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  • Urban Forestry Inspector I/II - Department of Transportation

    San Jose, California United States CITY OF SAN JOSE Full Time $89,762.40 - $120,054.48 Annually Aug 23, 2025
    City of San Jose Employer:

    CITY OF SAN JOSE

    SanJoseCA.gov is the City of San José’s public website, offering information for our community 24/7. The City of San José is a large organization offering a wide variety of services and programs, and the website is intended to make it easier to find information about these services online.The purpose of the City website is to provide information of the City's choosing to the public in order to conduct the City’s business and promote the City's goals as guided by the City Council. The City’s website and the selection of sites to which any of them may be linked are not intended to serve as a forum for free discussion. Ample facilities for free expression are available both on the Internet and in the physical world. Instead, the City’s website is intended to serve the City’s need to make useful and practical information available to residents, businesses, and visitors which facilitates provision of a City service or furthers another specifically articulated purpose of the City.You can search our website by City services, department directory, or by topic. If you are looking for information on City policies and ordinances, try searching the City Council meetings, agendas and minutes database, the City Policy Manual or the Municipal Code. The Mayor’s Office, the City Council, Boards and Commissions, and most City departments and offices are represented on SanJoseCA.gov. You can also find certain City departments and programs via separate websites for Mineta San José International Airport, Police Department, Public Library and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.You can find more information about City programs, services, and events through CivicCenterTV (Cable Channel 26), by subscribing to City News and Information, and by following us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter.    

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.

    The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY) , or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov .

    About the Department

    The Department of Transportation (DOT) plans, develops, operates, and maintains transportation facilities, services, and related systems which contribute to the livability and economic health of the City. We comprise a team of more than 500 people ready to serve the needs of our residents to improve the efficiency and safety of San José streets. We are an energetic and innovative team that is improving transportation in one of the nation’s largest cit ies , while focusing on safety, sustainability, and active public life! For more information about DOT, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/transportation .

    Position Duties

    The Department of Transportation is currently seeking to fill multiple vacancies for the Urban Forestry Inspector I/II position. If you are interested in employment in these classifications, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

    Urban Forestry Inspector I/II ensure s a healthy and thriving community forest. They perform field work of considerable complexity in urban forestry management, as well as various administrative tasks. Employees in this classification learn to apply general principles of professional tree management in performing assignments in the areas of tree inspection, data collection, communication with residents and service delivery partners, and related tasks. Urban Forestry Inspector I/II s also work closely with other maintenance and inspection teams in DOT to address residents’ needs and contribute to the livability of our neighborhoods. Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as enthusiasm for trees, are critical for success in these positions.

    More information on the typical duties can be found in the Class Specifications for Urban Forestry Inspector I/II .

    Minimum Qualifications

    Urban Forestry Inspector I:
    Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (General Educational Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate).

    Experience: Two (2) years of experience in tree maintenance and/or planting activities related to a public street tree or landscape maintenance program.

    Urban Forestry Inspector II:
    Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (General Educational Development [GED] Test or California Proficiency Certificate).

    Experience: Two (2) years of experience inspecting trees to determine hazardous conditions or trimming needs

    Acceptable Substitutions: Completion of college coursework in landscape architecture, horticulture, forestry, environmental science or related field, may be substituted for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

    Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain by time of appointment, a valid California driver's license.

    Physical Requirement
    The following is a general statement for the classification. Individual positions may have additional or different physical/environmental elements.

    Climbing

    X

    Kneeling

    Crawling

    Balancing

    X

    Lifting

    X

    Reaching

    X

    Stooping

    X

    Fingering

    X

    Standing

    X

    Talking

    X

    Grasping

    X

    Walking

    X

    Hearing

    X

    Feeling

    X

    Pushing

    Crouching

    __X__Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

    Other Qualifications

    The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
    • Job Expertise: Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.
    • Communication Skills: Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people's ideas and thoughts.
    • Constructive Energies: A demonstration of energy and drive that comes from within, and a willingness to approach all aspects of work with a generally positive attitude; possessing the inclination to take appropriate action rather than waiting to be told what to do; examples of Constructive Energies include but are not limited to: enthusiasm, honesty, integrity, empathy, dedication, reliable, proactive, respectful, confidence, ethical, and a willingness to help others
    • Computer Skills: Experienced with common business computer applications including but not limited to: MS Outlook, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Access, and MS Excel.
    • Customer Service: Demonstrates the ability to anticipate customers' needs and deliver services effectively and efficiently using professional demeanor.
    • Flexibility: Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.
    • Problem Solving: Approaches a situation or problem by defining the problem or issue; determines the significance of problem; collects information; uses logic and intuition to arrive at decisions or solutions to problems that achieve the desired outcome.
    • Reliability: Completes quality work assignments in a timely and efficient manner; fulfills responsibilities and maintains confidentiality as appropriate.
    • Teamwork & Interpersonal Skills: Develops effective relationships with co-workers and supervisors by helping others accomplish tasks and using collaboration and conflict resolution skills.


