Arborist I (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin•Austin, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position maintains public trees using a working knowledge of tree pruning, removal, planting, watering, chain saw safety, aerial lift operations, rope and saddle tree climbing, electrical hazard awareness, tree biology, and industry best management practices. The purpose of the Arborist I position will be to drive and operate a 2,000-gallon water truck to water trees daily through the summer and fall months, as well as tree planting, structural pruning, mulching, and inventory updates during the planting season.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, which included the use of power tools or motorized equipment.
Possess a basic understanding of tree pruning, removal, planting, watering, chain saw safety, aerial lift operations, rope and saddle tree climbing, electrical hazard awareness, tree biology, and industry best management practices.
Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
Possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License.
Must obtain Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License and any necessary endorsements within three (3) months of employment.
Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds.
Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists.
Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.

Nice To Haves

Experience with maintaining, operating, and installing irrigations systems.
Experience performing tree planting according to ANSI standards.
Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corps., Texas Conservation Corps., or Park Ranger Cadets.
Current TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Responsibilities

Works in a crew setting to complete assigned work orders for tree planting and maintenance activities and communicates work order status to crew lead.
Uses basic rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, trunks, and storm debris for public safety and infrastructure protection.
Operates water truck, dump truck, aerial lift truck, grapple brush truck, and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintaining vehicle records.
Provides rotating City-wide emergency response to severe weather events during and after normal work hours.
Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
Maintains and updates GIS tree inventory and work management systems.