Assistant City Forester
Apply NowCompany: City of Minnetonka, MN
Location: Minnetonka, MN 55345
Description:
Salary: $41.37 - $49.40 Hourly
Location : Minnetonka, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-00048
Department: Public Works
Division: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture Work-life fit Well-being Employee-focused Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.
Job Description
Assists the City Forester by administering the day-to-day operations of the city's urban forest management program, including the risk tree and disease management program, right-of-way and park pruning program, tree replanting and maintenance, injection program, and administration and reporting for city contracts and grants. This position includes both field work and office work, which can fluctuate daily. It involves significant interaction with the public, requires a strong scientific background and demonstration of leadership and problem solving skills while working with various crews, tasks and projects/initiatives. Assists with overseeing asset management software and Esri ArcGIS applications. Ability to operate various types of equipment and tools. The successful candidate will excel in all of the above scenarios. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the City Forester.
Duties/Responsibilities
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications(expected to have to enter job)
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of City and department policies and procedures; knowledge of Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances pertaining to natural resource management; knowledge of tree species and disease identification, tree care planting and maintenance practices, urban forestry management; knowledge of arboricultural tools and equipment and tree maintenance work safety procedures; knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications; skill in public speaking; ability to think analytical and problem-solve; ability to read and understand maps, records, drawings, and plans; ability to be innovative and creative; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to be diplomatic, empathetic, and cooperative; ability to work independently; ability to operate and use office equipment; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, outside agencies or vendors, public officials, and the general public.
Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you're unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.
How to Apply:
Click "Apply" at the top of the page before the closing date. Submit these documents via the online application system (no zip files or links): Questions? Contact Human Resources at
Hiring Process:
Contact Us:
For position-related questions, email Katie Xiong at
Veteran's Preference:
Veterans can request preference under MN Statute 197.455 by submitting a DD214 with their application.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.
Visit our page for more information.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, or related field AND at least 1 - 3 years of experience in forestry, preferably with municipal forestry and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
02
How many years of experience do you have in forestry and/or municipal forestry?
03
How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
04
Are you able to obtain the MN DNR Tree Inspector's license within six months of hire?
05
Will you be able to obtain ISA Certified Arborist certification within six months of hire?
06
=Do you have a valid driver's license?
07
Briefly describe your experience in programs related to tree disease and pest management, inventory and assessment, Arc GIS applications, planting and maintenance, project management, and research efforts.
08
Briefly describe your experience with technical forestry field work as it relates to inspections and labor, including equipment and tools you operate.
09
Briefly describe your knowledge and experience with trees related to woodland or habitat restoration best practices.
10
Briefly describe your experience with providing public education and technical assistance related to trees and community forestry efforts, including public speaking.
11
Briefly describe your forestry related customer service experience and offer insight into your views on delivering customer service.
12
Briefly describe your supervisory and leadership experience, discussing your leadership style.
Required Question
Location : Minnetonka, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2025-00048
Department: Public Works
Division: Natural Resources
Opening Date: 04/22/2025
Closing Date: 5/12/2025 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture Work-life fit Well-being Employee-focused Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.
Job Description
Assists the City Forester by administering the day-to-day operations of the city's urban forest management program, including the risk tree and disease management program, right-of-way and park pruning program, tree replanting and maintenance, injection program, and administration and reporting for city contracts and grants. This position includes both field work and office work, which can fluctuate daily. It involves significant interaction with the public, requires a strong scientific background and demonstration of leadership and problem solving skills while working with various crews, tasks and projects/initiatives. Assists with overseeing asset management software and Esri ArcGIS applications. Ability to operate various types of equipment and tools. The successful candidate will excel in all of the above scenarios. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the City Forester.
Duties/Responsibilities
- Administers the day-to-day operations of the city's risk tree and disease management program, is responsive to property owners, and maintains necessary documentation and record keeping.
- Administers the day-to-day operations of the tree care program for trees on public property and street right-of-ways. This includes inspecting sight-line and safety complaints, inspecting public trees for maintenance and removal needs, pruning and removing trees as required.
