Assistant Arborist - Department of Transportation (20735712)

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 cities, 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 three (3) vacancies for the Assistant Arborist 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. 

Two (2) vacancies are temporary (Overstrength) positions that are anticipated to be funded through June 30, 2026, subject to further extension or changed to limit-dated positions as appropriate.  If this position is not extended through the budget process, the City may seek to place you in other internal job opportunities based on your previous work experience. 

The City of San Jose Department of Transportation (DOT) is recruiting for highly motivated, technically skilled, public/community service-minded individuals to serve as an  Assistant Arborist. This position performs work of routine difficulty in assisting with the coordination and implementation of the City's Street Tree, Maintenance Assessment Districts, and Median Landscape Programs. The Assistant Arborist is responsible for the daily supervision of technicians, developing and implementing policies and practices that advance the goals of the City's Community Forest Strategic Framework and ensuring compliance with the sections of the City's Municipal Code as it relates to street trees and hardscapes in the public right-of-way. The Assistant Arborist works closely with internal management, administrative, inspection, engineering, and maintenance staff, and has extensive engagement with the public and many other stakeholders.  

Key tasks and responsibilities include:  

• Assists in the planning, developing and coordinating of the City's Trees Park strip Programs for median landscaping, and insect and disease control, including landscape assessment district programs.  

• Coordinates landscape and tree trimming activities with appropriate City Departments and other public agencies (i.e. PG&E and CALTRANS).  

• Consults with public and private contractors on landscape tree and median island maintenance projects.  

• Handles citizen service requests regarding tree and landscape problems.  

• Responds to inquiries regarding tree and landscape problems from citizens and from other City departments.  

• Administers routine contractual work on trimming and removing trees.  

• Prepares contracts for subdivision tree planting, trimming of young and mature trees, replacement tree planting and tree and stump removal.  

• Develops and manages budgets for various sections within DOT.  

How to Apply

To view the full announcement for this exciting opportunity with the City of San Jose and to apply online, please visit the City of San Jose's careers page by clicking on the URL link below.