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Urban Forestry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Climb Tree Services

Urban Forestry Technicians

Ridgway, CO · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Urban Forestry Technicians Climb Tree Services is hiring Urban Forestry Technicians, including Tree Climbers, Plant Health Care technicians, and Grounds Crew. Career oriented positions with room for ...

City of Ontario

Urban Forestry Technician

Ontario, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $43.36/hr

The Urban Forestry Technician participates in the work of a crew of skilled and unskilled workers in the performance of Urban Forestry within the Public Works Agency including tree planting ...

CASEY TREES

Urban Forestry Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Summary The Urban Forestry Manager leads Casey Trees' tree planting and maintenance programs across the Washington, DC region. This role manages a team of Urban Forestry Foremen, oversees residential ...

City of Charlotte

Urban Forestry Specialist

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$62K - $77K/yr

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 ...

City of Burbank, CA

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Forestry Opening Date: 05/22/2026 Closing Date: Continuous OPEN COMPETITIVE RECRUITMENT Open to all ... Under direction, to manage the City's urban forestry program through monitoring performance ...

City of Burbank

URBAN FORESTER

Burbank, CA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

Under direction, to manage the City's urban forestry program through monitoring performance, production, and quality of work; serve as a liaison between the City and community regarding urban ...

Dudek

Urban Forester / Arborist - Bay Area

Oakland, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Urban Forestry Work Environment: Hybrid Compensation: $90,000-105,000/annually* Dudek's journey began in 1980 with a vision to serve Southern California's water and wastewater agencies. Today, we are ...

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Urban Forestry information

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$29K

$41.5K

$53.5K

How much do urban forestry jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for urban forestry in the United States is $41,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,500.00 and $46,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

Urban forestry roles typically do not pay $10,000 a month without advanced certifications or extensive experience. High-paying jobs in this field often require specialized training, licensing, or management responsibilities, but most entry-level positions pay less. For higher earnings, professionals may need to pursue certifications or move into consulting or supervisory roles.

What is the difference between Urban Forestry vs Arborist?

AspectUrban ForestryArborist
CertificationsCertified Arborist, ISA certification often preferredCertified Arborist, ISA certification typically required
Work EnvironmentUrban parks, city landscapes, municipal projectsTree care sites, residential and commercial properties
Job FocusManaging urban tree populations, planning, and policyTree pruning, removal, health assessment
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, urban planning agencies, environmental organizationsTree service companies, landscaping firms, private clients

Urban Forestry and Arborist roles both involve tree care, but Urban Forestry focuses on managing and planning urban tree populations at a broader level, while Arborists specialize in individual tree health and maintenance. Both careers often require similar certifications and work environments, but their scope and daily tasks differ significantly.

What is urban forestry?

Urban forestry is the care and management of tree populations in urban settings for the purpose of improving the urban environment. It involves the planning, planting, maintenance, and protection of trees in cities, towns, and other densely populated areas. Urban foresters work to enhance the environmental, social, and economic benefits that trees provide, such as cleaner air, shade, habitat for wildlife, and beautification. This field requires knowledge of arboriculture, ecology, city planning, and public engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in urban forestry, and how can they be addressed?

Urban forestry professionals often encounter challenges such as managing tree health in densely populated areas, balancing public safety concerns with conservation goals, and addressing invasive species or diseases. These challenges can be mitigated by collaborating closely with city planners, community groups, and environmental agencies to develop sustainable urban tree management plans. Staying up to date with the latest research and best practices, as well as engaging in ongoing public education, are also key strategies for overcoming these issues.

What can you do with an urban forestry degree?

An urban forestry degree prepares individuals for careers managing and maintaining urban trees, parks, and green spaces. Job roles include urban forester, arborist, landscape planner, and environmental consultant, often requiring knowledge of tree biology, pest management, and GIS tools. These positions typically involve fieldwork, planning, and collaboration with city agencies or private organizations.

What is the highest paid job in forestry?

The highest paid jobs in forestry are often senior roles such as Forest Managers, Urban Forestry Directors, or Consulting Arborists, who typically have extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions can earn six-figure salaries, especially in large organizations or consulting firms, and often require strong management skills and knowledge of environmental regulations.

How to work in urban forestry?

To work in urban forestry, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in forestry, horticulture, or a related field, along with knowledge of tree biology and management practices. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining certifications such as ISA Certified Arborist can improve job prospects. Fieldwork often involves climbing trees, operating equipment, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Urban Forestry, and why are they important?

