City of Santa Monica

URBAN FOREST SUPERVISOR

SALARY

$42.10 - $51.98 Hourly

$3,368.00 - $4,158.40 Biweekly

$7,297.33 - $9,009.87 Monthly

$87,568.00 - $108,118.40 Annually

LOCATION

City of Santa Monica, CA

JOB TYPE

Full-Time Regular

JOB NUMBER

268052-02

DEPARTMENT

Public Works

OPENING DATE

11/06/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/20/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

SALARY

$42.10 - $51.98 Hourly

$3,368.00 - $4,158.40 Biweekly

$7,297.33 - $9,009.87 Monthly

$87,568.00 - $108,118.40 Annually

LOCATION

City of Santa Monica, CA

JOB TYPE

Full-Time Regular

JOB NUMBER

268052-02

DEPARTMENT

Public Works

OPENING DATE

11/06/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/20/2026 5:30 PM Pacific

Job Summary

Oversees and monitors contract services for the maintenance of the City’s Urban Forest. Supervises, coordinates and reviews the work of assigned urban forest staff.

Works under the general supervision of a Public Landscape Administrator or designated management staff. Exercises technical supervision over assigned staff.

Representative Duties

Ensures the vision and guiding principles of the City's Urban Forest Master Plan are delivered through strategic and systematic operations. Enforces International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and American National Standard Institute (ANSI) specifications for pruning, removal, planting, and replacement.
Supervises and coordinates the urban forest pruning and planting program for trees located in City parks, streets, parkways, and other City-administered landscaped areas. Makes pruning frequency recommendations and ensures planting is consistent with the species designations in the Urban Forest Master Plan.
Performs all levels of tree risk assessment, including advanced, and makes tree work recommendations. Uses wood testing technology, to map weak and decayed wood in standing trees.
Responds to urban forest emergencies.
Reviews and comments on construction-related plans, drawings, calculations, and reports to ensure conformance with the tree preservation guidelines of and the Urban Forest Master Plan. Submits appropriate comments within allotted timeline into the City’s plan check system.
Monitors all active construction projects impacting the urban forest and ensures adherence to the City’s tree preservation guidelines. Performs final inspections of construction projects to confirm that public trees have not been adversely impacted by the development.
Diagnoses and evaluates the health of trees and proposes recommendations to treat diseased trees.
Participates in maintaining the City’s urban forest inventory GIS database. Tracks, monitors, and produces reports on the inventory as required.
Selects, schedules, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned employees. Reviews and approves overtime and vacation requests; monitors attendance and timecards for accuracy; and evaluates employees’ work performance.
Trains and coordinates training activities for assigned employees in proper work methods and procedures. Inspect work sites on a periodic basis to ensure compliance with City and department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Directs and monitors the work of urban forestry and landscape maintenance contractors to ensure compliance with contractual terms and conditions and resolves discrepancies and corrects deficiencies. Promptly reviews and approves submitted requisitions.
Participates in the development of contract specifications and Requests for Proposal (RFPs). Reviews contract proposals, interviews bidders and checks references. Monitors contract progress pursuant to City policies and procedures.
Participates in the development and preparation of assigned project and contract service budgets. Prepares cost estimates for materials and labor and submits requisitions for equipment, materials, and supplies. Reviews invoices, monitors expenditures and makes budget recommendations.
Conducts research and prepares and maintains a variety of reports, records, and correspondence.
Serves as a liaison between City departments, the Urban Forest Task Force, contractors, and other customers regarding urban forestry.
Responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for information involving City trees from staff, external agencies, business owners, residents, and the public in a prompt and professional manner.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles, policies and practices of arboriculture and tree risk assessment
Urban forestry operations including cyclical pruning and planting
Maintenance principles of turf and landscaped areas
Tree and pest identification, including tree and soil disease recognition and treatment
Contract preparation and administration
Research and report writing techniques
Business English, spelling, punctuation, and grammar
Recordkeeping and scheduling methods
Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Occupational hazards and safe work practices
Principles and practices of supervision
Effective leading and coordinating techniques
Effective customer service techniques

Ability to:

Select, supervise, motivate, and train staff, including scheduling, prioritizing and evaluating the work of others
Coordinate, monitor and inspect the work of contractors
Develop and enforce contract specifications and provisions related to urban forest management
Provide technical information and advice regarding trees and public landscapes
Develop policies and procedures
Contribute to budget preparation and administration
Interpret and apply policies, laws, and regulations
Conduct research, analyze information, and make sound recommendations
Prepare and present clear and concise records and reports
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Interact effectively with tact and discretion with various customers
Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees, contractors, external agencies, and the public
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Provide effective customer service
Use a chainsaw and other common urban forestry hand and power tools.

Skill in:

Leading and coordinating the work of others.
Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level.
Using a personal computer and applicable software applications.

Education, Training and Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college with an associate’s degree or 60 semester units or the equivalent of college level course in landscape architecture, urban forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, or a closely related field. Additional recent, related work experience may substitute for the educational requirement on a year for year basis.
Six (6) years of recent, paid work experience in the maintenance of an urban forest which has included mature tree risk assessment and managing tree pruning operations.
Two (2) years of the recent, paid work experience must include directly supervising tree pruning operations.
Recent, related public agency work experience is desirable.

