Tree Inspector Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Position Job Appointment: Full Time, Regular Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 - 5:00 PM. Alternate schedules may be available. Work Location: 1900 SW 4th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201.

All manager and supervisor positions will be expected to report to their worksites full-time. Remote workdays remain an option to accommodate travel or occasionally focus on major work projects. Union Representation: Non-represented.

Starting Pay: The City of Portland follows the Oregon Equal Pay Act. Your salary is determined based on the experience listed in your resume that is directly related and equivalent to the position for which you are applying. Position Summary: The City of Portland's Permitting & Development - Tree Permitting Division is seeking three (3) experienced and highly motivated Supervisors to lead key functional sections within the division.

These positions oversee: Development & Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Non-Development Tree Permitting, and Compliance & Enforcement. The Tree Permitting Division administers the City's Tree Code (Title 11) to equitably preserve, restore, and expand Portland's urban forest. Guided by the 2025 Urban Forest Plan, the division supports biodiversity, community health, habitat connectivity, and the city's unique sense of place.

Supervisors play a crucial role in the consistent application and interpretation of tree regulations, ensuring effective customer service, program oversight, and equitable enforcement. Ideal candidates bring strong leadership abilities, excellent communication and conflict-mediation skills, and deep knowledge of arboriculture practices and municipal tree regulations. These roles require sound judgment, the ability to navigate complex permitting or compliance situations, and a commitment to fostering workplace diversity and a positive, inclusive environment.

Each position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Portland's green spaces and contribute to a healthier, more sustainable urban environment. Supervisors in the Tree Permitting Division will: Oversee daily operations of their assigned section, ensuring efficient workflows, regulatory consistency, and high-quality customer service. Interpret and apply ISA Best Management Practices and the City's Tree Code across a wide range of tree-related activities in development, non-development, or compliance contexts.

Develop and implement program improvements, standard operating procedures, and innovative approaches to enhance permitting or enforcement outcomes. Collaborate closely with the Tree Permitting Division Manager, internal city bureaus (Transportation, Water, Environmental Services, etc.), utilities, contractors, community members, and other partners to support coordinated urban forestry management. Recruit, hire, schedule, assign work to, and supervise staff

Manage, coach, and assess the performance of staff, promoting a safe, equitable, inclusive, and collaborative work environment. Exercise independent judgment to meet program objectives and resolve complex regulatory issues. Research and apply complex municipal codes to develop workable solutions for applicants, stakeholders, and community members.

Analyze and generate detailed reports using database systems to support decision-making, project management, and performance tracking. Provide clear, concise guidance to the public and partner agencies on tree regulations, permitting requirements, and compliance expectations. Interpret site plans, architectural drawings, and other development-related documents to ensure compliance with city regulations and standards.

Section Focus Areas While duties overlap, each Supervisor will focus on a specific operational area: Development & CIP: Tree regulation oversight for private development, capital projects, and major city infrastructure work; supervision of seven (7) Tree Inspectors and one (1) Senior Inspector. Non-Development: Permitting for tree removal, pruning, root pruning, tree attachments (ornamental lighting), chemical application, Heritage Trees, and interagency tree management activities; supervision of five (5) Tree Inspectors and one (1) Senior Inspector. Compliance: Investigation of tree regulation violations, issuance of notices, enforcement actions, and lien processing for non-compliant cases; supervision of three (3) Code Specialists and three (3) Tree Inspectors.

About the Bureau: Portland Permitting and Development is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable and continued growth of the city. We provide comprehensive services related to building permits, land use, inspections, urban forestry, and code enforcement to enhance our urban landscape. Our mission is to foster a vibrant, safe, and sustainable Portland through effective regulation and support of construction and development activities.

We strive to balance growth with environmental stewardship, historic preservation, and community welfare. Virtual Meet & Greet Opportunity Meet the hiring manager and the senior recruiter to learn more about this position, how to apply, and what it's like to work with the City of Portland. Date: Monday, August 10, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM Watch Recording: https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/c4CfjJ8DNZMMx4WxkCijBnQZ6GKbvxqQEKcQQoFvzcL2q5MOxRbw7i1nF_qMwly7.HXPh0orlvx-cN76s To Qualify The following minimum qualifications are required: Experience working independently with strong initiative and sound judgment to oversee and manage an urban forestry permitting program's daily functions and responsibilities

Experience managing a diverse workload that applies the principles, theories, and methods of urban forest management and municipal tree regulation, including tree risk assessment, permitting, and the application of ISA best management practices. Experience interpreting site plans, reviewing arborist reports and the ability to use modern permitting management systems to accurately track data, generate reports, and manage workflow. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; present information, reports, and recommendations clearly and persuasively.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, staff, and external stakeholders Applicants must also possess: ISA Certified Arborist is required at time of hire. For more information about this certification click here. Hold a valid state driver's license and acceptable driving record.

ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is required to be obtained within six months of hire. For more information about this certification, click here. Ability to obtain and maintain Electrical Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP) certification within nine months of hire.

For more information about this certification, click here. Ability to obtain and maintain an Oregon public pesticide applicator license or pesticide consultant license within nine months of hire. For more information about this certification, click here.

Preferred Qualifications for both positions: Although not required, you may have the following: Experience as a lead or supervisor practicing employee supervision, including training, scheduling, performance evaluation and promoting a safe, equitable workplace. The Recruitment Process How to Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter by the closing date. (Optional) Submit Veterans' Preference documents, if applicable.

If this is your first time applying with the City of Portland, or if you haven't requested veteran preference before (and would like to now), please attach your DD214-Member 4 and/or VA Benefit Letter to your application. Once we verify your eligibility, we'll record your veteran preference in our system, so it automatically applies to your future applications. Click here for application tips for resume, supplemental question response and/or cover letter.

What to Expect: Application Review - (Week of August 17): We'll review your application materials to ensure you meet the minimum qualifications listed above. Notice/Feedback - (Week of August 24): You will receive an email when the minimum qualification review is complete. If you disagree with the evaluation results, you may request a review within 14 days of the email notice, per City Administrative Rule 3.01

Selection Process - (Early to Mid September): The hiring bureau will review qualified applications, conduct interviews, and check references. Conditional Job Offer - (Mid to Late September): Final candidates may undergo a background or driving record check, depending on the position. Additional Information Learn More About: How to Apply Videos and Workshops City of Portland Core Values HRAR-3.01 - Recruitment Processes Veteran Preference Information Total Compensation and Benefits Language Pay Differential Eligibility We're committed to providing a fair, inclusive, and accessible hiring process

If you need assistance with your application or would like to request a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief, please contact the recruiter listed below. Questions. We're here to help.

If you have questions about this recruitment or need assistance, contact: Tamela Ressler, Senior Recruiter Tamela.Ressler@portlandoregon.gov Bureau of Human Resources.