Job Details

Company Description

San Francisco Public Works (SF Public Works) is recruiting for the role of Arborist Assistant Superintendent (0932 Manager IV) under a Position-Based Test conducted in accordance with CSC Rule 111A. The current position is located at the San Francisco Department of Public Works. The eligible list resulting from this examination may be utilized for future positions in this class in other City departments.

Application Opening: Friday, October 9, 2025
Application Deadline: Apply immediately; applications will be accepted at least through Monday, October 20, 2025 and will close thereafter.
Compensation Range: $167,336 - $213,512 (Range A)
Appointment Type: Permanent Civil Service

Job Description

Under general direction, this position reports to the Bureau of Urban Forestry Superintendent and is responsible for managing supervisory personnel who oversee urban forestry, landscape maintenance, and vegetation management across city environments, including more than 100,000 trees in the public right‑of‑way. The role ensures operational efficiency and success through the consistent application of policies, procedures, and safety standards while supporting citywide greening and sustainability goals.

Important and Essential Duties

• Provide strategic oversight of urban forestry programs through direct supervision of second-level supervisors and their teams.
• Assist in planning, prioritizing, scheduling, and evaluating daily operations and long-term initiatives in line with bureau policies and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in development of production goals for tree pruning for internal crews and contractor crews, evaluate performance, and create operational plans to achieve goals.
• Assess and adjust resource deployment to meet Bureau goals.
• Enforce compliance with established safety protocols and training programs; foster a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Ensure timely completion of necessary specialty safety training, such as electrical hazard training and line clearance trainings.
• Support fiscal oversight by contributing to budget development and execution, and by monitoring the use of materials, supplies, and mechanical equipment.
• Manage procurement and resource distribution, ensuring necessary materials, vehicles, and equipment are maintained and replaced appropriately.
• Oversee development of interdepartmental work orders and contract proposals; assist with bid evaluations and vendor recommendations.
• Represent the Bureau in labor negotiations, inter‑agency coordination, public meetings, and communications with elected officials, community groups, and the public.
• Make public presentations to commissions, boards, and public meetings as required.
• Investigate and resolve complaints, service requests, and operational issues; document findings and propose action plans.
• Conduct field inspections to ensure conformance with performance standards, city codes, and environmental objectives.
• Utilize digital tools to produce operational reports, memos, staff evaluations, spreadsheets, and presentations.
• Maintain effective communication through devices such as two‑way radios, cell phones, and digital correspondence platforms.
• Participate in Citywide emergency response efforts and deploy resources as needed during critical events.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Six (6) years of professional-level experience in arboriculture, urban forestry, or tree management. Three (3) years of that experience must include supervising journey-level trades or craft staff performing arboriculture and urban forestry tree services of the public right‑of‑way or land.
• Licenses/Certifications: Valid California driver's license; candidates must maintain a valid license throughout employment.
• Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year‑to‑year basis. One year (2000 hours) of experience equals 30 semester or 45 quarter units.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Advanced degree or bachelor's degree in horticulture, urban forestry, or a related program.
• Arborist certification from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Previous professional urban forestry experience in the public sector.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; demonstrated experience making public presentations to governmental bodies.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, or any other protected category under the law.

Additional Information

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement

At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices and by treating all individuals with dignity and respect.