Forestry Arborist

Full Job Description

Join our team!

Are you passionate about working outdoors and caring for trees that shape our city? The City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is currently seeking two full-time Forestry Arborists to join our team.

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited Gold Medal Award-winning organization that manages 182 parks and open spaces, 26 recreation centers, more than 120 miles of trails, and a thriving urban forest.

The Forestry section plays a critical role in maintaining the health, safety, and beauty of boulevard and park trees across the city.

In this role, you’ll contribute directly to preserving and enhancing Saint Paul’s urban canopy while working as part of a skilled and safety-focused team.

What you can expect to do:

1. Tree care, maintenance, and removal

• Perform technical arboriculture work including tree maintenance, preservation, and removal
• Identify tree species, diseases, and pests, and conduct visual inspections of trees and canopy health
• Support the long-term vitality and safety of the City’s urban forest

2. Climbing, rigging, and field operations

• Use ropes, harnesses, ladders, and climbing equipment to perform tree work safely and effectively
• Tie and apply arboriculture knots and rigging techniques
• Work in a variety of environments, including challenging and elevated conditions

3. Equipment operation and site management

• Safely operate and maintain hand tools, power tools, motor vehicles, and small engine equipment
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe job sites, including full site clean-up after work is completed
• Assist with general grounds and facility upkeep as needed

4. Safety, compliance, and team support

• Follow and help reinforce safety practices, including OSHA standards and ANSI Z133.1 arboriculture safety requirements
• Wear required personal protective equipment and contribute to a culture of safety
• Support and guide team members in adhering to Department and City policies and procedures

5. Documentation, scheduling, and emergency response

• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including daily reports and work records
• Respond to emergency situations such as storm damage and snow events, including after-hours callouts
• Adapt to changing conditions and priorities in a dynamic work environment

For more information on essential functions, see our Forestry Arborist job description.

Information specific to this position:

• Location: 1120 Hamline Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Additional Requirements: Availability for after-hours emergency response and occasional weekend work

The City supports ongoing professional development. Employees—especially those with ISA certifications—are encouraged to pursue training opportunities.

New employees who do not currently possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) will be provided support to complete CDL training and testing within six months of hire.

A CDL permit is required within three weeks of the 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.

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.

Requirements

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.

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. Suspensions for parking-related offenses are excluded.

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.

Qualifications

1. Submit a City of Saint Paul online application by the closing date.
2. 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.)
   • 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.

Additional Information

Assessment Process: Practical and Written Assessments

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: (Practical Assessment * .65) + (Written Assessment * .35)

Assessment Time and Location:
The assessment is scheduled to take place the week of April 6, 2026. 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 Michelle LeBow at michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov to request a testing accommodation.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

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: 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.

Human Resources Contact Information:
Michelle LeBow at 651-266-6519
Email: michelle.lebow@stpaul.gov

The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

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.