Sr. Arborist

About the role

The City of Fort Worth is one of the fastest growing large cities in the U.S. Our employees serve the needs of over 1,000,000 residents, promoting our values of exceptional customer experience, mutual respect, embracing our diversity, continuous improvement, ethical behavior, and accountability. The Parks & Recreation Department maintains nearly 300 parks and public spaces citywide as well as provides recreational activities and educational programming that makes Fort Worth a great place to live, work and play. Fort Worth also has one of the most respected municipal forestry programs in the state and is recognized as the oldest Tree City USA in Texas. The role of the selected candidate includes assisting and/or filling-in for crew leaders to perform essential functions in the overall care and maintenance of trees and monitoring crew performance. The position will also ensure the maintenance of a safe working environment for fellow employees and the general public when addressing tree hazards. The selected candidate may also be utilized to interpret landscape plans, verify tree surveys and ensure compliance with proper pruning and planting standards.

Responsibilities

• Proper pruning and removal of limbs, trees and stumps in a safe and efficient manner
• Knowledge and experience operating equipment used in tree pruning and removals
• Identification of occupational hazards and ability to instruct based on standard safety practices
• Training, monitoring and evaluation of subordinate staff
• Operating and troubleshooting forestry-related equipment (chainsaws, blowers, chippers, bucket trucks, etc.)
• Expertise in using assigned equipment and safety devices
• Ability to work in trees at extreme heights using aerial lifts, elevated platforms and using rope and saddle methods
• Comprehension and interpretation of landscape plan sets and tree surveys
• Inspecting completed tree work ensuring compliance to proper standards and specifications
• Participating in job site cleanup (raking, sweeping, shoveling debris); feeding brush and logs into a chipper
• Other duties as assigned to support the overall function of the Forestry Section

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED
• Three (3) years of responsible experience in field construction, tree maintenance, tree climbing, or other operational activities related to Forestry area
• Valid Driver’s License
• Valid Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL‑B)
• Working conditions: Depending on assignment, positions in this class typically require touching, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, walking, repetitive motions, climbing, balancing, pushing, pulling and lifting; incumbents may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, odors, dusts, poor ventilation, chemicals, oils, extreme temperatures, inadequate lighting, intense noises, gases, vibrations and workspace restrictions. Medium work – exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Qualifications

• ISA Certified Arborist (preferred)

Benefits

• 11 Paid Holidays
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Paid Time Off
• Pension Plan
• Professional Development Opportunities

Pay

Pay range: $19.74 – $24.67 hourly ($41,050 – $51,313 annual). This position may qualify for a $2,000 Sign‑On Incentive: 50% paid on completion of first pay period, 50% paid after 6 months of employment.

Schedule

Workdays & Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30am – 3pm, with ability to work a nontraditional schedule on some nights and weekends.