Job Details

Urban Forester

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Salary: $84,406.40 - $114,004.80

Are you rooted in urban forestry and ready to lead with purpose? Here’s your opportunity to build an Urban Forestry Program from the ground up in a community that values its urban canopy!

The Scottsdale Parks & Recreation & Preserve Department is a team of passionate professionals delivering Simply Better Service for a World Class Community. We design exceptional facilities, programs, and experiences that enrich the lives of our residents.

With a culture built on innovation, dedication, and customer service that consistently exceeds expectations, we’re seeking a relationship‑driven, collaborative, and communicative leader to help our city thrive from the ground up.

As Urban Forester, you’ll be the driving force behind the care and stewardship of Scottsdale’s extensive tree canopy. This high‑impact role blends technical expertise, hands‑on fieldwork, and the ability to build trust, influence decisions, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders. You’ll manage tree inventories, review construction plans, train staff in best practices, and guide policy and budget decisions that shape the city’s green future. You’ll also serve as a contract administrator and play a key role in departmental planning and innovation.

Success in this role requires exceptional communication and people skills. You’ll need to translate technical arboriculture concepts into clear, accessible language, whether you’re explaining Arbor Day to a Kindergartener, guiding contractors through best practices, or presenting canopy strategies to city leadership. Your ability to connect with people is just as important as your ability to care for trees.