Arborist I

Supervision

• Works under the general supervision of the Community Forester.
• May provide close to general supervision to temporary, seasonal, and/or part‑time staff.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates inspection of trees for removal or pruning; schedules and conducts inspections.
• Performs routine tree maintenance; plants and transplants trees.
• Determines pruning or removal needs in emergencies or other situations that may negatively impact public health, welfare, or safety.
• Stimulates healthy plant growth through custom pruning, cutting, and proper fertilization methods.
• Controls insects and disease through proper cultural practices and chemical methods where needed.
• Operates a variety of small and light equipment such as chain saws, pruning equipment, backhoes, loaders, trenchers, and various hand tools.
• Performs public‑relations duties to support and educate the public about forestry programs; prepares media releases; plans and coordinates city Arbor Day activities; delivers presentations to civic groups.
• Assists the public in complying with city ordinances, advises on tree selection, and provides tree‑care information.
• Maintains inventory of street and city‑owned trees; supervises volunteer crews collecting data for a city‑wide inventory; assists with computerized records.
• Coordinates and assists in long‑range planning of the urban forestry program, including future planting, pruning, and removal goals.
• Designs and coordinates planting and care of city‑owned landscaped areas (shrubs, annuals, perennials, etc.); applies horticultural methods, fertilization, and pest‑control practices; purchases planting materials.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• One to two (1‑2) years of experience in forestry, botany, arboriculture, horticulture, silviculture, ecology, or a related field.
• High School Diploma.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of maintenance equipment (backhoe, loader, dump truck, mowers, tractor, power overseeders, aerators, thatchers, trimmers, etc.) and associated safety precautions.
• Interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to apply chemicals effectively for abatement and eradication of noxious weeds and insects.
• Physical capability to frequently lift 35–50 lb and occasionally lift 75–100 lb or more; tolerance of weather extremes.
• Strong verbal and written communication; ability to develop effective working relationships with supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
• Proficiency in tree pruning and removal, including technical rigging, aerial bucket operation, and rope‑saddle climbing.

Special Qualifications

• Certified Arborist within one year of hire.
• Certified Weed and Pest Control Applicator within one year of hire.
• Valid Utah driver’s license and compliance with the city’s Motor Vehicle policy.
• May be required to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Work Environment

• Varied physical activities involving muscular strain (walking, standing, stooping, lifting, sitting, reaching, etc.).
• Talking, hearing, and seeing are essential to job performance.
• Requires common eye, hand, and finger dexterity.
• Mental application involves memory for details, verbal instructions, and discriminating thinking.
• Daily exposure to changing weather conditions and seasonal elements.
• Frequent local travel required as part of normal job performance.
• Position is subject to random drug and alcohol testing.