Hennepin County's Environment and Energy department is seeking two experienced Tree Inspectors to join the Forestry team. These positions will inspect trees on private property, work with homeowners, select planting stock options, plant and maintain trees, attend public meetings and educational programming, as well as interfacing closely with the public, University of Minnesota staff, City staff, green jobs providers, contractors, Productive Day crew leaders and their staff.
Current Hennepin County employees who refer a candidate hired into an open competitive position may be eligible for a $500referral bonus. For more information visit employee referral program. 
Location and hours: 
These positions are hybrid and will be performed in the field and at the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department at 701 Fourth Avenue South, Suite 700, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Typical work hours will be Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. While these positions are designated as hybrid, based on current requirements hires must reside in or relocate to Minnesota or Wisconsin.
New employees who are hired into remote or hybrid positions between January 2, 2022 to December 31, 2024, will receive $500 toward the cost of establishing consistent internet connectivity, payable upon completion of 6 months of employment 
About these position types:
These are limited duration, grant-funded, full-time, benefit earning positions, and will expire upon grant funding completion (estimated to be five years). These positions are internally classified as an Environmentalist.
Click here to view the job classification specification.
 
In these positions, you will: 

• Participate in planning efforts, engage, and collaborate with residents, municipalities, state agencies, educational institutions, volunteer groups and other organizations in support of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) grant activities.
• Meet with resident applicants for verification of relevant trees, verify species, condition, diseases or infestations, as well as structural deficiencies. 
• Inventory trees and the associated tree issues.
• Work with applicants to select replacement trees and locations as well as reinspection of newly planted trees.
• Develop, use and update Geographic Information System (GIS) databases and maps in collaboration with county GIS staff.
• Create work orders based on information gathered during inspections.
• Monitor and report contractor performance to contract manager. 
• Record and compile data based on federally mandated metrics.

Need to have:

• One of the following:
  • Four years or more of experience in work related to the assignment. 
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in physical or natural sciences, environmental health, industrial hygiene, public health, engineering, public or business administration, or a field closely related to the assignment and six months or more of experience in work related to the assignment.
• Current International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist certification or the ability to acquire certification within three months of hire.
• Current ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) certification or the ability to acquire certification within three months of hire.
• Minnesota Tree Inspectors license or the ability to acquire within 60 days of hire.
• A valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a Hennepin County drivers permit.

Nice to have:

• Five years or more of experience:
  • Planning or operating environmental programs involving inter-agency coordination.
  • Working in urban forestry, natural resources or related work.
• Experience:
  • Conducting tree canopy assessments.
  • Working with and overseeing tree and/or landscaping contractors.
  • Working with diverse communities to co-develop strategies to address forestry or other environmental issues.
  • Creating presentations and preparing written documents explaining technical concepts and information for diverse and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of software applications for word processing, spreadsheets, GIS, and tree inventory management.
• Excellent problem-solving, time-management, communication and writing skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to:
  • Manage multiple active projects.
  • Communicate effectively with staff at all levels of the organization, external partners, and the diverse residents of Hennepin County, including the preparation of clear verbal and written presentations.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, and other professions including teams comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds, knowledge, and expertise.

About the department:
The Environment and Energy department protects and preserves the environment to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. We engage communities to develop and enact sustainable solutions. We focus on reducing and responsibly managing waste, protecting and preserving ecosystems, delivering clean energy and promoting environmental stewardship.
About Hennepin County:
Hennepin is the largest county government organization in Minnesota. Our employees work every day to improve the health, safety and quality of life for our residents and communities. All of our jobs align to one or more of our overarching goals -- that Hennepin County residents are healthy, protected and safe, self-reliant, assured due process, and mobile.

Our employees receive a combination of generous benefits and positive workplace culture not found at other organizations. This includes meaningful work that impacts our community, competitive pay, work-life balance, a variety of benefits and opportunities to grow. Learn more at The Bridge (log in as Guest).

Hennepin County envisions an organization where our commitment to diversity and the reduction of disparities is fundamental in providing excellent service to our community.
Your future. Made here.
This posting may be used to fill current and future vacancies.
Invitations to interview will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. Final candidates may be required to complete a criminal background check.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Talent Acquisition Division
Hennepin County Human Resources DepartmentHR.ServiceCenter@hennepin.us612-348-7855#LI