates public safety, tree preservation, and public outreach programs in alignment with the Community Forestry Management Plan. This position conducts inspections of trees located in city parks and on city-owned property to ensure health, safety, and compliance with standards. The role is also responsible for broader communications related to tree care and management. Work is performed under limited supervision.

Community Forestry was created to educate citizens and city government about the economic, environmental, psychological, and aesthetic benefits of trees. As a branch of Boise Parks and Recreation, the division assists the City of Boise, citizen groups, and volunteers in planting and sustaining healthy trees and vegetation throughout the community.

Position Duties

• Administers tree pruning and removal contracts. Creates contract specifications and prepares bid requests. Procures purchase orders, increases or changes orders and monitors budget. Monitors contractors for quality control and compliance with contract specifications. 
• Coordinates with agencies on construction and development projects. Reviews planning and development applications and provides input on requirements and compliance. Responds to inquiries from the public and offers recommendations. Delivers a high level of customer service to citizens, coworkers, departments within the city and outside agencies.
• Creates and conducts educational programs for citizens, youth groups, public schools and industry professionals. Organizes, administers and participates in volunteer events. Prioritizes and coordinates changing tasks such as tree inspections, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) duties and grant administration. 
• Inspects trees for hazards, health and maintenance requirements, then determines the best course of action. Researches areas for potential tree planting locations. Enforces and administers applicable laws and ordinances regarding activities relating to trees. (20%)
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training:

• Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, horticulture, biology or related field and four years of experience working as a field or consulting arborist, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
• Knowledge of: tree anatomy and biology; materials, equipment and methods used in planting and maintenance of trees; tree hazards; principles of plant health care and integrated pest management; blueprints and plans creation, reading and interpretation; general business office and telephone etiquette, equipment and procedures; record keeping and filing practices; customer service techniques; and computer usage including related software.
• Ability to: research and investigate symptoms of trees to identify disease; identify trees by species, characteristics and identify any special needs; work with members of the general public who may be upset; create and conduct educational programs; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance; and perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record.

• Six years of experience working as a field or consulting arborist.
• Experience writing grants and project management experience.
• One or more of the following certifications and licenses:; Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture:; State of Idaho Pesticide Applicator license; Certified Tree Risk Assessor.

• Valid state-issued driver's license.

• Ability to pass the International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist exam within six months of employment.

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation.
• Driving Record Check.

Other Qualifications

The physical effort characteristics and working environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Efforts

• While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 75 pounds. The noise level is always moderate and occasionally loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity.

• The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards, work in/at heights and confined spaces. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to bodily fluids and chemicals. Employees must work in areas with stinging and biting insects.
• This position works: outside standard business hours in response to emergencies.