Tree Inspector (Code Compliance)
Tree Inspectors provide important “canopy assurance” services for municipal urban forestry programs. This means that Code Compliance Tree Inspectors help make sure that cut-down trees are replaced and that existing trees are taken care of by property owners.
See the City of Portland Tree Inspector job classification for details.
Interview with Rick Faber, Urban Forestry Compliance Supervisor
To learn more about the Tree Inspector role focused on code compliance, the Tree Bark Newsletter interviewed Rick Faber, Urban Forestry Compliance Supervisor.
Tree Bark
Describe the work that tree inspectors do, in general?
Rick Faber
Tree Inspectors respond to calls from the public to address potential concerns such as dangerous trees and tree code violations.
They communicate with property owners to help them understand their responsibilities for trees on their property and adjacent rights-of-way. They help the public understand tree mitigation and permitting processes. Tree inspectors also follow-up with property owners following tree emergencies about on-going tree hazard and replacement situations.
Tree Bark
What are the skills, abilities, and knowledge candidates need to be a Tree Inspector?
Rick Faber
It’s helpful for Tree Inspectors to have broad arboricultural knowledge. They need to be able to assess trees in general and in terms of potential risk.
Also, Tree Inspectors need strong customer service skills. Tree Inspectors need to be empathetic with community members via in-person meetings, writing, and phone calls. They need to meet people where they are at and with kindness. Tree Inspectors provide guidance for community members who are navigating sometimes challenging and costly situations with regards to trees on their property.
Tree Inspectors need to be computer literate. They need to understand and use computer applications to communicate effectively with the public and internally with other urban forestry professionals. Tree Inspectors document interactions to make sure that we are accountable to the public.
In addition to Tree Inspector, we’ve recently created a new job classification (Code Specialist) and will be recruiting soon for candidates with strong customer service skills and understanding of local government. These positions won’t require an extensive background in arboriculture.
Tree Bark
How do you recommend people get the experience needed to be a strong candidate for Tree Inspector positions?
Rick Faber
Candidates for Tree Inspector positions often come from the private tree care industry. Many already have arboriculture knowledge and skills.
For people in the tree care industry, you can get customer service experience by becoming a crew leader or estimator where you interact with clients. Utility companies have similar public-facing roles doing wildfire risk assessment.
If you can’t get this experience on the job, look for outreach roles as a volunteer. For example, our Urban Forestry’s Outreach team provides training opportunities through the Neighborhood Tree Stewards program. You can also Volunteer for Summer Outreach events.
For people outside of the tree care industry, many skills in terms of customer service, computer skills, and quality assurance are transferrable from other industries. This experience doesn’t have to be tree specific. Learn more about city governance, statues, and how cities operate. Read Portland tree code Title 11 Trees.
For people starting from scratch and wanting to become a Tree Inspector, take classes in arboriculture. Find an entry-level job where you can get to know trees. This can be physically demanding work on a ground crew or climber or as a plant health care technician. Get one-on-one time with trees and find ways to gain experience in customer service.