May 31, 2026

Grounds Maintenance Supervisor (Arboriculture)

Job Description

WHO WE ARE

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.

Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

Benefits - We care about your well-being.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Equal Access to Civil Service Testing

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov. For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at janine.labletta@phila.gov. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:

  • work.phila.gov
  • https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
  • www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
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  • www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
  • www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr

General Definition

This is parks and recreation or water landscape and grounds maintenance work at the second supervisory level planning, directing and coordinating through subordinate supervisors one of the following: a district-wide landscape improvement program; or a horticultural program for the Parks and Recreation horticultural center; or green stormwater infrastructure program for the Water Department; or a community life improvement program for the Managing Directors Office. Employees in this class direct a tree, grounds or horticultural center maintenance care program through subordinate supervisors. Work includes responsibility for establishing priorities and assuring that maintenance schedules are established and carried out. Reviewing and controlling program implementation through subordinate crew chiefs are significant aspects of the work. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative superior.

CONTACT INFORMATION
The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is

Diana Salcido
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Phone: 215-685-5835
Fax: 215-686-2317
Email: diana.salcido@phila.gov

For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or emailhrhelpdesk@phila.gov

Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information

ELIGIBLE LIST: DEPARTMENTAL-ONLY PROMOTIONAL
Only a departmental promotional eligible list for the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department will be established as a result of this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.

To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence on this application. This response will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.

Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.

ELIGIBLE LIST:


An Eligible List will be established the week of June 29, 2026. Please note that this date may change.

TEST REVIEW


In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

Level of Education Required

High School/ GED


Minimum Acceptable Training and Experience

ANTICIPATED ELIGIBILITY
Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 6 months of the application deadline will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.


1. CIVIL SERVICE STATUS:
Presently employed by the City of Philadelphia with permanent Civil Service status in the Department of Parks & Recreation with a performance rating of Satisfactory or higher.
AND


2. EDUCATION
:

Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade.

AND

ARBORICULTURE SPECIALTY
3.GENERAL EXPERIENCE:
Two years of experience in the care and maintenance or inspection of trees.
AND

4. SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE:
Two years’ experience supervising the activities of a crew engaged in an extensive tree care and maintenance program.

OR

Two years of technical arboriculture experience, assisting the contract administrator, in the inspection and monitoring of tree planting, trimming and removal projects.

CLASSES THAT TYPICALLY MEET THE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Arboriculture Specialty Only
Tree Maintenance Crew Chief (7N25)
Park Projects Technician (Arboriculture Specialty) (7N29)

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS, AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment, if required by work assignment.

ID

6f8c7ce9e492780535ba8257c07be3d5