The City of Ontario's Parks and Maintenance Department has an excellent opportunity for an individual interested in serving the community by playing a key role on the team. The Urban Forestry Technician participates in the work of a crew of skilled and unskilled workers in the performance of Urban Forestry within the Public Works Agency including tree planting, maintenance, and removal activities; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies. The ideal candidate will have the ability to operate and maintain a variety of power equipment and hand tools; operate light and medium-duty equipment; and perform other related work as necessary. Additionally, successful candidates will embody the Department's mission and vision as well as the qualities of a "Five Tool Player"- Leader, Thinker, Communicator, Operator and Public Servant - and the principles of the City's Customer Service Philosophy– Empathy, Respect, and Problem Solving. The following procedures will apply: Separate Promotional and Open (external) Eligibility Lists will be established. The hiring department will consider candidates on the Promotional Eligibility List prior to considering candidates on the Open Eligibility List. The Open Eligibility List will consist of external applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes. The Promotional Eligibility List will be comprised of current City employees (full or part-time) who meet the minimum qualifications and successfully complete any required selection processes. The City of Ontario reserves the right, if necessary, to accept only the first one hundred (100) applications from applicants that meet the qualification guidelines below. Completed applications will be reviewed and only qualified applicants whose qualifications best meet or exceed the requirements of the position and needs of the City will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Parks and Maintenance Department. The Parks and Maintenance Department is committed to creating and strengthening community value by enhancing the quality of life in the City of Ontario through our professional services, maintaining and preserving parkland, public facilities, and City infrastructure. This includes the maintenance service programs and operations to the City park system, public grounds, roadway maintenance, storm drains, street sweeping, sidewalks and public right-of-way, tree trimming, graffiti abatement, traffic signs, street painting and striping, debris removal, and contract maintenance services. Within these program areas, the department provides services for non-structural overlays and pothole repair, landscape and irrigation maintenance, street striping and sign repairs, concrete repair and maintenance of sidewalk/curb/gutter, street sweeping and debris removal, and graffiti abatement. The Public Works Agency. The Public Works Agency provides essential construction, integrated waste and recycling collection, fleet and facility maintenance and repair services to the citizens and businesses of Ontario through the Parks and Maintenance, Municipal Services, and Integrated Waste Departments. The Agency strives to meet the daily challenges of maintaining exceptional levels of service to our residents and community, providing stellar customer service, and maximizing all resources to develop and maintain value for the City. The Agency has 232 full time employees and an annual budget of over $105 million. The City of Ontario is a dynamic leading community in the Inland Empire with a variety of full-time and part-time employment and volunteer opportunities. Ontario enjoys the reputation of being a progressive City which provides solid leadership to its citizens and to the business community. The City provides a full range of services to the community including, but not limited to: Police, Fire, Management Services, Community Life & Culture, Community Development, Economic Development, Public Works and the Ontario Municipal Utilities Company. The City’s team is staffed with approximately 1,517 full-time equivalent diverse and talented employees who work to support a common goal of providing excellent service to the community. The City’s vision for the future is very exciting, and we foresee tremendous growth within the years to come. We welcome you to view the City of Ontario’s 2026 State of the City video by clicking on the link below as well as the other links to learn more about the City: State of the City The Ontario Plan Smart Ontario Downtown Ontario Examples of Essential Functions The functions typically performed by the Urban Forestry Technician include the following:Plants, trims, sprays, removes, and maintains trees working from the ground, from ladders, and by climbing trees with the aid of ropes, climbers, safety belts, and aerial towers. Operates heavy equipment including boom truck, tractor, stump grinder, chain hand saw, aerial ladder, brush chipper, and chipper van. Uses rigging, ropes, lines, and tackle in climbing trees and lowering branches to the ground; applies proper slings and knots to the rigging as necessary; utilizes aerial trucks to trim trees in high elevation. Prunes trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continuous health of plant. Picks up tree cuttings, brush, and debris resulting from tree trimming; loads truck or chipping machine; cuts and clears ground brush and undergrowth. Removes and grinds stumps; plants and transplants trees. Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, and other debris resulting from storm damage and general conditions. Treats cut surfaces to protect trees from insects and tree diseases; applies pesticides to trees as needed, inspects, and recommends if additional tree surgery is needed. Checks location of power lines, personnel, equipment, pedestrians, and traffic before cutting limbs; checks ropes for wear and breakage; ensures proper traffic control and delineation procedures. Cleans and maintains trimming equipment. Makes report of damage to structures and facilities such as sidewalks, sprinklers, and fences damaged in tree trimming or tree removal process. Hangs banners, signs, flags, and decorations for community or holiday events. Inspects and monitors projects on development sites with protected trees. Inspects City trees for damage, disease, parasites, deterioration, or threat to property in response to public inquiry, complaint or routine canvass. May spray trees to treat diseased or unhealthy trees, including mixing of chemicals and calibrating equipment. Makes recommendations regarding the maintenance of the tree trimming cycle. Responds to call outs regarding tree related complaints and to resolve tree trimming problems and emergencies. Meets with residents to explain the City’s tree trimming/removal process. Adheres to safety practices as it relates to forestry and park maintenance, employees, the public, and private and public property, ensuring proper safety procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) is used at all times and collaborates with respective agencies as it relates to the City’s liability program. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualification Guidelines Education:Equivalent to High School diploma or recognized equivalent. Experience: Two years in Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Agriculture, Landscape Management, or a related field. Must have experience in tree identification, planting, pruning, diagnosis, removal, and caring for trees including experience with rope, saddle equipment, and climbing trees. Licenses: Valid Class A California driver’s license at time of hire and an acceptable driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment. Certifications: Must possess the "Certified Arborist" designation by the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture. Special Requirements: Must have the ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, twist, climb, and lift to 50 – 90 lbs.; exposure to heat, noise, outdoors, heights, vibration, confining workspace, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Incumbents in this classification are subject to Department of Transportation (DOT) preemployment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol testing.