Street Tree Maintenance Program Tree Inspector

Overview

Job Appointment: Full-Time, Regular

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7 am - 3:30 pm

Work Location: This position is primarily in person, with regular work conducted at field locations throughout the City. The primary reporting location is 1120 SW 5th Ave, Portland, OR 97204. Limited remote work may be available based on operational needs and supervisor approval; however, any remote work must be performed within the states of Oregon or Washington.

Benefits: Please check our benefits tab for an overview of benefits for this position.

Language Pay Premium Eligible: This position may be eligible for Language Pay Differential for qualifying employees.

Union Representation: This classification is represented by LiUNA Laborers  Local 483. To view current labor agreements, please view the current agreements.

Application Material: Please click APPLY to submit your application via the City of Portland’s online portal. You will need to respond to the supplemental questions and attach a resume.

The City of Portland is seeking skilled and dedicated Tree Inspectors to support a new, citywide effort to care for Portland’s public street trees. Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) is currently recruiting for two (2) Street Tree Maintenance Program Tree Inspectors, funded by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF). This program will inspect and maintain approximately 330,000 public street trees, improving tree health, public safety, and neighborhood livability while reducing the financial burden on adjacent property owners.

These advanced professional roles involve the systematic inspection of public trees to evaluate tree health, structural integrity, and public safety risks. Tree Inspectors may perform on-site tree condition and risk assessments; create work orders for tree pruning, removal, and inoculations; and manage contractors working under City contracts. The role also includes collaboration with inter-agency bureaus, public utilities, government agencies, developers, property owners, contractors, and attorneys on program development and regulatory compliance.

This position requires extensive public communication and interaction, including the ability to understand and respect diverse perspectives, assess varying viewpoints, and exercise diplomacy. While Tree Inspectors often work independently in the field, they are also part of a collaborative team environment. Within PP&R, these positions operate under the guidance of the Tree Maintenance Operations Manager, Street Tree Maintenance Program Supervisor, and City Forester.

These Tree Inspector positions are located within the Portland Parks & Recreation bureau. The eligible list from this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies in Portland Parks & Recreation and Portland Permitting & Development.

• Perform timely evaluations, field assessments, and inspections for tree preservation, removal, pruning, chemical application, planting, and root pruning.
• Provide technical program and arboricultural expertise through clear and detailed written responses to diverse urban forest stakeholders.
• Respond to inquiries from residents, property owners, and internal stakeholders to provide education, assistance, and information on tree regulations and Street Tree Maintenance program delivery.
• Maintain accurate records of tree conditions, inspections, and actions taken. Learn and utilize the City tree management software to develop work orders and monitor contractor performance.
• Maintain positive, professional working relationships with City contractors to conduct arboricultural operations on trees in the public rights-of-way; hold contractors to account for good performance. Respectfully and firmly communicate needed corrections to contractors to achieve program results.
• Collaborate with TMO Supervisors, the Street Tree Maintenance Program Supervisor, the City Forester, other City infrastructure bureaus, and public agencies to develop and implement the City’s new Street Tree Maintenance program.
• Participate in fostering a positive and equitable work culture that values safety, diversity,…