Description

Trees don’t just grow tall on their own; they thrive because of skilled hands and thoughtful care. We’re looking for someone who sees a tree not just as bark and leaves, but as a living piece of the community. As our Arborist Crew Leader, you’ll guide a team like a conductor leading an orchestra, making sure every branch, root, and rope climb hits the right note.

This role is about more than chainsaws and safety harnesses. It’s about growing people as much as trees. You’ll train and mentor your crew, keep operations running smoothly, and ensure our city’s green canopy remains healthy and strong. One day you might be climbing high into the canopy, the next you’re on the ground leading storm response or troubleshooting equipment. No two days are ever the same for tasks, unless, of course, you are talking about the satisfaction of leaving things better than you found them.

If you’ve got the leadership chops, a passion for preserving the urban forest, and the ability to balance people, projects, and pruning shears, this could be your next great climb.

The deadline to submit applications is Sunday, November 2, 2025. 

Please note that the City of Aurora will conduct ongoing screenings of applications on a first-come, first-served basis. As soon as we determine that we have a qualified pool of applicants, this position may close quickly and without notice. 

Hiring salary $27.75 - $34.68/hour 
Salary to be commensurate with experience
 

This position serves as lead worker over an assigned crew of maintenance workers engaged in skilled tree maintenance programs.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Plans and/or assigns work operations.
• Maintains records and reports and equipment.
• Trains assigned personnel.
• Plants and cares for plant material
• Operates machinery needed in the maintenance of trees including aerial lift operation.
• Climbs trees to perform maintenance work using industry accepted rope and saddle techniques.
• Follows preservation guidelines and practices protective procedures on trees.
• Maintains equipment and landscape systems.
• Runs tests, troubleshoots, coordinates contractor and volunteer service work.
• Assists with public relations projects and helps resolve citizen complaints.
• May perform and/or direct snow removal activities and 24-hour emergency storm response activities.
• May also be required to operate heavy equipment.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED. College-level coursework in horticulture or arboricultural and/or industry certification is preferred.
• At least 4 years progressively responsible experience related to urban forestry, including at least 1 year supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Must have tree climbing skills with a rope and saddle. 
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of methods and processes to nurture and maintain trees.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety practices common to tree preservation programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and citizens.
• Handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to organize, coordinate, and direct the work of others.
• Ability to work in unpleasant and sometimes hazardous conditions. 

Skills:

• Skill in monitoring the work of assigned personnel.

Licenses, Certificates, or Equipment Required:

• Ability to obtain Class B Colorado Commercial Driver's License with tanker certification within 60 days of hire.
• Required to have completed or begin defensive driving and CPR and First Aid certification within six months of hire.
• Ability to obtain ISA Certified Arborist within 6 months of hire.
   

This position may require the incumbent to occasionally use personal equipment (e.g. vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

 Physical Demands: 

• Moderate to heavy physical work depending on assigned function.
• Heavy physical work requiring the ability to frequently lift up to 50 pounds with or without assistance and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Considerable walking and standing.
• Frequently performs activities requiring a full range of body motion including pushing, pulling, bending, stooping/crouching, and climbing.
• Considerable hand/eye and hand/foot coordination for operation of tools, equipment, and vehicles.
• Speech communication to give instructions and information to employees.
• Vision to read manuals and gauges and operate equipment.
• Hearing/listening for instructions, troubleshooting, and warning signals.