Job: Tree Inspector, City of Portland (Portland, OR) |

Tree Inspector Revised

Salary

$27.67 – $34.23 Hourly

Location

Multiple Locations, OR

Job Type

Regular

Bureau

Portland Parks and Recreation

Job Number

2018-00121

Closing

3/31/2018 11:59 PM Pacific

The Position

Applications for this position will be accepted on-line until 100 applications have been received, but will close no later than March 31, 2018 at 11:59 PM.

Applications received after the 100 application limit has been reached will not be included in this recruitment process.

The City of Portland is accepting applications for the position of Tree Inspector. Tree Inspectors play an integral role in carrying out the City’s goals to protect, preserve, restore, and expand the urban forest. The position is of an advanced professional and technical scope in the evaluation and assessment of trees to enforce City tree code regulations. Tree Inspectors enforce tree code regulations through permit applications, development plan reviews, field inspections, and on-site tree assessments while engaging in extensive professional public communications and interactions.

Work in this class is performed in a field and office environment. Tree Inspectors are required to participate in emergency/storm response and are expected to work outside of normal work hours during emergencies.

This classification is represented by the Portland City Laborers(PCL-LL483). To view this labor agreement, please go to https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bhr/27840 and click on the appropriate link.

You must have a valid current ISA Certified Arborist Certification at time of application and this certification must be maintained during employment.

The City of Portland, Oregon is a growing and diverse city of 620,000 residents, nearly 20% of whom speak languages other than English at home. Portland Parks & Recreation values a diverse workforce and seeks ways to promote equity and inclusion within the organization. PP&R encourages candidates with knowledge, ability and experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities to apply. Although not required, PP&R encourages candidates that can fluently speak more than one language to include that information in your resume.

The City is offering an optional informational session for this recruitment. Please see the Optional Information Session section below for details and location.

To Qualify

The following minimum qualifications are required:

A current ISA Certified Arborist certification at time of application. (Must be maintained during this process)
AND
An advanced level of tree biology knowledge and, technical skills in the inspecting and evaluating trees in an urban environment.
Knowledge and experience interpreting and applying municipal tree codes and professional tree assessment standards.
Knowledge and experience applying proper arboricultural techniques and tree removal criteria; including the assessment of all hazards and tree hazards resulting from storms.
Knowledge and experience negotiating mediating and facilitating challenging tree issues.
Knowledge and experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, including writing work orders and typing accurately using a personal computer.
Knowledge and experience in assessing the impacts on trees in development projects; including site plan review and tree preservation planning.
Ability and experience performing tree and tree root inspections and assessments to detect hazardous conditions of trees related to health, structure, insect and disease.

Applicant must also possess:

A valid state driver license and an acceptable driving record at time of hire.
EHAP certification and pesticide applicator license within six-months of hire.
Some positions may require additional endorsements, certifications or license.

The Recruitment Process

The recruitment process will consist of the following phases:

Phase I: Supplemental Questionnaire

The online application process will include a pass / fail evaluation of a supplemental questionnaire.
- Applicants must pass the supplemental questionnaire to participate in the training and experience evaluation.

Phase II: Evaluation of Training and Experience

Qualifying applicants passing the supplemental questionnaire will participate in a pass/fail evaluation of their training and experience, as demonstrated in their responses to the supplemental questions and resume (See Application Instructions).
- Applicants must pass the training and experience evaluation to be invited to participate in the Multiple Choice Written Exam.

Phase III: Pass / Fail Multiple Choice Written Exam

Applicants who successfully pass Phase I and II of the recruitment process will be scheduled for Phase III, a pass/fail multiple choice written exam. Invitations will be sent via email, out-of-town applicants will be required to attend this phase in person to take this portion and Phase IV of the recruitment process, detail will be in the email invitation you receive.
Phase III is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 16, 2018.
A photo ID and your NEOGOV number (noted on your email invitation) will be required for admittance to the test.

Phase IV: 100% Work Skills Demonstration

Applicants who successfully pass Phase I, II and III of the recruitment process will be scheduled to participate in the work skills demonstration, weighted 100%.
Invitation will be sent via email and you will receive a phone call. Out-of-town candidates will be required to travel to participate in phase IV.
Phase IV is tentatively scheduled for the week of April 16, 2018. The same week as the Multiple Choice Written Exam
A photo ID and your NEOGOV number (noted on your email invitation) will be required for admittance to the test.

Candidates successfully passing the supplemental questionnaire review, evaluation of training and experience, multiple choice written exam and the work skills demonstration will be placed on an equally ranked eligible list. You have 14 days from the notice of the examination results to let us know if you disagree with your results. Please read the City of Portland Administrative Rule 3.01 for complete information. Additional evaluation may be required prior to establishment of the eligible list to complete and/or final selection.

Additional Information

Applicant Instructions

Applicants must submit responses to the supplemental questions and a professional resume online, specifically focused on your qualifications for this position as identified in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement in accordance with the following Application Instructions:

Your résumé and responses to the supplemental questions will be the basis for our evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Incomplete or inappropriate information may result in disqualification.

Your resume and responses to the supplemental questions should include details describing your education, training and/or experience, and where obtained which clearly reflects your qualifications for each of the numbered items in the “To Qualify” section of this announcement.
If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, as identified below, please describe in your resume and responses to the supplemental questions any transferable skills obtained during your military service and how they relate to each of the required minimum qualifications under the “To Qualify” section above.

