Arborist III (Austin Parks and Recreation)

City of Austin

2d•$24 - $28•Onsite

About The Position

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. Job Description: Purpose: Duties, Functions and Responsibilities: Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to Arborist I and Arborist II positions; plans and oversees daily on-site work logistics. Inspects trees to evaluate pruning or removal needs to ensure public safety, aesthetics, and tree health. Documents tree and vegetation pruning requirements and specifications, prepares work orders and time estimates, implements work orders, oversees contractors performing tree and/or vegetation maintenance, updates tree inventory data, and communicates management decisions to the public. Reads and interprets work plans, assigns job duties as a working crew leader, ensures work is performed safely, and inspects completed work to ensure compliance with required specifications and/or tree maintenance contracts; acts as supervisor as needed. Climbs trees according to industry standards, working at height to perform tree pruning and tree removal activities. Utilizes advanced rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, tree trunks, and storm debris for public safety and protection of infrastructure. Operates Water Truck, Dump Truck, Aerial Lift truck, Grapple Brush truck and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including performing vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintain vehicle records. Provides a leadership role for rotating on-call and in-person emergency response to City-wide weather events during and after normal work hours. Leads in the training of employees and volunteers, and leads and supervises event volunteers and contract vendors. Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Remains informed of laws, policies, regulations, and leads crew members in the proper application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised: Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to crew members and contract vendors. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Knowledge of Best Management Practices in the Tree Care Industry. Knowledge of ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300 Standards. Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods. Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures. Knowledge of GPS and GIS systems. Skill in tree climbing and/or working at heights from an aerial lift. Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations. Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing. Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in data collection and problem solving. 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 train others. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED, plus three (3) years of forestry related experience.
Possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License
Must obtain Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License within three (3) months of employment.
Possess current/valid ISA Arborist Certification.
Obtain ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification within one (1) year of hire.
Knowledge of Best Management Practices in the Tree Care Industry.
Knowledge of ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300 Standards.
Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
Knowledge of GPS and GIS systems.
Skill in tree climbing and/or working at heights from an aerial lift.
Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in data collection and problem solving.
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 train others.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience climbing trees according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
Experience performing tree maintenance according to ANSI standards.
Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
Experience leading a crew responsible for tree maintenance, including tree pruning and removal.
Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corp, Texas Conservation Corp, or Park Ranger Cadets.
Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Responsibilities

Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to Arborist I and Arborist II positions; plans and oversees daily on-site work logistics.
Inspects trees to evaluate pruning or removal needs to ensure public safety, aesthetics, and tree health.
Documents tree and vegetation pruning requirements and specifications, prepares work orders and time estimates, implements work orders, oversees contractors performing tree and/or vegetation maintenance, updates tree inventory data, and communicates management decisions to the public.
Reads and interprets work plans, assigns job duties as a working crew leader, ensures work is performed safely, and inspects completed work to ensure compliance with required specifications and/or tree maintenance contracts; acts as supervisor as needed.
Climbs trees according to industry standards, working at height to perform tree pruning and tree removal activities.
Utilizes advanced rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, tree trunks, and storm debris for public safety and protection of infrastructure.
Operates Water Truck, Dump Truck, Aerial Lift truck, Grapple Brush truck and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including performing vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintain vehicle records.
Provides a leadership role for rotating on-call and in-person emergency response to City-wide weather events during and after normal work hours.
Leads in the training of employees and volunteers, and leads and supervises event volunteers and contract vendors.
Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
Remains informed of laws, policies, regulations, and leads crew members in the proper application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to crew members and contract vendors.