Arborist I or II

City Of Moorhead•Moorhead, MN

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Moorhead is hiring an Arborist I or Arborist II in the Forestry Division of the Public Works Department. Arborist II is a skilled-trades position performing basic and intermediate work to care for, maintain, plant, replace, inspect, and remove City trees. Arborist I is a semi-skilled position performing basic tree pruning, planting, and removal, operating machinery and equipment, and conducting routine equipment and vehicle maintenance and safety checks. Both roles perform related work as required. The positions work Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The hiring range is $26.15–$27.19 per hour for Arborist I and $28.31–$29.44 per hour for Arborist II. The full salary ranges extend to $36.83 per hour for Arborist I and $39.88 per hour for Arborist II. Employees receive an annual raise on their anniversary date, and the position receives a 6% cost-of-living adjustment in January 2027 under the union contract. The work involves operating forestry vehicles and equipment, maintaining and inspecting tools and equipment, working outdoors in varied conditions, and performing physical labor. Arborist II also maintains the tree database and may lead seasonal personnel. Attendance at off-site courses, trainings, or seminars may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Arborist I: One year of experience in forestry, construction, or another related field, or an associate degree in a related field.
Arborist II: One year of experience in tree trimming and removal or a related field.
Arborist II: ISA Arborist Certification.
Arborist I: Obtain Minnesota Tree Inspector certification within one year of hire.
Maintain Electrical Hazard Awareness Training yearly.
Valid driver's license.
Obtain a valid Class B commercial driver's license with air brake endorsement within six months of hire; training is provided.
Arborist II requires thorough knowledge, and Arborist I requires basic knowledge, of forestry, landscaping, and horticulture as applied to parks and grounds.
Arborist II requires thorough knowledge, and Arborist I requires basic knowledge, of tree maintenance principles, practices, equipment, tools, and materials.
Arborist II requires thorough knowledge, and Arborist I requires basic knowledge, of safe equipment use, operation, and preventive maintenance.
Ability to operate required equipment, including log loaders, boom trucks, chainsaws, pruning tools, branch chippers, and tractors.
Ability to read and interpret operating and maintenance manuals, policies, procedures, technical documents, and diagrams.
Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions.
Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods, often under unfavorable weather conditions, and lift heavy articles.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the general public.

Responsibilities

Prune and remove trees and perform log loader operations.
For Arborist II, perform complex tree removals, individual pruning requests, and stump grinding as directed.
Plant trees on City boulevards and in other public areas.
Operate log loaders, boom trucks, skid steer loaders, chainsaws, and other equipment.
Drive a truck and operate a brush chipper along weekly garbage routes to collect boulevard brush, chip it, and haul it to the compost site.
Perform routine maintenance, inspections, and preventive maintenance on trucks, skid steers, tool cats, power tools, small engines, shop equipment, forestry vehicles, and other equipment.
Provide traffic control and place appropriate signage at work sites.
Operate snow and ice removal equipment to support street maintenance crews.
Process and enter information into computerized systems and maintain records and files.
For Arborist II, maintain the tree database.
Provide information, answer calls and public questions, or refer questions to appropriate personnel.
Perform lead work over seasonal personnel as needed or directed.
Assist other divisions within the department and perform other duties as requested.