Parks Equipment Operator - Arborist

City of Grand Junction•Grand Junction, CO

1d•$22 - $25

About The Position

Working under the guidance of the City Forester, the Parks Equipment Operator - Arborist performs skilled arboricultural work in the establishment, maintenance, and preservation of the City’s urban forest. This position operates aerial lifts, grapple trucks, chippers, stump grinders, and other specialized equipment requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), frequently within street rights-of-way and active public areas where adherence to work zone safety and traffic control standards is essential, and commonly works from heights of up to 75 feet. Responsibilities include performing high-quality tree pruning, safe removal of hazardous trees, and proper planting and establishment of trees. The position requires the ability to assess tree condition and risk, apply sound judgment and problem-solving skills, and communicate effectively with the public in a professional, customer service–focused manner. The role also requires proficiency with technology, including the use and maintenance of a digital tree inventory system to accurately track tree data, inspections, and work history. Additional duties include supporting plant health care treatments (herbicide and pesticide applications), tree production, brush chipping, stump grinding, storm response, public education, snow removal, and installation of holiday lighting, all while working safely in physically demanding outdoor conditions.

Requirements

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Tree Worker or Certified Arborist credential
Class B commercial driver’s license
Minimum 3 years of experience with progressive responsibility in municipal tree care operations, or any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for excellent job performance.
Associates degree in Forestry, Urban Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources Management, Environmental Sciences, or related filed, or higher
Experience managing tree inventory data
Holds an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist credential or the ability to secure this credential within one year of employment.
Hold a Class B commercial driver’s license or the ability to secure this license within 6 months of employment.
Candidates should also demonstrate a knowledge of: Arboricultural industry standards for proper tree care ANSI standards for safe work practices Aerial lift operation Rope and saddle tree climbing skills Operation and maintenance of chainsaws, brush chippers, and stump grinders Operation of skidsteers, backhoes, trailers, and power tools Insects and diseases that threaten the good health of trees within Colorado Maintenance management and Microsoft Office software Tree inventory data management through cellular enabled tablets
Ability to: Identify trees found within Colorado in all seasons Work independently and with a larger group of individuals Establish and maintain accurate records, logs, and files Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing

Responsibilities

Perform high-quality tree pruning, safe removal of hazardous trees, and proper planting and establishment of trees.
Operate aerial lifts, grapple trucks, chippers, stump grinders, and other specialized equipment requiring a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Utilize chainsaws of various sizes while working aloft and on the ground
Develop ability and skills to maintain trees through rope and saddle tree climbing
Provide ground support for arboricultural operations including dragging, raking and chipping of brush
Work from heights of up to and above 75 feet
Assessment and mitigation of tree risk
Use and maintenance of a digital tree inventory system to accurately track tree data, inspections, and work history
Installation and take down of holiday lights
Provide high quality customer service with frequent contacts from residents
Provide support as needed for the great Parks and Recreation Department