Arborist 1 (Trainee Eligible)

Madison, City of • Madison, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Madison Streets and Urban Forestry Division is seeking Arborists to perform skilled manual work in the care and maintenance of City trees, adhering to safety guidelines. Responsibilities include pruning, insect/disease treatment, technical tree removal, planting new trees, and equipment maintenance. This recruitment will fill two vacant positions and create an eligible list for future vacancies within six months. A designation of Arborist Trainee will be given to candidates lacking technical tree climbing skills or minimum qualifications for Arborist 1. Employees receive salary step increases and may be eligible for loan forgiveness. The City encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and values unique experiences and perspectives.

Requirements

• Two (2) years of responsible experience in tree pruning and related tree care activities which involved significant experience in operating specialized tree trimming/pruning equipment.
• OR Two (2) years applying the following: Tree identification, tree care, and the methods, techniques, and equipment used in pruning, insect and disease management, planting, and removal of trees.
• Equipment and techniques necessary to perform the work safely.
• Climbing trees and/or working with equipment at varying heights and angles.
• Familiarity with tree insects and diseases.
• Familiarity with computers and computer software applicable to the duties of the position.
• To be considered at the Arborist 1 level, a candidate will need to demonstrate their technical tree climbing abilities with the use of ropes and harness.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

Nice To Haves

• Technical tree climbing skills with ropes and harness (for Arborist 1 classification)

Responsibilities

• Prune and remove trees in the public right of way and on other City properties.
• Provide information to the public concerning tree pruning and related tree care activities.
• Prune small trees from the ground using a pole saw, hand pruner, or pole pruner.
• Ascend trees using ladders, rope and harness, or other methods.
• Prune or cut branches using chain saws, handsaws, or other equipment.
• Perform tree maintenance with an aerial tower or rope and harness.
• Operate brush chippers, large log hauling trucks, and pull trailers.
• Conduct related inspections and identify and treat diseases, tree injuries, and infestations.
• Prune and remove decayed, diseased, and infested tree parts.
• Prune and/or repair trees damaged by vehicles and storms.
• Apply pesticides for insect or disease issues.
• Pickup, prepare, and plant new trees in the public right of way, and other City-owned properties.
• Operate auger, bobcat, toolcat, forklift, tractor, dump truck, and other related tree planting equipment.
• Use shovels, steel t-posts, and rakes to plant trees.
• Mulch and water newly planted trees.
• Operate, perform related safety checks, and assist in the maintenance of aerial towers, assigned vehicles, chain saws, and other equipment.
• Operate snow removal equipment such as snow plow, snow blower, shovel, bobcat, and toolcat.
• Perform related work as required.

Benefits

• Base salary step increases after successful completion of 6, 18, 30, and 42 months of employment.
• Longevity pay provisions take effect at the beginning of the fifth year of continuous employment.
• Eligibility for loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed