Description
The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Forestry Climber in the Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department! In this role, you will have the opportunity care for and maintain trees throughout the City. You'll climb trees of various heights using belts, lines, and similar equipment, and you will use a variety of hand and power tools to prune, trim, and shape street and park trees.
You'll also help keep our parks and streets safe by removing dead or broken branches, clearing street lights and overhead wires, and removing stumps and roots.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is:
Equivalent to graduation from a high school and one (1) year of skilled experience in tree climbing, topping, trimming and maintenance of a wide variety of very tall shade and park trees.
Other requirements: Must possess and maintain a valid California non-commercial (Class C) driver's license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must obtain and maintain a valid California Commercial (Class B) driver's license by the end of the probationary period and maintain a satisfactory driving record. Must be willing to work in tall trees and out of doors in all weather conditions. Must possess sufficient strength and stamina to lift and carry objects weighing up to 75 pounds and sufficient agility to perform job duties while working in tree tops or from ladders or hydraulic buckets.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications must be received by April 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM PST and must include a completed application and responses to supplemental questions. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.
Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for production of the material in an alternative format.
EXAM PROCESS
The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:
- Application review for minimum qualifications and required documents
- Review of answers to supplemental questions
- Performance Exam (tentatively scheduled for the week of June 1, 2026)
Tests may consist of any combination of written, oral or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include, but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing and analytical skills; problem solving ability; computer and software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment component as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.
Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.