Utility Arborist

This position is open until filled. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you enjoy meaningful work and making a difference in your community? The opportunity to serve the City of Westerville and its citizens as a Utility Arborist in the Electric Division could be for you! Read below to learn more about the position and to submit your application.

Established in 1898, the Westerville Electric Division is a Public Power Community and has served the City of Westerville for more than 120 years. The Division is staffed with exceptional personnel who work collaboratively to assure more than a 99.999 percent reliability rate to Westerville’s customers. Staff members include lineworkers, arborists, engineers, business personnel, safety personnel, traffic technicians, and more. Employees of the Westerville Electric Division experience fast- paced and exciting opportunities; current projects include significant infrastructure improvements, AMI 2.0 initiatives, electric vehicle (EV) charging, solar incentive programs, electric demand reduction initiatives, and many more. This work has led to Westerville's recognition as an innovative national leader in the Public Power community. The City is looking for a candidate with a high degree of technology experience as well as the desire to be a part of a fast paced team.

Note: This is skilled technical work in the care and maintenance of trees. Work involves climbing, trimming and removing trees, operating heavy equipment, chain saws, chippers, and other power and hand tools and interacts with customers.Work is performed under the general supervision of the Electric Utility Forester. Employee must be able to make correct decisions regarding the removal of tree limbs from live electric lines during tree trimming activities, in compliance with established safety procedures. The employee provides guidance and direction to other employees assisting with tree removal jobs. Work is reviewed through observation of completed projects for quality and adherence to policy.(May not include all duties performed.)

• Performs assignments of trimming and removing trees and stumps, broken and damaged limbs; assures that proper safety precautions and procedures are followed.
• Climbs trees; removes and trims trees, using specialized equipment and hand and power saws. Follows industry recognized best management practices. 
• Trims and removes trees to assure adequate clearance for overhead utilities. 
• Removes split and damaged limbs from storm damaged trees; removes limbs from power lines; removes trees and limbs fallen into streets.
• Assesses pruning requirements of trees and easements; decayed or insect infested trees; determines whether trees should be removed.
• Operates bucket truck, pole pruners; operates a variety of standard power and hand tools and specialized equipment such as chain saws, chippers; maintains, repairs, and replaces damaged equipment such as chainsaws.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Possession of a high school diploma and three years of experience in tree work, especially with regard to trimming trees; or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:
• Considerable knowledge of standard hand and power tools and equipment used in line-clearance tree trimming activities.
• Considerable knowledge of safety standards and practices relative to working near overhead power lines.
• Knowledge of tree trimming practices, techniques and equipment.
• Ability to read and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to operate equipment and trucks in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor, including climbing trees, climbing ropes, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting heavy objects.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other employees and the general public.
• Availability for twenty-four hour emergency call-ins.

• Possession of a valid Ohio commercial Class A with Air Brakes Driver's License.
• Possession of valid First Aid and CPR Training Certification.
• Possession of a valid Electric Hazard Awareness Training Certification.
• Possession of International Society of Arboriculture – Certified Arborist Certification.

Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: At the City of Westerville, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for serving and empowering all people both in our organization and community. The City ensures that service is accessible, responsive and inclusive for a thriving, sustainable and connected Westerville.

Salary : $52,645 - $75,171