Arborist

Elmhurst IL•Elmhurst, NY

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Elmhurst is hiring a full-time Arborist to perform skilled tree-care work and maintain City grounds. The position operates a range of equipment for pruning, trimming, planting, maintaining, and removing trees, as well as performing medium to heavy construction-related tasks. Work often involves heavy physical labor. The Arborist may lead semi-skilled and unskilled workers and works under the direction of the Superintendent of Forestry. The role includes tree maintenance and repair, pesticide application, equipment operation and upkeep, snow removal, safety practices, reporting, and community relations. The Arborist must be available for overtime, some of which may be mandatory, and participates in the Forestry Division’s emergency call-out telephone responsibility on a rotational basis.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Minimum two years’ experience in an arboricultural field.
Minimum one year of experience operating medium- to heavy-duty vehicles and maintenance equipment.
Valid driver’s license.
Class A-CDL with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement required within one year of hire.
Current State Pesticide Operator’s License, or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.
Extensive customer service experience, including ability to deal tactfully with the public on sensitive issues.
General knowledge of forestry work, including pesticides, tree diseases and pests, tools and equipment, and landscaping and maintenance of public grounds.
Considerable knowledge of proper methods and techniques used in tree maintenance activities.
Knowledge of climbing equipment.
Ability to operate, maintain, service, and make emergency repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment effectively and safely.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of the role.
Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be accepted as determined by Human Resources.

Nice To Haves

Minimum one year of experience in the proper use and handling of pesticides is preferred.
Certified Arborist License preferred.

Responsibilities

Climb, trim, prune, plant, and remove damaged or diseased trees.
Apply pesticides using appropriate spraying techniques.
Repair damaged trees using cables and other appropriate techniques.
Operate tree-related equipment, including saws, stump removers, hi-rangers, aerial lifts, climbing equipment, spraying equipment, and grapple trucks.
Report indications of mechanical problems with equipment.
Perform manual labor related to equipment operation and maintenance activities.
Operate snowplows, salt spreaders, other snow removal equipment, and hand shovels as needed.
Complete routine reports on work performed and equipment used as requested.
Maintain safe work areas and equipment and promptly correct work hazards as necessary.
Immediately investigate and report work-related injuries, comply with safety rules, and attend appropriate safety programs.
Promote and maintain responsive community relations.
Be available for overtime, including occasional regular tree work, emergency weather or tree situations, snow removal, and other work as required.
Participate in the Forestry Division Emergency call-out telephone responsibility on a rotational basis.
Perform related duties and manual labor as assigned.
May serve as a lead worker supervising semi-skilled and unskilled workers.