    Selection Process:

    The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. You must answer all questions to be considered or your application may be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

    Submission of a resume is optional. However, submission of a resume in lieu of completing the education and work experience sections on the application or failing to answer all the questions will constitute an incomplete application and it will be withheld from further consideration.

    If selected, the Conditional Offer of Employment may be contingent upon you providing proof of a valid State of California driver’s license, and an assessment of your California DMV Employer Pull Notice (EPN) as per the DMV Release of Driver Record Information form. Failure to pass the DMV Pull Notice assessment will deem you ineligible for employment.

    If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Keana Tran at Keana.Tran@sanjoseca.gov.

    Additional Information:

    Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.

    You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses. Please be advised that use of AI content in your responses may result in your removal from the hiring process.

    Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.

    This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

    Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application.

    The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the City's benefits pagefor detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.

    For information on the City’s Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.

    In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks siteto explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.

    Closing Date/Time: 9/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

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A Guide to Government Forestry Jobs: How A Public Lands Management Gives Back

A Guide to Government Forestry Jobs: How A Public Lands Management Gives Back

Government forest service careers span a wide range of responsibilities and expertise levels, offering something for nearly every interest within the field. Here are three of the most common and sought-after positions:

1. Forest Technician

  • Entry-level position
  • Tends to plants on public property, assists in basic management tasks
  • Often involves physical outdoor work

2. Park Ranger

  • Serves as a steward of public lands
  • Enforces regulations, educates visitors, and manages recreational activities
  • Often requires law enforcement training

3. Fish and Wildlife Technician

  • Assists in managing and conserving fish and wildlife populations in forested areas
  • Conducts field surveys, collects data, and monitors species health
  • Often works closely with Forest Ecologists and other specialists

Each of these positions plays a crucial role in the management and preservation of our forest lands. As you consider your career path, think about which aspects of forestry most excite you. Do you thrive on fieldwork like soil conservation, or do you prefer analysis and policy development? Are you passionate about fire protection, or does urban forestry spark your interest?

By understanding the range of available positions, you can better tailor your education, experience, and job search to align with your career goals in government forestry. Whether you’re drawn to the adrenaline of firefighting or the precision of GIS mapping, there’s a role in government forestry where you can make a meaningful impact on our natural resources.

 

Educational Requirements and Certifications

Ready to cultivate your knowledge and credentials for a thriving career in government forestry? Let’s explore the educational pathways and certifications that can set you apart in this competitive field.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree

Most government forestry jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in forestry or a related field. Common majors include:

  • Forestry
  • Environmental Science
  • Natural Resource Management
  • Wildlife Biology
  • Conservation Biology
Key coursework often includes:
  • Forest ecology and management
  • Silviculture
  • Soil science
  • Hydrology
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Wildlife management
  • Environmental policy and law
Advanced Degrees

Some specialized or higher-level positions may require a master’s degree or PhD. These are particularly valuable for research-oriented roles or senior management positions. Advanced degrees can focus on areas such as:

  • Forest ecology
  • Ecosystem management
  • Environmental policy
  • Conservation biology
Certifications

While not always mandatory, certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Consider pursuing:

Certified Forester (CF)

  • Offered by the Society of American Foresters
  • Requires a combination of education and experience
  • Demonstrates a broad knowledge of forestry principles and practices

Certified Arborist

  • Offered by the International Society of Arboriculture
  • Particularly valuable for urban forestry positions

ESRI Technical Certifications

  • For GIS specialists or those working extensively with mapping software
  • Demonstrates proficiency in using ArcGIS and other ESRI products

Project Management Professional (PMP)

  • Useful for those managing large-scale forestry projects
  • Demonstrates skills in planning, executing, and overseeing complex initiatives
Continuing Education

The field of forestry is constantly evolving. Many agencies encourage or require ongoing professional development through workshops, seminars, and courses on topics like:

  • Climate change adaptation
  • Invasive species management
  • Advanced GIS applications
  • Fire ecology and management

While formal education and certifications are crucial, hands-on experience is equally valuable. Consider internships, volunteer work, or seasonal positions to complement your academic credentials and stand out in the competitive government forestry job market.

