Arborist

About the Role

Performs skilled and unskilled work in the maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants on city-owned public lands, including parks, athletic fields, and areas adjacent to City facilities. Operates moderate-sized equipment as required and reports to the assigned Parks & Public Lands Manager.

Responsibilities

• Perform arboriculture work in the care and maintenance of the City’s public trees and plants, following International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards (ANSI300) for tree selection, planting, pruning, training, removal, stump grinding, mulching, fertilizing, disease identification and treatment, and other urban forestry practices.
• Conduct City Ordinance abatement tasks related to trees and vegetation, including field inspections of landscape installation and related permits.
• Operate and maintain equipment and tools safely and efficiently, including trucks, bucket trucks, aerial lifts, wood chippers, chain saws, hand saws, stump grinders, loaders, safety harnesses, climbing saddles, rigging ropes, and tackle.
• Use and maintain appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and safety equipment, ensuring the safety of self, co-workers, and the public.
• Supervise and train staff in Parks & Public Works divisions, including assigning work, evaluating performance, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and addressing employee-related issues.
• Inspect woody and herbaceous plants to determine needs for removal, pruning, training, spraying, or other treatments.
• Maintain records of time, materials, and supplies; prepare contract documents and reports.
• Perform a variety of maintenance and repair tasks for Parks and Recreation and Public Works areas and facilities, such as tree risk assessments, grass cutting, urban forestry, custodial work, construction, equipment operation, and equipment repair.
• Oversee planting, pruning, and removal of woody and herbaceous plants; keep and submit records and reports.
• Interact and communicate with supervisors, City personnel, co-workers, customers, and the public.
• Perform other assigned duties efficiently and prudently.

Requirements

• Associate’s Degree supplemented by at least three years of experience in arboriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Must possess or obtain an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist Certificate within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must obtain the most recent FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800 Incident Command System certifications within 6 months of employment.

Note: Employees may be required to perform incidental duties not explicitly listed in the job description at the discretion of the City.