Licenses and Certificates**:**

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Certification as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
Holder of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
Certification as a Board-Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) within six months upon hire

Supplemental Information

How to Apply:

Applicants must submit a completed on-line City Application along with any required supplemental application materials with the Human Resources Department by the filing deadline. If you do not submit your on-line application by the filing deadline, you will not be considered for this position. Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Resumes, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process.

Note: Applicants who indicate that they completed college-level coursework or earned a degree from a foreign institution may be required to provide U.S. credential equivalency verification. Diploma or transcript copies must still be attached for all applicants. To verify degrees from international universities, you may use the IAU database of international institutions at IAU Global Members . If the school is not listed, applicants must still provide U.S. credential equivalency verification. Selection Process:

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding your work history and qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those applicants determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience, training and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

Testing may consist of a combination of any of the following and is subject to change as needs dictate: written test, performance test, evaluation of qualifications, oral interview

If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.

Background Investigation:

Candidates who have successfully completed all prior phases of the selection process will be subject to a thorough background investigation.

Inclusion & Diversity Statement

The City of Santa Monica is a progressive, inclusive and culturally rich community. As leaders in public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a highly talented workforce where people of diverse races, religions, cultures and lifestyles thrive. Our goal is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and where their differences make a positive impact.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to build balanced teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create a workplace that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our employees. Join us!

Special assistance with the application and examination process is available, upon request, for persons with disabilities. Call (310) 458-8246, TDD (310) 458-8696 (Hearing Impaired Only).

Please note the request for reasonable accommodations must be made to Human Resources at least three work days prior to the examination.

EmployerCity of Santa Monica

Address

1685 Main Street, Room 101

P.O. Box 2200

Santa Monica, California, 90401

Phone 310-458-8697

Websitehttps://www.santamonica.gov/departments/human-resources

EmployerCity of Santa MonicaPhone 310-458-8697 Websitehttps://www.santamonica.gov/departments/human-resourcesAddress

1685 Main Street, Room 101

P.O. Box 2200

Santa Monica, California, 90401

URBAN FOREST SUPERVISOR Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Do you hold an Associate's degree or 60 semester units (or the equivalent) of college level course work in landscape architecture, urban forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, or a closely related field?

Yes, I have an Associate's degree in the aforementioned field and have attached proof to my application.

I hold 60 semester units (or the equivalent) of college level course work in the aforementioned fields.

I do not have a degree, but I can substitute with relevant experience on a year-for-year basis. (One year of additional related work experience is equal to completion of 30 units).

I do not meet any of the education requirements and I understand that selecting this option disqualifies my application from further consideration.

QUESTION 2 If you would like for your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your college level transcripts or diploma to your online application. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than the filing deadline. Failure to do so may result in your application being evaluated without the education being considered. Have you attached the documents?

Applicants who indicate that they completed college-level coursework or earned a degree from a foreign institution may be required to provide U.S. credential equivalency verification. All applicants must still attach copies of diplomas or transcripts. To verify degrees from international universities, you may use the IAU database of international institutions at: https://www.iau-aiu.net/List-of-IAU-Members?lang=en. Please copy and paste the link for verification. If the school is not listed, applicants must still provide U.S. credential equivalency verification. Failure to do so may result in your application being disqualified.

Yes

Not applicable to me

QUESTION 3MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Do you have six (6) years of recent, paid work experience in the maintenance of an urban forest which has included mature tree risk assessment and managing tree pruning operations?

Yes, I have 6 years of experience in the aforementioned areas.

No, I do not have 6 years of experience in the aforementioned areas and I understand that selecting this option disqualifies my application from further consideration.

QUESTION 4MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Of the required six (6) years of experience, do you have two (2) years of work experience in the maintenance of an urban forest which has included mature tree risk assessment and managing tree pruning operations?

Yes, I have two (2) years of work experience in the maintenance of an urban forest which has included mature tree risk assessment and managing tree pruning operations.

No and I understand that selecting this option disqualifies my application from further consideration.

QUESTION 5MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS Do you have any of the following certifications?

I possess certification as a Certified Arborist by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) AND I have provided proof to my application.

I possess certification as a Board-Certified Master Arborist (BCMA) by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) AND I have provided proof to my application.

I will obtain my BCMA within six months of employment. I have attached proof of my Certified Arborist certification to my application in the interim.

I do not have any of the certifications.

QUESTION 6MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS The Urban Forest Supervisor position requires the candidate to be a holder of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ). Do you meet this requirement?

If YES, you must attach a copy of the certification to your online application. Failure to do so will result in your application being evaluated without it being considered.

Yes, I am a holder of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) AND I have attached proof to my application.

No, I am not a holder and I understand that selecting this option disqualifies my application from further consideration.

QUESTION 7 Please describe recent, paid work experience in the maintenance of an urban forest which has included mature tree risk assessment, tree preservation during construction, and evaluating tree health. Your response must include the following per qualifying work experience: 1) Employer Name, 2) Dates of Employment (Mo/Yr to Mo/Yr), 3) Job Title, 4) Duties Performed. If you have no such experience, mark N/A.
QUESTION 8 Please describe your recent, paid work experience directly supervising tree pruning operations. In your response, please include the agency/company where you acquired this experience and the supervisory responsibilities you held. Your response must include the following per qualifying work experience: 1) Employer Name, 2) Dates of Employment (Mo/Yr to Mo/Yr), 3) Job Title, 4) Duties Performed. If you have no such experience, mark N/A.
Required Question

Urban Forest Supervisor

About the role

City of Santa Monica