Arborist I-II

Job Responsibilities

• Arcist I:
  • Evaluate requests for trimming and removal of trees along the public right of way and on City property.
  • Plan and administer the electric utility vegetation management program.
  • Oversee tree trimming contractors.
  • Aids in data collection to maintain existing and future tree inventory.
  • Aids in City Tree Board.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Arcist II:
  • Evaluate requests for trimming and removal of trees along the public right of way and on City property.
  • Plan and administer the electric utility vegetation management program.
  • Oversee tree trimming contractors.
  • Serves as liaison to City Tree Board.
  • Provides input and expertise to other City Departments related to trees.
  • Develops and administers plans for street tree management including data management of inventory.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Arcist I:
  • Education/Experience Requirements: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in forestry, arboriculture or related field of study.
  • Certification as an ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist or similar certification is preferred.
  • Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Arcist II:
  • Knowledge Requirements: Knowledge of tree species, plant material and the methods and techniques used in their planting and maintenance.
  • Knowledge of soil and climatic conditions.
  • Knowledge of fertilization, drainage and irrigation systems conducive to the growth of trees.
  • Knowledge of insects and diseases that infect trees and plants in the region and their control and eradications.
  • Knowledge of the tools and equipment used in the planting, maintenance, trimming and removal of trees.
  • Knowledge of current recommended tree trimming practices.
  • Knowledge of accepted industry practices for trimming trees near electric power lines; especially directional tree pruning techniques.
  • Knowledge of electric line clearance and tree trimming principles.
  • Skill in establishing priorities and organizing work.
  • Skill in the use of general office equipment, including a computer, calculator, and copier.
  • Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans.
  • Ability to develop, implement and monitor contracts for outside vendors.
  • Ability to identify problems, conduct research, and develop effective solutions to urban forestry problems.
  • Ability to communicate effectively.
  • Ability to keep accurate records.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Mobility to work in a standard office and field environment, including the use of standard office equipment and specialized equipment generally used in the urban forestry field.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk for long periods of time, walk, stand, bend, squat, and reach while performing office and field duties.
• Must have the visual acuity to read typewritten materials and view a computer screen.
• Must have sufficient speech and hearing to communicate in person and by telephone.
• Must be able to work in an outside environment on a regular basis where heat, cold, inclement weather, dust, fumes and other adverse environmental conditions are common.

Benefits

• Paid vacation and sick leave.
• Paid holidays (maximum 12 per year).
• Health/dental/vision insurance.
• Membership in the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System.
• 5% 401(k) contribution.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for medical and childcare expenses.
• Paid Life Insurance.
• MD Live (Cigna's Telehealth).
• Supplementary benefits including critical care, cancer, accident, medical bridge, long and short term disability and term and whole life insurance.