Arborist

City of Rochester • Rochester MN 55904, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This is a skilled position in the Parks and Recreation Department which is responsible for the preventative care, formative pruning, and removal of trees and shrubs to improve appearance, maintain usability, improve plant health and minimize storm damage. Work will require comprehensive knowledge of tree removal techniques to ensure safety on the job. Arborists can see the impact their work has on Rochester’s landscape/environment that will benefit the community for years to come, along with the impact it will have the residents. This position is well suited for those looking to work as a team, primarily outdoors.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or closely related field AND one (1) year of experience performing preventative care, formative pruning, and tree removal.
• Associate's degree or two-year vocational certificate in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or closely related field AND three (3) years of experience performing preventative care, formative pruning, and tree removal.
• A High School Diploma AND five (5) years of experience performing preventative care, formative pruning, and tree removal.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.
• Non-commercial pesticide applicator license categories A and E; State of Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector certification; completion of the Electric Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP); and International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification, within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or related field.
• Experience in pesticide application and integrated pest management and installation and maintenance of outdoor areas including naturalized landscapes.

Responsibilities

• Tree & plant installation, maintenance and care activities.
• Plant, prune, remove, chemically treat, and provide general care of trees and shrubs.
• Operate hand and power tools, saws, light and medium duty equipment, and various other grounds & tree maintenance equipment including, but not limited to: chippers, various sizes of aerial lift equipment, claw/clam/grapple truck, backhoe, GRCS, etc.
• Plant trees and other plant material according to current applicable industry standards.
• Inspect trees and shrubs to determine health, and perform integrated pest management and/or the application of pesticides/herbicides.
• Properly perform tree pruning, full tree removals, repair of deformed or damaged trees, and other tree maintenance activities.
• Clear/manage brush and tree debris removal from trails, roads, parks and other City properties.
• Climb trees using a rope and saddle to prune trees or as part of a tree removal operation.
• Maintains an accurate inventory and inspection system of all ropes, lowering devices, saddles, and other assigned arborist equipment.
• Maintain and perform preventive maintenance on forestry equipment
• Train seasonal employees in the techniques and procedures of pruning, removing, and planting of trees and other vegetation.
• Respond to storm event and any resulting damage, which may include coordination of work with other divisions, departments, contractors.
• Assist the general public with questions regarding the procedures for removing and pruning trees or refer questions to supervisors, if needed.
• Maintain records of daily tree work including participation and assistance with the Tree Inventory.
• Comply with current OSHA and ANSI safety regulations and all City safety policies and procedures.
• Perform general custodial duties including: sweeping, moping, vacuuming, general cleaning, waste & rubbish removal, and stocking supplies.
• Perform necessary repair and maintenance of buildings, facilities, infrastructure, furniture and equipment.
• Perform work utilizing various equipment found at park facilities, not noted above, including: material handling equipment, ice resurfacing equipment, athletic field grooming/painting equipment,
• Assist in non-departmental community events/activities.
• Event set up/clean up – ie. Rochester Fest, Thursday's on First, Down by the Riverside, 4th of July Celebration, etc.
• Provide operational support for activities at various City facilities including golf tournaments, hockey tournaments, baseball/softball tournaments, Rugby tournaments, Soccer events, swimming meets, etc.
• Assist in non-departmental community events/activities.

Benefits

• This position is eligible for benefits offered by the City of Rochester.
• This position is part of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49.
• Individuals in this role, are part of the Local 49 Central Pension Fund, where $2.40 per hour is contributed to the fund; this is in addition to the City's Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) pension.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level