By combining a strong educational foundation with relevant certifications and practical experience, you’ll be well-positioned to launch a successful career in government forestry. Stay curious, keep learning, and let your passion for forest conservation guide your professional development journey.

 

Skills and Qualities Needed for Success

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Beyond formal education, what personal attributes will help you thrive in a government forestry career? Let’s look at the mix of hard and soft skills that can set you apart in this dynamic field.

Successful government foresters possess a unique blend of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal qualities. Here’s what you’ll need to excel:

Technical Skills

  • Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping software
  • Understanding of forest management principles and practices
  • Knowledge of relevant environmental laws and regulations
  • Data analysis and interpretation skills
  • Familiarity with remote sensing technologies
  • Basic programming skills (e.g., R, Python) for data analysis

Field Skills

  • Ability to navigate using maps and GPS
  • Proficiency in using forestry tools (e.g., clinometers, increment borers)
  • Plant and wildlife identification skills
  • First aid and wilderness survival knowledge
  • Experience with field data collection techniques

Physical Abilities

  • Stamina for long days of fieldwork in various weather conditions
  • Ability to carry heavy equipment over rough terrain
  • Comfort working in remote areas

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

  • Critical thinking to assess complex ecological systems
  • Ability to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions
  • Creative problem-solving for unique environmental challenges

Communication Skills

  • Strong written communication for reports and grant applications
  • Verbal communication skills for presenting findings and educating the public
  • Ability to explain technical concepts to non-experts

Interpersonal Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration abilities
  • Cultural sensitivity when working with diverse communities
  • Conflict resolution skills for managing stakeholder interests

Adaptability

  • Flexibility to work in changing environmental and political landscapes
  • Willingness to learn new technologies and methodologies
  • Ability to shift between office work and field assignments

Attention to Detail

  • Precision in data collection and analysis
  • Careful observation of environmental changes
  • Accuracy in following safety protocols and regulations

Project Management

  • Ability to plan and execute long-term projects
  • Time management and organizational skills
  • Budget management experience

Environmental Passion

  • Genuine interest in conservation and environmental stewardship
  • Commitment to sustainable forest management practices
  • Enthusiasm for outdoor work and nature

You can also hone your skills in the following ways:

  • Seek internships or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience.
  • Join professional organizations like the Society of American Foresters.
  • Attend workshops and conferences to stay updated on industry trends.
  • Practice your communication skills through presentations or writing for forestry publications.
  • Develop your leadership abilities through team projects or community initiatives.

In the ever-evolving field of forestry, one of the most valuable skills is the ability to continue learning throughout your career. Stay curious, embrace new challenges, and never stop growing your skillset.

By cultivating this diverse range of skills and qualities, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the complex challenges of government forestry work. Whether you’re managing a controlled burn, analyzing satellite imagery, or collaborating with local communities, your broad skill set will enable you to make a meaningful impact in forest conservation and management.

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Challenges and Rewards of Government Forestry Work

category029-image-002-careers-in-government

Like any career, government forestry has its ups and downs. Are you prepared to face the challenges and reap the incredible rewards of this vital field?

Challenges

1. Budget Constraints

  • Limited funding can restrict projects and resources
  • Need to be creative in maximizing impact with available funds

2. Bureaucracy

  • Navigating complex government systems and regulations
  • Potentially slower decision-making processes

3. Balancing Diverse Stakeholder Interests

  • Mediating between environmental, economic, and recreational needs
  • Addressing conflicts between different user groups

4. Political Influences

  • Adapting to changing administrations and policy priorities
  • Maintaining scientific integrity amid political pressures

5. Remote Work Locations

  • Potential for assignments in isolated areas
  • Limited access to urban amenities

6. Physical Demands

  • Fieldwork can be physically challenging and sometimes dangerous
  • Exposure to harsh weather conditions and natural hazards

7. Work-Life Balance

  • Seasonal demands may require long hours during peak periods
  • Emergency responses (e.g., wildfires) can disrupt personal plans

8. Emotional Challenges

  • Witnessing environmental degradation or loss of forest resources
  • Dealing with public criticism or resistance to management decisions

