Tree Inspector Arborist

Tree Inspector/Arborist

Pay: $35.834 - $46.462 per hour, DOQ 

Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Benefit Eligible Position

Join the City of Eagan as our next Tree Inspector/Arborist!

This dynamic position plays a vital role in protecting and preserving our community's tree canopy. With a mix of fieldwork, technical analysis, and public outreach, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact for generations to come!

Why pick Eagan?
Because we’re not just co-workers, we’re a community. We value different viewpoints and experiences, all to make Eagan the ultimate place to be. 

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting in the coordination of the City of Eagan’s Shade Tree Disease Program. Duties will include the inspection and identification of various tree disease and infestations including Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, and Dutch Elm Disease infected trees on public and private property; the coordination of control efforts; dissemination of information; and considerable public contact.

Application Deadline: April 1, 2026 @ 11:59pm CST

Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications of the position will be invited to complete a pre-recorded video interview. Invitations will be sent out to candidates as applications are received and reviewed.

Essential Position Functions

• Coordination of all phases of the City's Shade Tree Disease program including identification, notification, compliance inspection, record keeping, contractual removal and disposal.
• Serve as a resource for internal and external customers by responding to forestry-related inquiries, conducting field consultations, and providing recommendations, education, and technical guidance on tree care, preservation, and related topics.
• Proficiency in using maps, GIS, aerial imagery, and tree inventory systems to detect, assess, and monitor tree diseases, infection centers, and support comprehensive tree inventory management.
• Coordinate and monitor contractual tree care work, including assisting with procurement processes, communicating project expectations, and verifying contractor performance and compliance; this position does not have authority to approve or execute contracts.
• Assist with preparing and distributing educational materials and supporting the development of technical reports.

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist the Forestry Supervisor with a variety of forestry and natural resource management tasks and programs.
• Attend schools and seminars to keep abreast of current research and information relating to tree pests and diseases, care and maintenance
• Assist other city departments as assigned
• Attend public events to share information and answer questions
• Other duties as apparent or assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Natural Resource Management, Horticulture, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous training or experience in inspecting, evaluating, and recommending maintenance, treatment, or removal of trees in an urban or managed landscape setting.
• Proficiency in using desktop and mobile devices for mapping, digital tree inventory management, report writing, communications, and document creation, including effective use of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must possess a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Tree Inspector license at time of hire.
• Must possess ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Certified Arborist credentials, or have the qualifications and ability to obtain certification within 90 days of hire.
• Must have knowledge of various biotic and abiotic tree disorders and infestations, including Emerald Ash Borer, Oak Wilt, and Dutch Elm Disease.

Things that may help you be successful in this role

• Experience working with municipal ordinances, contractor coordination, or public engagement.
• Minnesota Pesticide Applicator Certification

Knowledge of:

• Occupational hazards of work and necessary job-related safety precautions.
• Good mechanical aptitude and experience in performing maintenance and repairs on related forestry equipment
• Various biotic and abiotic plant disorders.
• Plant identification, both in the growing season and in the dormant season.

Skills in:

• Expertise in Tree Disease Identification and Management
• Strong Communication and Public Outreach Skills
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills

Ability to:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other city department personnel, volunteer groups, residents, and other professionals.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Work independently and complete assigned duties in a productive and effective manner.

Physical Requirements

• In an 8-hour day the employee will:
• Sit 1-3 hours
• Stand 2-3 hours
• Walk 4-5 hours
• Employee must be able to tolerate frequent amounts of awkward positions (bending, twisting, low level work, etc.) and walking on uneven terrain.  Team or mechanical assistance if heavier than 75 lbs. Usually, but sometimes the workspace does not allow two people in the area.

Must have the ability to negotiate uneven ground while carrying tools and files, manipulate hand and power tools including chain saw, chipper, and a variety of hand tools including hand and pole pruners. Must be able to physically perform the assigned tasks and responsibilities of the position in a variety of weather conditions. 

Working Conditions

• 50% Field  50% Office
• Normal hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:00am – 3:30pm.
• This position will be required to occasionally work before and/or after normal working hours or weekend hours to provide for the ongoing maintenance and maintenance of the City Parks and Recreation system and general City operations.
• The position is expected to respond to off hour call outs in a timely manner. 
• FLSA non-exempt position.