Arborist

Town of Milton; Milton; Hybrid; CAD 46,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

OMERS pension

Health benefits

Paid time off

Hybrid work

Compression work-week

Job summary

Town of Milton is hiring an Arborist to support urban forestry operations across streets, parks, and public spaces. You will perform pruning, tree maintenance, and safety inspections to protect and enhance the Town’s urban forest.<\/p>

The role includes supervising seasonal staff, employing safe climbing and rigging practices, and contributing to tree health assessments and planting programs. Hybrid work arrangements are available.

Qualifications

• Certificate or Diploma in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry
• ISA Certified Arborist in good standing
• Two years’ experience in arboriculture, municipal setting preferred
• D Driver’s License with Z endorsement
• Proficient in aerial climbing and work aloft with safety
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133 and OHSA standards
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Experience operating arborist equipment safely

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled tree maintenance including pruning, rigging, and removal
• Direct and train seasonal staff; monitor safety and equipment usage
• Assess tree health and recommend treatments for pests and diseases
• Conduct tree risk assessments and respond to hazards
• Operate arial lift devices, chainsaws, and rigging equipment safely
• Assist in municipal tree planting programs and urban forestry planning
• Provide guidance to staff and respond to public inquiries
• Participate in winter road maintenance and ice rink operations

Skills

Tree climbing

Communication

Customer service

Problem solving

Microsoft Excel

Time tracking

Time management

Education

Certificate/Diploma in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry

ISA Certified Arborist

D Driver’s License with Z endorsement

Tools

Aerial lift devices

Chainsaw operation

Rigging equipment

Woodchippers

Stump grinders

Job description

Job Type:PermanentDepartment:Hourly Wage:$40.37Close Date (closes at 12:00 am on date noted below):November 17, 2026Openings:1Position SummaryAbout MiltonJoin one of Ontario’s fastest-growing and most dynamic municipalities. The Town of Milton is proud to deliver high-quality, sustainable municipal services that support a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community where residents thrive, businesses succeed, and nature is respected and protected.Our vision is to foster a safe, diverse, and welcoming environment—one that honours its natural landscapes and rich heritage, supports thriving and inclusive neighbourhoods, nurtures a strong and balanced economy, and offers exceptional opportunities to live, learn, work, and play.What We Offer?This position is eligible for the following:•Hourly Rate: $40.37•Benefits: Regular full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefit package, with all premiums paid by the Town, an Employee Assistance Program, top-up maternity/parental leave benefits and life insurance.•Eligibility to participate in the OMERS pension plan•Paid time off, including vacation, incidental and volunteer days•Employee perks/discounts: Discount on Active Living Pass and Perkopolis•Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work options and participation in the Town’s compressed work-week program (for eligible positions)•For further details of what we offer,Position SummaryThe Department of Community Services, Facility, Operations & Environment Division is accepting applications for one (1) full time Arborist. This position reports to the Supervisor, Operations - Forestry. This is a unionized position, IBEW Local 636.The Arborist supports daily activities of arborist services within the division. The Arborist will perform a variety of operational tasks and be responsible for the care, maintenance, and preservation of trees on municipal property, including streets, parks cemeteries and other public spaces. This position ensures the health and safety of the Town’s urban forest through skilled tree work, inspections and preventative maintenance while ensuring they are meeting service levels and following all safety standards. Provide guidance and training to other staff including seasonal and summer staff.Major Job ResponsibilitiesExecute day to day activities related to urban forestry operationsPerforms and assists in directing and coordinating day-to-day activities for summer and seasonal staff, instructs in the use of proper safety equipment, oversee the proper usage of tools and equipment, mentoring and updating arboriculture best practices.Perform skilled tree maintenance (ground and aloft) including pruning, rigging installation and inspection of tree supplemental support systems, fertilizing, and tree removalWhen required, accessing tree canopies (ascending, descending and working aloft and using a chain saw aloft) using only Town approved gear and equipment, and Town approve climbing techniques; plus conducting Arboriculture work while aloft.Assess tree health and recommend treatment for pests, diseases, and