9. Technological Adaptation

  • Keeping up with rapidly evolving forestry technologies and methods
  • Integrating new tools into established practices

Rewards

1. Environmental Impact

  • Direct contribution to forest conservation and sustainability
  • Opportunity to shape the future of natural resources

2. Job Stability and Benefits

  • Government positions often offer good job security
  • Comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance and retirement plans

3. Diverse and Engaging Work

  • Variety of tasks and projects, from fieldwork to policy development
  • Continuous learning opportunities in a dynamic field

4. Career Advancement

  • Clear career paths within government agencies
  • Opportunities for specialization and leadership roles

5. Work in Natural Settings

  • Regular exposure to beautiful, often pristine environments
  • Connection with nature as part of daily work

6. Professional Community

  • Collaboration with passionate, like-minded professionals
  • Participation in a global community of forest stewards

7. Public Service

  • Satisfaction of serving the public and future generations
  • Ability to educate others about forest conservation

8. Scientific Contribution

  • Opportunities to participate in research and data collection
  • Potential to contribute to scientific understanding of forest ecosystems

9. Tangible Results

  • Visible outcomes of forest management and restoration efforts
  • Long-term impact on landscape and wildlife populations

10. Work-Life Integration

  • For outdoor enthusiasts, work aligns closely with personal interests
  • Potential for unique experiences like living in national forests

While the challenges of government forestry work are real, many professionals find that the rewards far outweigh the difficulties. The opportunity to make a lasting impact on our natural world drives many to pursue and persist in this vital career.

Many of the challenges in government forestry work are also opportunities for growth and innovation. Budget constraints can spark creative solutions, while stakeholder conflicts can lead to more inclusive and sustainable management practices. Your ability to navigate these challenges will not only advance your career but also contribute to better forest management overall.

When you understand both the challenges and rewards of government forestry work, you can make an informed decision about your career path and prepare yourself for the realities of this important field. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of nature, the complexity of ecosystem management, or the satisfaction of public service, a career in government forestry offers a unique opportunity to make a difference in the world.

 

Resources for Further Information

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Your journey into government forestry doesn’t end here. Dive deeper into the field with these valuable resources that will help you stay informed, connected, and prepared for your forestry career.

Professional Organizations

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is an excellent starting point for aspiring government foresters. With over 11,000 members, SAF offers networking opportunities, career resources, and access to the latest forestry research.

For those interested in urban forestry, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) provides specialized knowledge and certifications.

If you’re drawn to wildlife management aspects of forestry, consider exploring The Wildlife Society, which bridges the gap between forestry and wildlife conservation.

Government Agencies

The U.S. Forest Service is the largest employer of foresters in the country and offers a wealth of information on forest management practices. Their careers page is a must-bookmark for job seekers.

The Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service also offer unique perspectives on public land management and preservation, with career information available on their respective websites.

Educational Resources

To enhance your forestry knowledge, explore the USDA’s Forestry Education Resources. These free materials cover a range of topics. For more in-depth, research-based information, check out wildland fire statistics from the same organization.

Publications and Journals

Stay current with the latest research by regularly reading the Journal of Forestry and Forest Science, both available through Oxford Academic. These peer-reviewed publications offer cutting-edge insights into forestry science and management practices.

Online Learning Platforms

Platforms like Coursera and edX offer forestry and environmental science courses from top universities. These can be excellent ways to broaden your knowledge or specialize in specific areas of forestry.

Networking and Forums

Engage with fellow professionals through online communities like the Forestry Forum. LinkedIn also hosts several forestry-focused groups where you can network and discuss industry trends.

The field of forestry is constantly evolving. Regular engagement with these resources will keep you at the forefront of industry trends, scientific advancements, and career opportunities.

By leveraging these resources, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue and advance your career in government forestry. Whether you’re researching the latest forest management techniques, looking for job openings, or connecting with fellow professionals, these tools will support your journey in becoming a skilled and informed government forester.

Don’t hesitate to reach out directly to professionals in the field or contact government agencies for more specific information about employment opportunities and careers trajectories. Your proactive approach to learning and networking can open doors to exciting possibilities in government forestry.

Embarking on a career in government forestry is a commitment to the stewardship of our nation’s natural resources. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored the diverse roles, educational requirements, skills needed, and both the challenges and rewards that come with this career path. From the forests of the Pacific Northwest to the urban canopies of our biggest cities, government foresters play a crucial role in shaping the future of our environment.

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