Arborist I

About the Department

Under supervision, the Arborist I performs skilled and manual, often hazardous tasks such as trimming, pruning, spraying, planting and removing trees along City streets, on City property, and in some park areas. Incumbents draw upon training and experience to determine the most appropriate manner in which to perform the operations involved in carrying out assigned tasks. Work is typically performed in teams of workers and periodically individually. Incumbents may serve as lead workers over seasonal/temporary workers. 

Position Duties

Scope of Responsibility:

The Arborist I works under supervision of the Arborist Supervisor, who is often not immediately present at work sites but is typically available by electronic communications media. Work involves considerable risk of harm to personnel, equipment or property, such as tree work near power lines, and considerable liability. Responsible for all equipment issued, in accordance with Public Works Department policy. Provides work direction to seasonal/temporary workers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prunes trees with the use of aerial lift unit or rope and saddle and log loader, to remove damaged or diseased limbs, safety hazards, and appropriately preserve their health.
   1. Determines how and what to prune  on individual trees;
   2. Contacts supervisor when trees need to be removed rather than pruned;
   3. When possible, leaves note for homeowner or discusses with property/homeowner prior to removal.
2. Removes trees and stumps as directed.
   1. Using aerial lift unit, pole saw, chain saws and stump-removal equipment either by one limb at a time or by felling tree to ensure the most safe and efficient manner is followed; 
   2. Disposes of tree branches and other debris resulting from tree and stump removal by loading pieces into chipping machine or log loader.
3. Performs tree planting and care activities.
   1. Participates in the planting and/or transplanting of trees by unloading materials; removing wire and burlap from trees; operating various equipment; adding mulch, watering and staking trees as necessary;
   2. Performs a variety of tree maintenance duties including spraying chemicals, applying fertilizer, mulching, watering, and reinforcing trees with braces and cables.
4. Inspects equipment on a daily basis, prior to operation to ensure proper fuel levels, tire pressure, and overall condition are conducive to safe operation. 
   1. Inspects engine, welds, look for cracks, leaks, etc.;
   2. Performs safety checks of specialized Forestry equipment;
   3. Reports broken parts and malfunctioning equipment to supervisor as needed.
5. Provides assistance to other departments.  May operate a grader, sander and/or loader.
6. While performing the same or similar work as employees under the line of authority, serves as a team leader, assigning particular work to seasonal/temporary employees using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring the employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices.
   1. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss.
7. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
   2. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions;
   3. Routinely interacts with others in the work unit to exchange detailed and/or technical information where the ability to explain concepts is exercised.
8. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
9. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

The job requires a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.) and two or more years of previous experience in caring for trees including the operation of forestry or related equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Arborist Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture and Electrical Line Clearance Qualified, aerial rescue training, and CPR/First Aid Certified are required within one year of hire date. A valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with appropriate endorsement(s) is also required.

Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• Knowledge of common tree species, their proper form and appropriate pruning requirements;
• Knowledge of the proper operation of forestry equipment including aerial lift unit, log loader, and brush chipper;
• Knowledge of common methods and techniques of tree removal and planting;
• Knowledge of fertilizer and chemicals and the proper handling of hazardous materials;
• Skill in performing tree maintenance duties such as pruning and removing of trees with the ability to work at heights of greater than 50 feet in the air around numerous hazards including power lines;
• Skill in proper and safe operation of all forestry equipment;
• Skill in roping techniques;
• Ability to focus and concentrate on work;
• Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have good customer service skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Other Qualifications

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:
Most work is performed outdoors. Work is generally very heavy and involves operating chain saws, bobcats, log loaders, tree spades, stump grinders, wood chippers and other public works related equipment as needed. Work is performed in all weather conditions. Incumbent is required to take appropriate safety precautions. Incumbent may have exposure to injury, trauma, angry individuals, heavy falling objects, chemicals, loud noise, insects, fumes, and adverse road and weather conditions. Work is often in or near streets and power lines. Incumbent spends a part of each day in a City truck. On call 24/7 on a rotational basis.

Incumbents must be able to climb ladders, work in lifts at heights over 50 feet, and walk on uneven surfaces. Occasional lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 100 pounds, frequent lifting, pushing or pulling of up to 50 pounds and regular moving of objects up to 20 pounds is required. Strong attention to detail is required.

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, digital dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing, repetitive motions.

Very Heavy Work: Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.