Operator Trainee Jobs in Springfield, MO (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $39,416.00 - $60,902.40 Annually
Location : Springfield, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 052926
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/29/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description
The City of Springfield's Department of Public Works is seeking qualified applicants for an Arborist in our Public Grounds division.
As an Arborist, you will be responsible for trimming, felling, and caring for trees as well as operating a variety of vehicles and other equipment. As a member of an Arborist Crew, you will take part in caring for over 15,000 public trees, 25 acres of landscaped street medians and parkways, and 65 acres of city facilities and other properties throughout the City. Additionally, Public Grounds cares for the trees and grounds of Hazelwood Cemetery, a 60 acre cemetery with over 44,000 grave spaces.
The City is committed to working with the community to provide ethical and responsible services so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of living and working in Springfield. Public Grounds is responsible for the design, planning, planting, and management of vegetation along city right-of-ways, facility grounds and beautification projects within Springfield. Our primary goal is to effectively manage these areas of responsibility to provide a safe environment and a higher quality of life for our residents and visitors. For more information, please visit our .
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This position also has the option to underfill with Arborist Trainee.
***SKILLS TESTING FOR ARBORIST CANDIDATES WILL BE SCHEDULED BY EMAIL AFTER THE CLOSE OF THE POSTING. THE TESTING IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR LATE JUNE-EARLY JULY 2026.***
Qualifications and Requirements
ARBORIST
Experience, Education, and Training

• Requires at least three years of experience in performing arboriculture principles and techniques consistent with the accepted practices outlined by the International Society of Arboriculture such as tree planting, tree pest/disease identification, tree trimming, rigging, tree identification, transplanting, etc.;

AND

• Candidate must pass appropriate skills test.

Licensing/Certification

• A valid Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrakes endorsement at time of hire.
• Must obtain and maintain A valid Class "A" Commercial Driver's license (CDL) with tanker endorsement depending on work assignment.
  • Must pass written portion of class A exam within 90 days of employment and skills test portion within the probationary period
• Must possess and maintain depending on department assignment within the probationary period:
  • A valid State Public Operator's License (Ornamental and Turf Category or Right of Way);
  • CPR and First Aide Certification;
  • A valid International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist certificate;
  • A Tree Care Industry Association Electrical Hazard Awareness Program certification.

ARBORIST TRAINEE
Experience, Education, and Training

• Eighteen months prior experience in grounds maintenance, landscaping or related work utilizing equipment used in the field of arboriculture or comparable equipment (e.g. agriculture, horticulture, construction).

Licensing/Certification

• Must pass Arborist skills test within 12 months of employment;
• Must obtain and maintain a Class "B" Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with airbrakes endorsement. Must pass written portion of exam within 90 days of employment and skills test portion within the probationary period;
• Candidates must obtain and maintain CPR and First Aide Certification within the probationary period.

Functions
ARBORIST:
Salary Range is $39,416.00/yr - $60,902.40/yr
For more information on the Arborist essential functions and other requirements, please see the job description
ARBORIST TRAINEE:
Salary Range is $39,395.20/yr - $57,907.20/yr
For more information on the Arborist Trainee essential functions and other requirements, please see the job description.
Other Requirements
The City of Springfield promotes equal employment opportunities to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with a disability, or other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.
Individuals with disabilities who believe they will need an accommodation to undergo any part of the interview, examination, or pre-employment process, should request a reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to the testing or appointment. Requests should be requested by contacting City of Springfield Human Resources by phone, 417-864-1607, or in person at the Municipal Busch Building, 840 Boonville Ave. Springfield, MO 65802.
Proof of United States Citizenship/Authorization to Work in the United States as established by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986 is a condition of employment. We are committed to a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment drug testing is required.
All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.
Testing information: The testing and selection procedure includes the following elements: skills testing and oral interview as well as post-offer criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen. Applicants must pass every phase of the testing selection process in order to be considered eligible for hire.
Find out more about City of Springfield employee benefits through the following link:
01
The following questions are specific to the position you are applying for, and must be completed accurately. The information you provide below must be reflected in the experience, education, or volunteer work provided in your application above. A response of 'see resume' will not be accepted.

• I understand.

02
How many years of experience do you have in performing arboriculture principles and techniques such as tree planting, tree pest/disease identification, tree trimming, rigging, tree identification, transplanting, grounds maintenance, landscaping, etc?

• Less than 1.5 years
• 1.5 year
• 2 years
• 3 or more years

03
Please describe your experience as it relates to trimming, felling, and caring for trees.
04
The Arborist position requires the incumbent to have, at minimum, a valid Class B Commercial Driver's License at the time of hire. Do you possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License? ***Arborist Trainee applicants do not need to possess a Class B Commercial Driver's License at the time of hire.***

• Yes
• No

05
Were you referred by a current City employee to apply for this position?

• Yes
• No

06
If yes, please state the full name of the City employee who referred you to this position.
Required Question