- Acts as lead tree inspector responsible for identifying trees, tree diseases and pests. Coaches, mentors, and provides work direction over seasonal tree inspectors to ensure timeliness, completeness and accuracy of work.
- Works with street and park maintenance staff and oversees a variety of forestry related tasks such as planting, watering, mulching, pruning, spraying or injecting and tree removal. Also responds to inquiries and offers technical assistance on tree related items.
- Leads the reforestation program including identifying planting locations and species, developing management plans, ordering stock, and coordinating volunteers or crews to help complete the projects.
- Administers coordination of contractors' work such as stump grinding, tree pruning, tree removals, and the tree injection program.
- Leads all aspects of various projects such as special grant projects, traditional forest management projects, conflict resolution, or entire system updates to improve efficiency.
- Provides tree and woodland knowledge and expertise to inform ecological system-focused habitat restoration goals and priorities for public property.
- Oversees tree inventory work and asset management software systems in an Esri ArcGIS environment.
- Contributes to forestry related outreach activities and programs including Arbor Day, Tree City USA, Tree Sale, and other outreach and engagement efforts.
- Performs other tasks as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications(expected to have to enter job)
- Bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field and moderate experience in forestry, preferably with municipal forestry and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- MN DNR Tree Inspector's license within six months of hire
- ISA Certified Arborist
- TRAQ certification within one year of hire
- Valid driver's license in the State of Minnesota.
- Master's degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field.
Additional Information
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Thorough knowledge of City and department policies and procedures; knowledge of Federal, State, and local codes and ordinances pertaining to natural resource management; knowledge of tree species and disease identification, tree care planting and maintenance practices, urban forestry management; knowledge of arboricultural tools and equipment and tree maintenance work safety procedures; knowledge of and ability to use Microsoft Office Suite and position specific software applications; skill in public speaking; ability to think analytical and problem-solve; ability to read and understand maps, records, drawings, and plans; ability to be innovative and creative; ability to follow written and verbal instructions; ability to be diplomatic, empathetic, and cooperative; ability to work independently; ability to operate and use office equipment; ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other departments, outside agencies or vendors, public officials, and the general public.
Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you're unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.
How to Apply:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Hiring Process:
- Open Job Posting: Requisition is open and accepting applications.
- Selection Process: Qualified applicants join a candidate pool. Hiring managers select candidates for interviews and/or assessments. You'll be notified if selected.
- Pre-Employment Screening: This may include a driver's license, a criminal history background check, a drug test, a physical exam, a work assessment or simulation, and, if education-based, proof of qualifications.
Contact Us:
For position-related questions, email Katie Xiong at
Veteran's Preference:
Veterans can request preference under MN Statute 197.455 by submitting a DD214 with their application.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.
Visit our page for more information.
01
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, natural resources, or related field AND at least 1 - 3 years of experience in forestry, preferably with municipal forestry and supervisory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Yes
- No
02
How many years of experience do you have in forestry and/or municipal forestry?
- Less than one year
- 1 - 2 Years
- 3 - 5 Years
- 6+ Years
03
How many years of supervisory experience do you have?
- Less than one year
- 1 - 2 years
- 3+ Years
04
Are you able to obtain the MN DNR Tree Inspector's license within six months of hire?
- Yes
- No
05
Will you be able to obtain ISA Certified Arborist certification within six months of hire?
- Yes
- No
06
=Do you have a valid driver's license?
- Yes
- No
07
Briefly describe your experience in programs related to tree disease and pest management, inventory and assessment, Arc GIS applications, planting and maintenance, project management, and research efforts.
08
Briefly describe your experience with technical forestry field work as it relates to inspections and labor, including equipment and tools you operate.
09
Briefly describe your knowledge and experience with trees related to woodland or habitat restoration best practices.
10
Briefly describe your experience with providing public education and technical assistance related to trees and community forestry efforts, including public speaking.
11
Briefly describe your forestry related customer service experience and offer insight into your views on delivering customer service.
12
Briefly describe your supervisory and leadership experience, discussing your leadership style.
Required Question