Your résumé should be no more than a total of two(2) pages combined.

Applications will be accepted until 100 applications have been received but will close no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment. E-mailed and/or faxed applications will not be accepted. Applications received after the 100 application limit has been reached will not be included in this recruitment process.

If you are requesting Veteran’s Preference, attach a copy of your DD214 / DD215 and / or Veteran’s Administration letter stating your disability to your profile, as well as checking the box identifying yourself as a Veteran. You must request Veteran’s Preference AND include a copy of your documentation for each recruitment you apply for.

Veteran’s Preference documentation must be submitted no later than the closing date and time of this recruitment.

Non-citizen applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at time of application.

It is the policy of the City of Portland that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or source of income. The City values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the City to apply. If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, the requests must be made to the Analyst(s) named below No Later Than the Closing Date of This Announcement.

Questions?
Tamara Larison, Senior Human Resources Analyst, Bureau of Human Resources

Tamara.Larison@portlandoregon.gov

(503) 823-3523

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

OPTIONAL INFORMATION SESSION

To assist you in understanding this position and the recruitment process, we will offer an Optional Information Session that will provide you with details about the position and about the application process. You are not required to attend to apply for this job. You are welcome to join us for the optional session below:

St. Johns Community Center
Room 4

8427 N Central St

Portland, OR 97203

Monday, February 26, 2018

4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

A Career with the City of Portland offers many Employee Benefits

This summary outlines the benefit programs, actual benefts may vary depending on bargaining unit and employment status.

The City of Portland offers a comprehensive benefit package that is competitive with other private and public sector employers.

More detailed information can be obtained by calling the Benefits & Wellness Office at 503-823-6031.

Health Care (Medical, Vision and Dental)

A choice of two medical/vision plans and two dental plans.
Coverage is available to benefits-eligible employees, their spouse/domestic partner and eligible dependent children up to age 26.
For full time employees, the City pays 95% of the cost of coverage, you pay 5%.
The part-time employees’ cost is pro-rated based on the number of hours in the employee’s regular work schedule.

Wellness Benefits

We offer many on-site fitness center locations and classes, stretching,
discounts to local fitness clubs,
smoking cessation benefits,
chronic care coaching programs,
worksite wellness screenings and flu shots.

Life Insurance

Basic life insurance at no cost to full time employees.
Levels of coverage are based on bargaining units, employment status and/or annual salaries.
- Supplemental life insurance – employees may purchase up to $500,000 for themselves
- up to $300,000 for their spouse or domestic partner.
- up to $25,000 for dependent children.
- This coverage is portable upon retirement or separation. There are some limitations on coverage level.

Long Term Disability

Depending on your bargaining unit, you may be eligible for Basic Long Term disability coverage which will pay up to 40% of your basic monthly earnings up to $3,333 per month.
The benefit is available 60 days from the onset of the approved disability, or exhaustion of sick leave, whichever is later.
Preexisting condition limitations do apply.
Employees may also purchase an additional 20% (of your basic monthly earnings up to $1,667 per month) coverage.

Employee Assistance Plan

Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) provides confidential counseling services for employees and eligible dependents.
Effective July 1, 2013, the plan provides up to five free visits per year.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Medical Expense Reimbursement Plan (MERP) allows you to make pre-tax contributions to your account to pay for eligible medical/dental/vision expenses which are not paid by your health insurance (deductibles, co-pays, etc.)
Dependent Care Account Program (DCAP) allows you to pay for your eligible dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars. The maximum allowable you may contribute to this plan is $5,000.

Retirement

Membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)/Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
- The City currently pays the employee’s share of the retirement contribution.
- Employees who are OPSRP members are vested after five years of contributions or when they reach age 65 (age 60 for police and fire.)
Option to contribute a portion of your earnings on a pre-tax basis to the City’s Deferred Compensation Program.

Paid Leave

80 hours of vacation each year initially. This accrual will increase over time.
Sick leave typically accrues at the rate of 104 hours each year
10 paid holidays each year
three personal days accrue each year

Family Medical Leave

In accordance with federal and state law, and the City policy for family medical leave, the City grants family and medical leave to eligible employees for certain family and medical related reasons.

Other Benefits

City’s TRIP Reduction Incentive Program (for transportation options)

Thank you for your interest in joining the team at the City of Portland. We sincerely value your time and hope to make your application experience as positive as possible. The following supplemental questions are an important step in the examination and selection process to assist us in determining if you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the posted vacancy.
A lack of a complete and thorough response to each of the supplemental questions in the space provided may result in disqualification from the examination. In addition, the selections you make and responses you provide in the questionnaire must accurately reflect what is documented in your work history.
All of the supplemental questions below that are specifically listed in the “To Qualify” section are required for this position. Answering “No” or entering “N/A” in the open text field to any of the minimum qualifications may result in elimination from further consideration.
Have you read and understood the information listed above?

Do you have a current ISA Certified Arborist certification?

Provide your current ISA Arborist certification license number and cerfification.

Do you have an advanced level of tree biology knowledge and, technical skills in the inspecting and evaluating trees in an urban environment?

Please describe how you have applied your advanced level of tree biology knowledge and, technical skills in the inspecting and evaluating trees in an urban environment.

In your response, include details which clearly reflect how you meet this minimum qualification. Such as:

Examples of when you used the knowledge skill or ability;
Role you served in (professional, internship, volunteer); and
Total years of experience applying the knowledge, skill or ability.