City Forester
The City of Littleton is excited to invite applications for a passionate and experienced forestry professional to serve as City Forester.
In this key leadership role, the City Forester will oversee all aspects of the city’s forestry operations and be responsible for managing urban forestry programs, supervising staff, enforcing forestry codes, and implementing the City’s Forestry Management Plan. The City Forester also maintains the city’s tree inventory and records, ensuring the health and care of trees throughout all stages of life, from planting to mature canopy management.
This position will be heavily involved with the exciting interagency/interdisciplinary Highline Canal Project, which will include numerous sub-projects such as a complete tree inventory and an irrigated tree planting project along Littleton’s portion of the canal.
We’re looking for a dynamic leader who is passionate about urban forestry, highly organized, and ready to collaborate on both short- and long-term goals. This position blends leadership with fieldwork, offering the opportunity to work side-by-side with staff while also shaping the strategic direction of Littleton’s urban forest. Experience working in or with small municipalities is highly desirable.
The City of Littleton is a vibrant community south of Denver and is consistently voted as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and a top place to raise a family. Learn more about everything Littleton has to offer at VisitLittleton.org. Home to a vibrant and historic downtown, and a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, parks and trails, there is a lot to offer to the wonderful people who live and work here. The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to our employees. For more information, see the 2025 Benefit Guide.
The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and our strategies include hiring in at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.
Hiring pay range $86,736 - $91,312 per year
This full-time position is exempt per FLSA and is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Work Schedule: The grounds and forestry team works on a 9/80 schedule. This position will work Monday – Thursday 6 am - 3:30 pm with every other Friday off. The alternating Friday will be 6 am - 2:30 pm. This position may be required to attend council meetings, or other evening meetings.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified or the position is filled, but preference will be given to complete applications received by September 10, 2025. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assists with developing, implementing, and maintaining a comprehensive forestry management program.
Manages city tree planting strategy.
Responsible for tree care including planting/transplanting, trimming, pruning, watering, fertilizing, tree removal, stump grinding, insect and pest identification.
Performs data collection for citywide inventory.
Applies applicable pesticides with consideration of the health and safety of people, plants, and the environment.
Prepares reports and maintains records related to planting and tree care.
Operates machinery needed in the maintenance of trees including aerial lift operation.
Educates and explains forestry standards of street tree maintenance to citizens.
Manages the city’s spring tree (Arbor Day) program.
Serves as crew leader on volunteer work projects.
Maintains equipment for daily use.
Maintains a safe working environment.
Seeks out, applies for and manages grant opportunities.
Enforces city code related to trees.
Reviews and provides recommendations on construction documents.
Manages the city’s arborist license program.
Bids out and manages tree related contract work.
Assists with council and board presentations.
Other duties as assigned.
Performs 24-hour emergency storm response and snow removal duties, as needed, in coordination with other departments.
May serve as an Emergency Worker.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Encourages an environment of collaboration and teamwork.
Selects, trains, and evaluates employees.
Completes assigned supervisory training.
Provides guidance and assists employees in the fulfillment of responsibilities.
Assigns and directs work; addresses and resolves issues.
Manages employee performance through meaningful, timely feedback and check-ins.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Five (5) years of experience in a documented tree climbing environment including at least three (3) years of experience with tree care, diagnosis, and pest identification; or
An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered.
Pesticide Applicator’s License required within first six months of employment.
International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification required within first six months of employment. The city will pay for ISA training and certification.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, motor vehicle records check, drug screen and physical.
Preferred Qualifications:
Forestry related degree
ISA Certifications
TRAQ Certification (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Knowledge of tree biology, Colorado tree and shrub identification.
Knowledge of tree care best practices.
Ability to identify common insects and tree diseases of the front range.
Proper handling, and storage techniques for temporary holding of nursery stock.
Knowledge of industry standard practices and safety standards are required.
Ability to safely operate and maintain industry specific equipment, chippers, chainsaws, stump grinder, aerial lift, etc.
Knowledge of modern arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices for techniques of tree establishment and structural pruning.
Skilled in proper pruning techniques, safe tree removal, a variety of climbing techniques and procedures, chainsaw safety, and general best management practices within arboriculture
Tree climbing skills with rope and saddle and essential PPE.
Skilled in Aerial Rescue Training
Knowledge to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems
Use of Asset Management system to inventory trees.
Ability to learn and operate various GPS and GIS applications.
Basic knowledge of traffic safety precautions.
Ability to perform work safely in close proximity to vehicle traffic.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
Works outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to various chemical related to fertilization and pest control.
Must be able to perform strenuous physical work which involves lifting and handling objects frequently which weigh up to 80 pounds from ground to waist height; ability to walk for 3-8 hours per day
Ability to frequently handle miscellaneous maintenance equipment.
Requires ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, handle, feel, talk, hear voices, equipment engines, approaching traffic, near and/far visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision to perform essential functions of the position.
Must be able to understand verbal information and instruction.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City of Littleton is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and intends to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and job applicants regardless of age, ancestry, color, creed, disability, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law, and to hire and retain the best-qualified individuals without regard to any of these factors. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on a protected class.
The City of Littleton will consider reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment. Applicants and employees can request an accommodation by contacting Human Resources at 303-795-3857 or emailing hr@littletongov.org.
Drug- and Alcohol-Free Workplace
The City of Littleton is committed to the health and safety of all its employees. To ensure a safe and productive work environment the city prohibits the use, sale, dispensation, manufacture, distribution or possession of alcohol, drugs, controlled substances or drug paraphernalia on any city premises or worksites. No employee shall report to work or be at work with alcohol or with any detectable amount of prohibited drugs in the employee's system. A detectable amount refers to the standards generally used in workplace drug & alcohol testing. This prohibition specifically includes marijuana, and decriminalized psychedelics whether used for medical purposes or obtained legally under state law.