To thrive in Urban Forestry, you need a solid understanding of arboriculture, tree biology, environmental science, and often a degree in forestry or a related field. Familiarity with GIS mapping software, tree inventory systems, and certifications like ISA Certified Arborist are commonly required. Strong communication, problem-solving, and community engagement skills help professionals collaborate with the public and diverse stakeholders. These skills are crucial for managing urban tree populations effectively, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving urban quality of life.
More about Urban Forestry jobs
What cities are hiring for Urban Forestry jobs? Cities with the most Urban Forestry job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Urban Forestry jobs? The most popular types of Urban Forestry jobs are:
What states have the most Urban Forestry jobs? States with the most job openings for Urban Forestry jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Urban Forestry jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Urban Forestry jobs are:
Urban Forestry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Urban Forestry job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,544 per year, or $20 per hour.
Urban Forestry Specialist

Urban Forestry Specialist

Randall's Island Park Alliance

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$27.88 - $28.85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc.
Job Opening Notice
Posting Dates: 05/21/2026 – Until Filled
Job: Urban Forestry Specialist
Department: Natural Areas
Job Type: Temporary; Full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday-Friday; Occasional weekends may be required
Pay Range: $27.88-$28.85 per hour
Duration: Position expected to conclude on August 31, 2027
Benefits: Health, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, free parking on site, commuting benefits, etc.
Work Location: Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that sustains, maintains, and programs Randall’s Island Park. Our work blends environmental stewardship, recreation, and public programming to create a vibrant and dynamic urban park. Through restoration, tree care, education, and community partnerships, RIPA advances climate resilience, urban forestry, environmental research, and equitable access to green space for New Yorkers.
RIPA is seeking a temporary, full-time Urban Forestry Specialist to support implementation of the Park’s Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP). This position focuses on tree maintenance, structural pruning, condition assessment, and data tracking with an emphasis on supporting priority and routine tree care across the park. The role will work closely with RIPA’s Natural Areas team and external arboriculture contractors to ensure that all work is completed to ANSI 300 standards and that grant reporting requirements are met.
This role requires daily on-site work in all weather conditions and is ideal for someone seeking significant hands-on experience in urban forestry and tree management. This role reports to the Natural Areas Manager and Director of Environmental Programs.
This position is designed to provide substantial field experience in urban forestry and tree care and will provide significant practical hours toward the requirement for the ISA Certified Arborist certification.
This position is funded by a grant through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Urban and Community Forestry Program.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Support implementation of the Community Forest Management Plan (CFMP) through tree maintenance, pruning, and monitoring activities
  • Conduct tree inspections, condition assessments, and post-planting monitoring to inform ongoing care and risk management
  • Assist in evaluating species performance, site conditions, and long-term tree health to support management decisions
  • Help ensure compliance with grant deliverables, timelines, and reporting requirements, including coordination with internal teams and contractors
  • Assist with tree inventory, mapping, and recordkeeping using ArcGIS and other data tools
  • Track pruning maintenance and inspection data for reporting and evaluation
  • Support coordination of contractor-led tree work, including documentation of completed tasks
  • Support volunteer groups during tree care and stewardship activities
  • Provide technical guidance on proper tree care techniques, including structural pruning and maintenance best practices
  • Assist with Citizen Pruner trainings, public workshops or outreach activities related to urban forestry
  • Coordinate cross-departmentally regarding tree care, maintenance schedules, and site access at the Park
  • Assist with other tasks as needed
This job description is not an exclusive or exhaustive list of all job functions that an employee in this position may be asked to perform from time to time.
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Demonstrated experience in urban forestry, arboriculture, tree care, landscaping, ecological restoration, or related field-based environmental work
  • Working knowledge of tree care practices, including pruning, tree maintenance, inspections, and/or plant health assessment
  • Basic understanding of tree identification, condition assessment, maintenance planning, tree inpsections, or tree health evaluation
  • Familiarity with tree pruning standards (ANSI A300) and arboriculture best management practices
  • Experience with tree inventory systems, ArcGIS, or other GIS/data collection tools
  • Detail-oriented, with strong attention to quality and consistency in field work and data collection
  • Ability to collaborate and build positive working relationships
  • Motivated and punctual; able to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Willing to work outdoors in all weather and in physically demanding conditions
  • Ability to perform heavy physical labor (able to lift 50 pounds) daily
  • Valid Driver License
PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, natural resources, environmental science or a related field OR relevant coursework
  • ISA Certified Arborist credential or actively working toward certification
  • Experience with tree inventory, GIS or other urban forestry data tools
  • Experience working with field crews or contractors
  • Experience working with and leading volunteers
  • Excellent communication and problem solving skills
*Please include a cover letter*
The Randall’s Island Park Alliance, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and we believe in a diverse and an inclusive workplace and environment.
RIPA maintains confidentiality of all applications and therefore will never contact a present employer without prior consent from the applicant.

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