Forestry Technician

Why Minnetonka?
Supportive culture • Work-life fit• Well-being • Employee-focused • Make a difference
Our greatest asset are our people. City of Minnetonka employees work together to drive change and make a meaningful impact on the community. We support one another in our personal and professional lives. You can expect to make a difference because in Minnetonka you and your work matter.

Job Description

The Forestry Technician supports the City’s Natural Resources Division by assisting with plant pest management, public tree inspections, reforestation projects, tree maintenance activities, and community education. This position provides technical guidance and excellent customer service to residents and City staff, coordinates forestry activities, mentors seasonal employees, and utilizes GIS and asset management software to track, analyze, and report on the City’s community forest. Work is performed under the direction of the City Forester.

Duties/Responsibilities

Essential Job Duties:

• Lead tree inspections by identifying tree species and pests; mentor and guide seasonal inspection staff.
• Assist with the City’s Plant Pest Program, including documentation, reporting, and communication with property owners.
• Inspect and manage public trees along streets and in parks; respond to safety concerns and coordinate and carry out maintenance, pruning, and removals.
• Support tree care operations with staff, including planting, pruning, watering, mulching, spraying, and removals.
• Contribute to the City’s reforestation efforts by selecting planting sites and species, ordering stock, and leading/coordinating crews or volunteers.
• Oversees the City’s annual Tree Sale, including ordering, online setup, and event coordination.
• Assists with coordinating contractor services for stump grinding, pruning, removals, and tree treatments.
• Use GIS and asset management software to update the tree inventory, track work activities, analyze data, and prepare reports to support forestry planning and decision-making.
• Assist with community forestry programs such as Arbor Day events and maintaining Tree City USA status, or other specialty grant projects.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license.
• Demonstrated experience identifying tree species and plant pests.
• MN DNR Certified Tree Inspector (or ability to obtain within one month).
• ISA Certified Arborist (or ability to obtain within one year).

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry, horticulture, natural resources, or related field.
• Experience using GIS and/or asset management software for data collection, mapping, and reporting.
• Experience with hands-on tree maintenance activities

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of tree species, pests, urban forestry practices, tree care, and arboricultural equipment and safety.
• Excellent customer service
• Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local regulations.
• Proficiency with GIS, asset management software, Microsoft Office, and forestry-related applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, including the ability to interpret maps, drawings, and data.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, lead seasonal staff, and effectively engage with residents, contractors, and City staff.

Not Sure You Meet All the Qualifications?
If this role interests you, but you’re unsure about meeting all the listed requirements, we encourage you to apply! Your unique experiences may be more relevant than you think, and we value both technical skills and diverse perspectives.

How to Apply:

Hiring Process:

• Open Job Posting: Requisition is open and accepting applications.
• Selection Process: Qualified applicants join a candidate pool. Hiring managers select candidates for interviews and/or assessments. You’ll be notified if selected.
• Pre-Employment Screening: This may include a driver's license, a criminal history background check, a drug test, a physical exam, a work assessment or simulation, and, if education-based, proof of qualifications.

Contact Us:
For position-related questions, email Katie Xiong at Kxiong@minnetonkamn.gov.

Veteran’s Preference:
Veterans can request preference under MN Statute 197.455 by submitting a DD214 with their application.

Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City of Minnetonka values diversity and does not discriminate based on race, color, creed, age, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance status, or other protected classes.

Visit our Benefits page for more information.