Arborist I

City of Greeley•Greeley, CO

About The Position

The Arborist I performs skilled tree work in the City of Greeley’s urban forestry program. Work focuses on plant health care, insect and disease control programs, scheduled inspections, and problem diagnosis and treatment. The position includes tree planting and maintenance, pesticide application, equipment operation, customer information, and emergency storm response and snow removal duties. The role involves strenuous outdoor labor in varied weather and exposure to hazards including moving machinery and vehicles, electrical current, chemicals, noise, vibration, heights, and roadway traffic. Work may occasionally exceed eight hours per day or 40 hours per week and may begin before 6:00 a.m. or extend past 4:30 p.m. Occasional local travel within the County is required.

Requirements

High school diploma.
One year of experience in urban tree care focused on current arboricultural practices, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year of experience applying pesticides in turf and ornamental categories to control common insect, disease, and/or weed pests.
Current CPR/First Aid certification, or a combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that enables successful performance of the job’s essential functions.
Valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of arboricultural practices and proper tree maintenance and management, including ANSI Z133.1 safety requirements and A-300 standard practices.
Ability to use knots, hitches, and mechanical rope devices in technical climbing and rigging situations, including cranes.
Proficiency operating chainsaws, aerial lift trucks, mini-loaders, tractors, skid-steers, pickup trucks, trucks with trailers, tree spades, brush chippers, and stump grinders.
Knowledge of local tree species, common tree diseases, treatments, and mitigation.
Experience with traffic control and ability to assess and coordinate traffic control needs in a standardized manner.
Ability to resolve conflicts using problem-solving techniques and interact effectively with upset citizens.
Strong written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and public relations skills.
Ability to work additional hours when needed, meet program goals, and establish cooperative working relationships with employees, other departments and divisions, and the public.
Ability to maintain and access accurate records.
Ability to operate hand tools, power tools, light trucks, and tractors; follow verbal and written instructions and established safety policies; and work independently or with others.
Ability to perform strenuous labor in all types of weather, work at heights over 20 feet, and move over rough, uneven, and rocky surfaces.
Ability to exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, 50 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.
Ability to bend, twist, and reach to load and unload equipment, supplies, and tools; make repetitive wrist, hand, and finger movements; and perceive sounds and receive detailed oral information.
Successful completion of required pre-employment screenings and employment eligibility verification.

Nice To Haves

International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist certification.

Responsibilities

Operate and maintain equipment including tree spades, brush chippers, log loaders, stump grinders, backhoes, loaders, mini-loaders, chainsaws, traffic attenuators, and aerial lifts.
Plant trees according to industry-standard specifications.
Apply pesticides throughout the season to control disease, insects, and weeds.
Provide internal and external customers with information about arboricultural practices.
Perform 24-hour emergency storm response and snow removal duties in coordination with the Culture, Parks and Recreation Department.
Maintain a clean, safe, and organized working environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.