Arborist

General Overview of Position

Example of Duties & Responsibilities

• Plants, prunes, trims, removes and sprays trees and shrubs on City streets and parks.
• Required to apply pesticide as needed.
• Inspects trees for disease damage and infection; administers chemicals and solutions to treat diseased trees and shrubs.
• Operates motorized and mechanical equipment including trucks, tractors, aerial lift, log loader, chipper, grinder, tree spade in tree pruning, removal and planting; operates various hand held pruning equipment.
• Maintains record of activities.
• Establishes and maintains effective public relations with citizens.
• Assists in snow and ice removal activities.

• Performs other work as requested or assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; with additional coursework in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture or closely related field;
• Supplemented by three (3) years of experience in arboriculture, pruning and removing trees; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Pesticide application license at time of application or ability to obtain within the probationary period.

• ISA certification required by end of probationary period or time specified by department.

• Knowledge of tree trimming methods, techniques and equipment.
• Knowledge of the disease and harmful insects affecting trees and shrubs.
• Knowledge of safely climbing trees using ropes and spurs or other techniques at high elevations from tree limbs, ladders, ropes and motorized equipment.
• Knowledge of tools and equipment utilized in tree pruning and removal.
• Ability to climb trees safely.
• Ability to work safely at considerable heights.
• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods and to withstand exposure to variable weather conditions.
• Ability to plan and organize the work of others.
• Ability to use tools and equipment utilized in tree pruning and removal.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations.
• Ability to keep records and make reports.
• Skill in the use of tree trimming and tree removal tools and equipment.

• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

• Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items; or

• may involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments or both; or the sustained operation with associated equipment.

• Task requires that work be performed in adverse environmental conditions.

• Task requires color perception and discrimination.
• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.
• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.
• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.
• Task requires texture perception and discrimination.
• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.

• Task requires oral communications ability.

• Possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and a good driver's record.

Method of Selection

Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon a rating of their training, experience and work record. The selection process may include written and/or oral examinations. Appointment will be made in accordance with City policy and the Civil Service Ordinance and Rules and Regulations. The City reserves the right to evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the City.