Arborist

Job Summary

Supervises and participates in an urban forestry management program designed to optimize the health, beauty and safety of the City’s trees and other landscaped areas. All other work as assigned.

Examples of Duties

• Oversees all trees and plantings in the City owned right of way and on city owned properties. Establishes and maintains care programs for city trees and plantings.
• Inspects tree and landscape installations within the public right of way to ensure compliance with the city’s specifications and standards.
• Reviews and develops policies, standards and procedures pertaining to tree and landscape maintenance.
• Maintains and updates the city’s computerized tree inventory.
• Conducts periodic surveys to prioritize removal and/or pruning of city trees to enhance public safety.
• Reviews landscape plans submitted to the City Planning Department to ensure compliance with City specifications and standards.
• Monitors and enforces compliance with City Tree Ordinance.
• Schedules and supervises outside contractors and consultants retained by the city to provide tree and landscape services.
• Manages tree related programs including, but not limited to, the City’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Program.
• Prepares and administers grant proposals to augment the city’s tree care budget.
• Performs duties in accordance with established procedures and techniques, requiring independent judgment in operating equipment.
• Ensures time and work is accounted for on written work orders as appropriate.
• Conducts general maintenance and works in conjunction with Department of Public Works and other City staff as required or necessary.
• Ensures work is performed in accordance with established safety and operational procedures and techniques, requiring independent judgment in operating equipment.
• May assist in public works related emergency repair or maintenance situations as required, including assisting with snow removal activities.
• Makes frequent contact with other city department personnel related to Department of Public Works activities and with the public.
• Supports the coordination of activities between all the staff and other departments within the city and performs other necessary tasks or functions as necessary to accomplish City and Department goals and objectives.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in Arboriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, or associated field with five years of experience in urban forestry, parks and/or landscaping activities; additional experience may be substituted for a degree on a two-for-one year basis.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License with air brake and tanker endorsement within six months of hire.
• Certified Arborist status from the International Society of Arboriculture, or ability to obtain within twelve months.
• Possession State of Vermont pesticide applicator certificate 3A category.

Supplemental Information

• Working knowledge of and ability to stay updated and implement arboricultural best practices, landscaping materials, methods, and maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective maintenance programs for city’s turf and trees.
• Demonstrated ability to review landscaping and tree preservation plans and conducts on-site inspections to ensure compliance with city specifications and standards.
• Demonstrated ability to operate power tools and equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and carry out instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to climb trees for pruning and removal.