Urban Forestry Specialist
Job Description
Close Date: Friday, June 19, 2026 12:00 AM
Department: Planning, Design & Development Department
Salary: $62,091.00 - $77,614.00 Commensurate with Experience
Welcome to the City of Charlotte
Charlotte is America’s Queen City, opening her arms to a diverse and inclusive community of residents, businesses and visitors alike. Here you will find a safe, family-oriented city where people work together to help everyone thrive. The mission of the City of Charlotte is to deliver quality public services and promote the safety, health, and quality of life for all residents.
Our guiding principles include:
Attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce
Valuing teamwork, openness, accountability, productivity, and employee development
Providing all customers with courteous, responsive, accessible, and seamless quality services
Taking initiative to identify, analyze, and solve problems
Collaborating with stakeholders to make informed decisions
SUMMARY
The Planning Department is seeking an Urban Forester to join the Community Tree Canopy Preservation Division. This position will have a range of responsibilities in conjunction with application of ordinances and regulations related to commercial and subdivision projects throughout the city. These responsibilities may include some or all of the following: plan review, development proposal review, policy development, meeting facilitation, field inspections, and issuing violations.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Review and evaluate residential plans and specifications for tree planting, preservation and protection
Conduct site inspections to ensure compliance with ordinances and use of proper practices
Provide written and oral notification of ordinance requirements, related permits and/or related reports
Issue citations and attend appeal hearings as needed
Support City initiatives related to tree canopy policy development and implementation
Provide courteous, responsive, respectful, accessible and seamless customer service aligned with the Development Center’s Customer Service Standards and all applicable City customer service standard and employee policies
Knowledge Skills & Abilities:
Experience in Urban Forestry, arboriculture, horticulture or related field and knowledge of tree species and their biological requirements
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and express complex ideas succinctly
Prior experience with municipal tree ordinance is preferred
Proven record of working successfully with the public
Computer skills at the intermediate level of proficiency using Microsoft Office Suite Products (Word, Excel, Access)
Ability to work independently, exercising initiative and independent judgment
Basic understanding and use of GIS is required
Ability to communicate both in English and Spanish desirable
Requires good driving record, a valid Driver's License with the ability to obtain and maintain a City’s Driving Permit, and a dependable passenger vehicle
Requires ISA Arborist Certification and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification or ability to become certified within 1 year (12 months) of start date
Work independently, be flexible and self-directed
Ability to relate and work effectively with people from diverse cultural, economic and ethnic backgrounds
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, civic, community and business groups and the general public
Minimum Qualifications:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or related field and three years of related work experience or a combination of education and experience with a considerable knowledge of tree species and their biological requirements.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.
Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.
Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.
The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or on the basis of actual or perceived gender as expressed through dress, appearance, or behavior.
Our culture is to serve the community honorably.
HOW TO APPLY
Apply online.
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.
You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby, where self-service application kiosks are available. They are located in our office at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.
For questions about your application or the hiring process, please email [email protected].
The City of Charlotte is committed to making our services and programs accessible to all. Upon request, auxiliary aids, written materials in alternate formats, language access, and other reasonable accommodations or modifications will be provided. To make a request, please fill out the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or call 704.336.4120.
BENEFITS
The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees.
Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.
The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.