The City of Hillsboro's Public Works department is searching for a Senior Engineering Technician within our Urban Forestry division. This position plays a key role in enhancing environmental quality, public health, and community well-being through the sustainable management of trees on public lands, rights-of-way, and city-owned properties. The Urban Forester Technician works collaboratively with city departments, residents, and external partners to implement urban forestry programs, enforce tree ordinances, and promote tree education and engagement.
You will be building a climate-resilient and equitable urban forest that supports canopy health, climate resiliency, equity and community building. You will assist in the planning, implementation, and stewardship of tree-related initiatives that mitigate climate impacts, reduce urban heat, and expand canopy coverage—especially in historically underserved neighborhoods.
Under the direction of the assigned supervisor, the Senior Engineering Technician performs specialized technical activities in support of technical engineering operations. Responsibilities, as assigned, include providing customer service; gathering, compiling, and/or analyzing data for inventory studies and calculations; conducting and overseeing tree protection projects, technical tasks, and initiatives; inventory projects; maintaining data; performing field inspections and associated field work; and testing equipment for operability.
The Senior Engineering Technician - Urban Forestry position is under the general Senior Engineering Technician job classification.
Responsibilities Include:
-
Assist and support with urban forestry plans, policies, and best practices.
-
Support, review and update tree inventories and assessments using GIS and tree management software.
-
Support planting events, coordinate pruning, removal, and maintenance of public trees.
-
Assist with Monitor tree health and respond to and plan management for pest, disease, and storm damage issues.
-
Support with Community Engagement & Education
-
Assist in public outreach initiatives, including Arbor Day events, tree giveaways, and workshops.
-
Serve as a liaison to neighborhood groups, schools, and environmental/regional/community organizations.
-
Provide technical guidance to residents on tree care and species selection.
-
Provide guidance to municipal tree ordinances
-
Review development plans for tree planting/preservation/care compliance.
-
Coordinates with permitting team for tree work and conduct site inspections.
-
Collaborate and support planning, engineering, transportation, stormwater, parks, city managers office and water departments on green infrastructure, climate action plan and canopy goals.
-
Data & Reporting
-
Maintain accurate records of tree work, permits, and urban forest master plan metrics.
-
Prepare reports and presentations for various departments and the public.
-
Track progress toward canopy cover, climate resilience, and biodiversity targets.
Current Upcoming Projects to Support in:
Climate Resiliency & Canopy Growth
-
Implement urban forestry strategies that align with the city’s climate action and resilience plans.
-
Prioritize tree planting and maintenance in heat-vulnerable and low-canopy neighborhoods.
-
Integrate green infrastructure and nature-based solutions into urban forestry planning and solutions.
Equity-Centered Community Engagement
-
Build relationships with frontline communities to co-create tree planting and stewardship programs.
-
Facilitate inclusive public outreach, multilingual education, and culturally responsive engagement.
-
Partner with schools, nonprofits, and community leaders to promote environmental equity and tree canopy development.
Urban Forest Management
-
Conduct, review and update tree inventories and canopy assessment data using GIS and internal Inventory database
-
Support oversight with planting, pruning, and maintenance of public trees with a focus on long-term sustainability.
-
Provide guidance to Urban Forestry team to climate-related tree risks such as drought, pests, and extreme weather events.
Policy & Planning
-
Support the development and enforcement of tree ordinances that promote equitable canopy distribution.
-
Review development and infrastructure projects for tree preservation and climate adaptation.
-
Collaborate with planning, transportation, stormwater, parks and public works teams to integrate trees into resilient city design.
PreferredQualifications:
-
Experience: 3+ years of experience in urban forestry, municipal tree care, or a related field.
-
Experience: 2+ years of public facing/engagement role in any role that can demonstrate community engagement and excellent communication skills.
-
Certifications: ISA Certified Arborist Credentials (or ability to obtain within 6 months & ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) preferred (or ability to obtain within 1 year).
Skills:
-
Knowledge of tree biology, species identification, and urban tree care practices.
-
Familiarity with GIS, tree inventory software (e.g., Tree Keeper, i-Tree), and Microsoft Office Products.
-
Strong communication, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills.
-
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs.
Education and Experience:
Associate’s degree in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, Natural Resources, and at least three years related experience or in a closely related field; field inspection, surveying work, and/or data or computer analysis, including lead worker responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
Recruitment Timeline:
Posting Opens: 7/10/2026
Posting Closes: 8/2/2026
First Round Interviews: End of August
Timeline is subject to change based on City and Departmental needs.
Application Instructions:
To ensure your application receives full consideration, please complete all sections of the online application thoroughly. Please note that Resumes and Cover Letters will not be accepted and should not be submitted in place of the completed application. Please see the guidelines below to successfully submit your application:
-
Include detailed information about your work experience, education, and relevant qualifications directly in the application. Taking the time to provide complete and accurate information helps the review panel fully understand your background and experience.
-
Please answer all supplemental questions thoughtfully and thoroughly. Your responses provide valuable insight into your qualifications and experience. They will help the hiring manager better understand how your background aligns with the needs of the position.
-
Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
-
Only Veterans’ Preference documents will be reviewed as attachments.
Why Work forHillsboro?
At the City of Hillsboro, we’re committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.
When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:
-
Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
-
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
-
paid time off for vacation, sick leave, holidays, and more
-
Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to boost your future savings
-
City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
-
Extra perks like bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
-
Free TriMet annual Hop pass and SHARC recreation access for you and your family
-
Paid time off to volunteer in the community through Hillsboro Helps
-
Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
-
A supportive workplace that values work/life balance and employee wellness
To learn more about our robust benefits package please click here.
Bilingual Incentive Pay
Preference may be given to candidates who are bilingual in English and Spanish. Employees who demonstrate proficiency in Spanish, or in any language spoken by more than ten percent (10%) of City residents as identified by the most recent U.S. Census, may be eligible for a bilingual pay premium. To qualify, employees must successfully pass a City-administered fluency assessment. Eligible employees will receive a monthly premium equal to three percent (3%) of their regular base pay.
Commitment To Diversity
Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.
