Arborist Crew Leader

JOB LOCATION

13645 E Ellsworth Ave Aurora, Colorado 80012-1331

City of Aurora, Colorado

It is an exciting time to work for the City of Aurora, we're growing and looking for dedicated and collaborative individuals to join our team of talented and valued employees. Excellent organizations have a set of principles, or core values, that are used to implement their mission and vision. Those values represent the touchstone for the organization, guiding the decisions of the individuals and the organization. At the City of Aurora, we demonstrate our excellence by modeling the CORE 4 Values of: Integrity, Respect, Professionalism, and Customer Service, and we welcome all who share these values to apply.
 
Why Work for Aurora?

• Make a difference in the lives of real people every day
• Diverse community
• Competitive total compensation package
• Well-Funded General Employees Retirement Plan
• Light rail station minutes away
• On-site fitness center and overall employee well-being programs Internal educational programs to assist with career advancement
• Access to innovation workspaces

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS & WORKING CONDITIONS

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 com