Technician II - Arborist

Under the direction of the Parks Superintendent, implements the City’s Forestry Services Program which includes the health, safety, and aesthetics of public trees within the city. Performs a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to care and maintenance of trees, including the operation and maintenance of various specialized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Follows industry standard best safety practices.
• Perform technical urban forestry functions for tree care operations.
• Perform tree risk assessments and inventory updates, staff safety trainings, and establishment of safe work zones.
• Develop work plans with guidance from the Parks Superintendent.
• Prune, remove, and maintain City-owned trees and other vegetation.
• Respond to tree maintenance needs, citizen concerns, and storm damage situations.
• Plant, water, and mulch trees.
• Perform tree maintenance operations in compliance with industry standards and specifications.
• Coordinate and implement tree pruning rotation and removal programs.
• Determine pruning needs on an individual basis and classify type of pruning work to be performed.
• Respond to issues related to sick, damaged, or hazardous trees.
• Identify tree species and inspect for health and safety, including tree risk assessments.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools.
• Operate and maintain aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck, and skid steer.
• Maintain GIS tree inventory program.
• Oversee and direct the work of field crews.
• Respond to public service requests when assigned.
• Compile required reports regarding daily operations, tree risk assessment, and contract work as needed.
• Recommend and assist in the implementation of forestry goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures.
• Assist other divisions and department staff with forestry problems and situations, as well as provide training to forestry staff and other departments.
• Provide excellent customer service to external and internal customers.
• Assist Parks and Cemetery staff as needed.
• Assist with educational programs such as Arbor Day.
• Assist in preparing and administering bid specifications for contracted tree services.
• Assist in coordinating Tree Contractor Licensing program and administer field tests for contractors.
• May be required to address City Council when needed.
• Provide information to the public relative to tree care and arboricultural practices.
• Attend training, seminars, and meetings as required.

Requirements

• A minimum of 36 months of progressive experience working in the tree pruning and tree removal service industry, including rigging and roping down procedures.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within sixty (60) days of hire, with a driving record acceptable to the City of Cañon City.
• Ability to obtain a Colorado Class “B” Driver’s License, with airbrake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain an ISA Certified Arborist credential within one year of employment.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tree biology, Colorado tree and shrub identification.
• Knowledge of tree care best practices.
• Ability to identify common insects and tree diseases of the front range.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of tree establishment and structural pruning.
• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of job site safety and maintaining a safe workspace using industry standard methods.
• Knowledge of industry standard practices and safety standards.
• Knowledge of safe operation of industry-specific equipment such as chippers, chainsaws, stump grinder, aerial lift, etc.
• Ability to properly maintain, prepare, and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
• Knowledge of modern arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices.
• Knowledge of the use of Asset Management system to inventory trees.
• Ability to read, listen, and follow directions/instructions from supervisory staff.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and interact professionally with coworkers, patrons, supervisors, employees, and vendors.
• Advanced general knowledge of the tree industry preferred.
• Ability to identify tree species and determine health and safety.
• Familiarity with operation of aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck, and skid steer.
• Ability to operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools.
• Skilled in proper pruning techniques, safe tree removal, a variety of climbing techniques and procedures, chainsaw safety, and general best management practices within the arboriculture industry.
• Knowledge of tree climbing skills with rope and saddle and essential PPE.
• Skilled in Aerial Rescue Training.
• Ability to operate aerial equipment and tools at heights up to seventy-five feet.
• Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with crew members, city staff, and the public.
• Ability to competently operate aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck, and skid steer.
• Ability to work at heights up to 75 feet.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 48 months of progressive experience working in the tree pruning and tree removal service industry, including rigging and roping down procedures in a municipal environment.
• Associate's degree in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Horticulture, or other related fields.
• Completion of a Forestry Certificate from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Colorado Class “B” CDL with air brake endorsement.
• Chainsaw Certification.
• Colorado Certified Pesticide Applicators License.
• Possession of an ISA Certified Arborist credential.

Physical Activities

• Performs work outside most of the time, under varying and extreme weather conditions.
• Ability to work in environmental conditions which may include excessive noise, dust, pollen, gases, oils, solvents, and chemicals including a variety of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers.
• Physical demands of the job require lifting, pulling, carrying, and pushing of objects up to approximately 75 pounds.

Schedule

• This position will typically work Monday – Friday but will flex to working weekends and evenings based on seasonal, organizational, or event needs.
• Required to attend occasional City Council meetings and/or other meetings and events after normal work hours.
• Frequent extension of workday to meet deadlines and emergency situations.

Pay

Hourly wage rate: $26.74-$32.76

Benefits

Full-time, non-exempt position with benefits.