structural defectsConduct tree risk assessments and respond to hazardous tree situations, including after hours emergenciesOperate and maintain specialized equipment such as arial lift devices, woodchippers, chain saws, stump grinders and standard tree climbing and tree rigging equipment where required in a safe and efficient manner. Assist in the implementation and oversight of municipal tree planting programsAssist in developing and maintaining an urban forestry and tree management plan.Advise staff and public on proper tree care, preservation, and by-law requirementsRespond to and direct public inquiries and service requestsDuring the winter, plow/salt and remove snow on various Town owned roadways, parking lots and facilities using shovels, dump trucks, tractors, loaders etc.; install, flood and maintain seasonal public ice rinksPerform other duties as assignedHealth and Safety, Customer ServicePerforms all duties in accordance with Ontario Health & Safety legislation and established policies & proceduresSubmits neat and complete written and electronic records including time sheets, maintenance history report forms and other records as directedPerform manual labour requiring lifting over 50 lbs.Follows equipment operating guidelinesEnsures all PPE is utilized and worn as per requirementsPerforms pre and post audits of all equipment utilizedComplete equipment work order forms as requiredResponds to customer inquiries according to established procedures and approved decision-making frameworkMaintains ongoing communication with internal staff and contractors to maintain a high level of efficiency and serviceComply with all health and safety practices as it relates to the work, standard operating guidelines, Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices Guide Third Edition and the Occupational Health and Safety ActEducation & ExperienceMinimum QualificationsCertificate or Diploma in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry, or Horticulture from a recognized college or university, that includes courses in tree climbing, aerial rescue and urban forestry. An equivalent combination of education, experience and certifications may be consideredAn International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist, in good standingProficient in tree ascending, descending and work aloft in trees, with or without spurs, and including but not limited to chainsaw operation and rigging work while aloftTwo (2) years’ experience in arboriculture, preferably in a municipal setting or relevant and/or equivalent experiencePossess a D Driver’s License with Z endorsement, with a satisfactory driving recordWorking knowledge of ANSI Z133 Safety Standards and ISA Best Management Practices.Working knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations, i.e. Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA)Knowledge of Arborist Industry Safe Work Practices Guide Third EditionStrong mechanical aptitude to operate and train staff in the safe operation of relevant equipmentStrong communication, interpersonal and customer service skillsProblem solving and troubleshooting skillsAbility to use computer or mobile-based software to enter time, expenses and work records.Comfortable using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and related digital tools.Detailed orientedAble to work independently and as part of a teamPreferred QualificationsA minimum of a Degree in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry, or Horticulture from a recognized UniversityMinimum three (3) years’ experience in arboriculture, preferably in a municipal settingAn ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), in good standingAn ISA Certified Tree Climber, in good standingLand Exterminators Pesticide LicenseValid Book 7 trainingA valid Standard First Aid / CPR-C and AED certificationExcellent verbal, written communication, interpersonal and customer service skillsQualified candidates may be required to complete testing as part of the selection processNote to ApplicantsThis posting is for an existing job vacancy.The Town is an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, accessible, and respectful workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and are dedicated to fair and transparent hiring practices.We thank all who apply, however only those selected to move forward in the process will be contacted.AccommodationsShould you be selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of any accommodations you may require. We will work with you to ensure your full participation in the process.How to ApplyInterested applicants are invited to apply online at www.milton.ca under the Employment Opportunities section. Please ensure your application is submitted by 11:59 pm on November 16, 2026.If you are currently employed with the Town of Milton, please apply internally through the Jobs Hub app of your Workday account in order for your application to be processed as an internal applicant.In accordance with the Freedom of Information and Privacy legislation, applicant information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will be used strictly for candidate selection.