Technician II - Arborist

City of Canon City•Canon City, CO

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Parks Superintendent, implements the City’s Forestry Services Program which includes the health, safety, and aesthetics of public trees within the city. Under minimal supervision, perform a variety of skilled and semi-skilled tasks related to care and maintenance of trees, including the operation and maintenance of various specialized equipment.

Requirements

A minimum of 36 months of progressive experience working in the tree pruning and tree removal service industry including rigging and roping down procedures.
High school diploma or equivalent
Must have a valid Colorado Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain one within sixty (60) days of hire, with a driving record acceptable to the City of Cañon City.
Ability to obtain a Colorado Class “B” Driver’s License, with airbrake endorsement, within six (6) months of hire.
Ability to obtain an ISA Certified Arborist credential within one year of employment.
Knowledge of tree biology, Colorado tree and shrub identification.
Knowledge of tree care best practices.
Ability to identify common insects and tree diseases of the front range.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of tree establishment and structural pruning.
Knowledge of the principles and techniques of job site safety and maintaining a safe workspace using industry standard methods.
Knowledge of industry standard practices and safety standards are required.
Knowledge of safe operation of industry specific equipment; chippers, chainsaws, stump grinder, aerial lift, etc. is required.
Ability to properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
Knowledge of modern arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices.
Knowledge of the use of Asset Management system to inventory trees.
Ability to read, listen and follow directions/instructions from supervisory staff.
Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.
Ability to identify tree species and determine health and safety.
Familiarity with operation of aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck and skid steer.
Ability to operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools.
Skilled in proper pruning techniques, safe tree removal, a variety of climbing techniques and procedures, chainsaw safety, and general best management practices within the arboriculture industry.
Knowledge of tree climbing skills with rope and saddle and essential PPE.
Skilled in Aerial Rescue Training.
Ability to operate aerial equipment and tools at heights up to seventy-five feet.
Ability to identify common insects and tree diseases of the front range.
Ability to communicate effectively and concisely with crew members, city staff and the public.
Ability to competently operate aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck and skid steer.
Ability to work at heights up to 75 feet.
Physical demands of job require some lifting; pulling; carrying and pushing of objects –approximately 75 pounds.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of 48 months of progressive experience working in the tree pruning and tree removal service industry, including rigging and roping down procedures in a municipal environment.
Associates degree Natural Resources Management, Forestry, Horticulture, or other related fields
Completion of a Forestry Certificate from an accredited college or university.
Valid Colorado Class “B” CDL with air brake endorsement.
Chainsaw Certification.
Colorado Certified Pesticide Applicators License.
Possession of an ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Advanced general knowledge of tree industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Follows industry standard best safety practices.
Perform technical urban forestry functions for tree care operations.
Perform tree risk assessments and inventory updates, staff safety trainings and establishment of safe work zones.
Develop work plans with guidance from the Parks Superintendent.
Prune, remove, and maintain City-owned trees and other vegetation.
Respond to tree maintenance needs, citizen concerns and storm damage situations.
Plant, water, and mulch trees.
Perform tree maintenance operations in compliance with industry standards and specifications.
Coordinate and implement tree pruning rotation and removal programs.
Determine pruning needs on an individual basis classifies type of pruning work to be performed.
Respond to issues related to sick, damaged, or hazardous trees.
Identify tree species and inspect for health and safety including tree risk assessments (formally known as tree safety inspections).
Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools.
Operate and maintain aerial lift, grappler, stump grinder, chipper, loader, dump truck and skid steer.
Maintain GIS tree inventory program.
Oversee and direct the work of field crews.
Respond to public service requests when assigned.
Compile required reports regarding daily operations, tree risk assessment, and contract work as needed.
Recommend and assist in the implementation of forestry goals and objectives; implement approved policies and procedures.
Assist other divisions and department staff with forestry problems and situations as well as provide training to forestry staff and other departments.
Provide excellent customer service to external and internal customers including but not limited to effectively listening and communicating, providing accurate information, offering solutions, assisting in resolution, and ensuring timely follow up as needed.
Assist Parks and Cemetery staff as needed.
Assist with educational programs such as Arbor Day.
Assist in preparing and administering bid specifications for contracted tree services.
Assist in coordinating Tree Contractor Licensing program and administers field tests for contractors.
May be required to address City Council when required.
Provide information to the public, relative to tree care and arboricultural practices.
Attend training, seminars, and meetings as required.