Job Description
We are currently looking for multiple full-time Forestry Arborists to join our team!Â
The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited and gold medal award-winning organization that manages 182 parks and open spaces, 26 city-operated recreation centers, more than 120 miles of trails and a vibrant urban forest. The Forestry section of the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the care, maintenance, preservation and vitality of street and parkland trees in Saint Paul.Â
Here's What You Can Expect To Do - Perform a variety of technical tasks in the maintenance, preservation, and removal of the City's boulevard and park trees.Â
- Properly tie knots and hitches commonly used in arboriculture for climbing and rigging.Â
- Work from ladders and is proficient in the use of climbing ropes, harness and equipment for climbing operations. Â
- Properly and safely operate and maintain hand and power tools, motor vehicles, small engine equipment and other equipment and tools in the performance of their assignments.Â
- Recognize and identify trees, tree diseases, and pests; complete visual inspections of trees and their canopy.Â
- Maintain grounds and buildings; maintain work areas in a neat, orderly, and quality manner; responsible for site clean-up.Â
- Complete required documentation either manually or electronically including forms, records, and daily reports that are complete, accurate, clear and timely.Â
- Operate in sometimes difficult, hazardous and/or unpredictable work conditions, including responding to emergencies such as storm clean up or snow removal.Â
- Wear ear, eye and head protection, safety shoes and other protective apparel as required. Support the safety of one another.Â
- Follow, guide, and orient others in established Department and City rules and policies, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, and safety practices as set forth in the American National Standard for Arboriculture Operations: Safety Requirements (ANSI Z133.1).Â
- For more information and essential functions, see our job description.
Information about this position
Parks & Recreation - Forestry is located at 1120 Hamline Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55108. Forestry typically operates on a Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm schedule. Forestry Arborists are expected to respond to after-hours emergency work (storm callouts) as needed and be available for scheduled weekend work.
Employees, especially those who hold ISA certifications, are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities both internally and outside of the city. New employees who do not currently possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) will be provided assistance with obtaining training and testing for the CDL to be completed within six months of hire. New employees will be expected to obtain their CDL permit within 3 weeks of start date.
Our Benefits: We offer competitive wages, and a variety of excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement contributions and paid vacation and sick time.Â
Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: The City of Saint Paul is dedicated to dismantling systemic racial, cultural, and economic barriers that prevent people from fully enjoying and participating in our community and ensuring fairness in opportunities and outcomes for all individuals. At the City of Saint Paul, we want our workforce to reflect the diverse city that we serve. Our leaders are guided by an unapologetic equity agenda, which promotes the belief that true equity is building a city that works for all of us. We encourage you to apply as we are most interested in finding the best candidate for this job.
One year of experience with a tree maintenance company or a municipal forestry operation where the duties included maintenance and removal of trees utilizing rope and harness and/or aerial techniques.
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Must complete and successfully pass an initial ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Tree Care Operations and Incidental Line Clearance training provided by the City of Saint Paul within one year of appointment. Must complete and pass an annual ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Tree Care Operations and Incidental Line Clearance recertification training provided by the City of Saint Paul.
Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class B or Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no restriction for airbrakes. The CDL must have no suspensions or revocations for driving-related offenses during the two-year period prior to the date of appointment. Â Suspensions for parking-related offenses are excluded.Â
Must pass a DOT required pre-employment drug screen and submit to DOT mandated random drug and alcohol testing after hire.
NOTE: Candidates may be hired without a CDL, however, must possess a Minnesota, or equivalent out of state Class B or Class A Commercial Driver's License with no restrictions for airbrakes within 6 months of hire. New employees will be expected to obtain their CDL permit within 3 weeks of start date.
- Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
- Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system, mail, in person, email, or fax. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)Â
- A legible copy (front and back) of your Driver's License
- A resume (optional)
First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.
Need technical support? For help with the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627.
Assessment Process:Â Practical and Written Assessments
Required A multiple component assessment designed to evaluate your ability to perform duties of the position. Applicants will be required to successfully perform functions similar to those routinely performed in this position. The assessment components include:
Practical Assessment (65% of final score):
- Chain Saw Operation
- Chain Saw Maintenance
- Work Zone/Traffic Control Set-up
Written Assessment (35% of final score):
- Tree Identification
- Tree Pruning and Trimming
- Knots Identification and Tying
- Workplace Safety
Calculation of final score is as follows:Â (Practical Assessment * .65) + (Written Assessment * .35)
Assessment Time and Location
The assessment is scheduled to take place the week of June 2nd, 2025. Eligible candidates will be emailed additional information at the email address provided on their application regarding their testing schedule, including date and time. The assessment will be held at Newell Park, 900 North Fairview Avenue in Saint Paul.
The assessment will take approximately 75 minutes. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in.
- You must bring a valid Driver's License or CDL for verification purposes.
- You must bring or wear appropriate footwear.
- You may not bring any references or materials such as textbooks, manuals, computers, or electronic devices, including a cell phone to any session of the assessment process.
If you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, you may be eligible for accommodation in the assessment process. Please contact Danni Smith at danni.smith@stpaul.gov, to request a testing accommodation.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.Â
Selection Process: Applicants who meet the minimum job requirements and receive an assessment score of 75% or higher will be placed on a hiring list for consideration. You will be notified of your status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.
Pre-Employment Screening:Â This position requires a medical examination, driver's license check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment.Â
Human Resources Contact Information
Danni Smith at 651-266-6566
Email:Â danni.smith@stpaul.gov
The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.Â
Veteran's Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran's preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Job Tags
Full time, Weekend work, Monday to Friday,