Assistant City Arborist

Assistant City Arborist

Location

Parks & Landscape, 1702 Burnett Blvd., Wilmington, NC

Job Type

Full Time-Regular

Job Number

FY26-00182

Department

Asset and Property Management

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Post-Offer Required Pre-Employment Screenings

Driving History Check

Criminal History Check

Background Investigation

Education Verification

Drug Screen

Post Offer Employment Testing

Approved Hiring Salary/Range

$72,210.32 - $93,896.66

Full Salary Range

$72,210.32 - $115,549.72

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

One City. One team. One mission.

Do you want to make a direct impact on the health of the urban forest and public safety by managing trees along City streets, sidewalks, parks, and rights-of-way?

We are looking for an Assistant City Arborist to oversee the management and operations of the Forestry program within the Landscape Maintenance Division. Responsibilities include supervising tree crews; inspecting, prioritizing, and coordinating tree maintenance and removal work in response to citizen requests and identified safety concerns; and ensuring the health and safety of trees located within City rights-of-way, streets, and parks. The position is responsible for conducting tree inspections, maintaining accurate tree inventory and work records through computerized systems, monitoring the quality and safety of crew activities, and responding to citizen inquiries. Additional duties include coordinating with contractors and other City departments on special projects, supporting emergency response operations, procuring equipment and supplies, and assisting with budget planning and development.

The work environment is dynamic and team-oriented, combining outdoor, administrative, and project-based responsibilities. Staff support one another daily through shared problem-solving, cross-training, and open communication.

Career development is a core part of the department philosophy. Advancement pathways, cross-department collaboration opportunities, and skill-based growth allow team members to continually develop. Access to professional workshops, certifications, and industry training ensures employees can confidently build a long-term career with the City.

Please note: City Council has approved a Living Wage increase, and the salary shown in this posting will take effect beginning July 1

Typical Tasks

• Supervises tree crew in performing their work by overseeing work completed, implementing hiring and termination decisions, delegating work to afterhours crews, prioritizing work, establishing work schedules, and participating in after-hours on-call program.
• Responds to customer inquiries and complaints by seeking resolution to issues and enters emergency requests into database.
• Assists with budget preparation; purchases tools, supplies, and equipment; and maintains proper resource allocations.
• Responds to emergency tree calls and special projects by investigating and completing emergency tree calls, overseeing contractors, and working with other departments and outside organizations on special projects as needed.
• Assists with development of tree planting plans

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree and three years of relevant and progressively responsible experience in tree, landscape, or natural resources management; High School Diploma and five years of relevant progressively responsible experience in tree, landscape, or natural resources management; or equivalent combination of education, experience, and training to sufficiently perform the essential functions of the position.

Additional Requirements

• Class B CDL
• ISA Certified Arborist credential required.
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or ability to obtain within one year.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local policies, procedures and codes, operational hazards and necessary precautions applicable to arboricultural practices.
• Ability to plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of technical personnel.
• Skilled in utilizing communication and interpersonal skills applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we are creating a better city every day with excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options
• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k) account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System
• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic
• Free on-site city gym access
• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13 paid holidays per year
• 6-weeks paid parental leave
• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community
• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives
• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Health Benefits are offered to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Health Insurance - The City offers two options for health coverage: a standard PPO plan and a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire for employees and their eligible dependents. Both you and the City contribute to the overall cost of coverage.

Dental Insurance - Coverage becomes effective the first day of the month following hire. Employees, their spouse and dependent children are eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance - The city pays to provide coverage valued at one times your annual salary. Supplemental insurance is available for employees to purchase. Optional coverage for dependents is also available for purchase.

Retirement:

• NC Local Government Retirement System - All benefits eligible employees make a mandatory 6% contribution every pay period.
• Deferred Compensation - The city contributes an amount equal to 4.5% of the annual salary to a 401(k) plan regardless of employee contribution. Employees may choose to contribute additional money to the 401(k) or 457 deferred compensation plans, without a match from the City, within the IRS guidelines.

Paid Leave (offered to employees working at least 1,000 hours annually*):

• Sick Leave - 12 days accrued each year
• Annual Leave - Accrual based on years of service and classification. Employees can earn from 10 to 24 days each year.
• Holidays - 13 paid holidays annually
• Paid Parental Leave - Six weeks of paid leave for the birth, adoption or placement of a child (must run concurrently with FMLA).
• Part-Time Employees will earn paid leave benefits on a pro-rated basis.

Miscellaneous:

• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Cancer & Critical Illness
• Accident Insurance
• Whole Life Insurance
• Credit Union membership

Note: The City of Wilmington is on a bi-weekly pay cycle. New employees should expect to recieve their first paycheck approximately 3 weeks after their start date.

This is intended to be a brief overview of the benefits offered. Please visit our website at https://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/Government/Departments-Divisions/Human-Resources/Benefits for more information.

01

I understand that for my application to be considered, I must thoroughly complete the work experience and education portions of the application form to demonstrate my qualifications for this job. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

• Yes

02

What type of valid driver's license do you currently possess?

• Standard
• Class B CDL
• Class A CDL
• None

03

Which best describes your highest level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Vocational/Technical Training or Certificate
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• None - N/A

04

How many years of progressively responsible experience in tree, landscape, or natural resources management do you have?

• I have no experience
• less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

05

Please identify the company/agency/organization where you gained the experience described in question #4. Note: These employers must be listed in the work history section on your employment application to receive credit. Entering "N/A or "See Resume/Application" does not qualify as an acceptable response.

06

Do you possess an ISA Certified Arborist certification?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) or ability to obtain within one year?

• Yes
• No

08

The hiring salary for the position is posted on the job posting. Salary determination is supported by budget availability and qualifications of the candidate to maintain internal equity. Please acknowledge that you understand this process.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Wilmington

Address PO Box 1810

929 N. Front Street, 11th Floor

Wilmington, North Carolina, 28401

Phone 910-341-7840

Website http://www.wilmingtonnc.gov/jobs