Forestry Specialist: Tree Climber

Brookline DPW's Parks & Open Space Division seeks a Forestry Specialist: Tree Climber to perform advanced tree climbing, crew leadership, and skilled arboricultural work that supports and enhances the Town’s urban tree canopy. This full-time, non-exempt role performs and directs high-risk tree maintenance, rigging, pruning, bucket truck operations, pest management, emergency response, and crew training while ensuring strict adherence to safety standards and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead municipal tree crews and direct safety-sensitive climbing and bucket truck operations.
• Plan, assign, and supervise tree maintenance work for Town and contract crews, coordinating activities with other departments.
• Perform and oversee complex pruning, removals, rigging, and storm response in urban environments.
• Evaluate work sites for hazards, inspect equipment, and maintain accurate work records.
• Develop, implement, and enforce strict safety procedures; conduct regular safety briefings and training.
• Monitor and maintain tree health through fertilization, cabling/bracing, pest management, and tree planting oversight.
• Manage tree inventory records and work-order documentation using assigned software.
• Set up job sites, install traffic control devices, and maintain safe work conditions.
• Operate climbing equipment and bucket trucks to prune trees near structures, power lines, public roads, and high-risk areas; remove debris.
• Perform emergency tree care and storm response, including off-hour assignments as needed.
• Participate in winter maintenance operations and supervise assigned personnel during snow response.
• Inspect contractor work to ensure quality and compliance.
• Maintain and troubleshoot equipment, tools, and gear; prepare for seasonal needs.
• Respond courteously to public inquiries and resolve issues when appropriate.
• Train and mentor crew members and enforce workplace policies.
• Maintain professionalism and support collaborative departmental operations.

Qualifications
Three to five years of tree-climbing experience, including required safety training; experience with pesticides and parks/grounds maintenance desirable; additional technical training and some supervisory experience desirable; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Required licenses and certifications include:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License, Class B
• Valid MA Hoisting Engineer’s License, Class 2B
• MA Pesticide Applicator License, Category 36
• First Aid and CPR training

The ideal candidate will bring advanced knowledge of arboriculture, climbing and rigging techniques, hazard assessment, and safe work practices. The candidate will demonstrate strong leadership abilities, effective communication skills, and the capacity to plan and prioritize tasks independently. The role requires proficiency in evaluating tree conditions, performing technical pruning and rigging, overseeing crews, troubleshooting work-site challenges, maintaining detailed records, and operating and maintaining specialized equipment. The ideal candidate will also be able to work in a safety-sensitive environment, collaborate with colleagues, address public concerns professionally, and perform strenuous physical labor in demanding outdoor conditions, including significant heights and varied terrain.

Pay and Benefits
Starting pay is $34.88 hourly. Brookline offers comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, retirement pension plan participation, generous paid vacation and sick leave, and professional development opportunities.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.