Arborist - Developmental - Parks and Urban Forestry

City-of-Edmonto; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Edmonton is seeking a Developmental Arborist to support ISA Certified Arborists in daily tree care tasks and field operations. This temporary assignment involves pruning, chipping, removals, and lightweight maintenance while ensuring safety and service to the community.

You will respond to emergencies, assist with site setup, operate equipment, and help update tree inventory. Strong safety practices and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12 or GED.
• 6 months experience in urban tree care or related outdoor work.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver's license or provincial equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Assist Arborist with pruning, chipping and tree removals.
• Perform maintenance: bolting/cabling, removal of broken limbs and basal sprouts.
• Respond to storm-related work and hazard tree removals.
• Provide traffic control and direct vehicle/pedestrian/bicycle traffic.
• Set up job site with identified work zone and secure area.
• Operate and maintain equipment (aerial units, chippers, chainsaws) and perform light maintenance.
• Respond to 311 notifications and communicate with the public.
• Update tree inventory and maintenance records in COE systems.
• Complete task cards and work records; interpret assignments.
• Other related duties as required.

Skills

Tree care experience

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Customer service

Google Workspace

Education

Grade 12 or GED

Tools

Aerial lift equipment

Chainsaw

Chipper

Pruning tools

Job description

Job Number: 56349Are you passionate about the environment and love working outdoors? Would you like a career that allows you to work outdoors year round and perform hands-on work caring for and maintaining trees? With the transition of seasons, exciting new prospects are opening up within our team. Following a recent internal advancement, we are seeking a dedicated individual who possesses a true enthusiasm for urban tree care to join our group for a temporary assignment.The City of Edmonton’s Urban Forestry team is responsible for the care and maintenance of over 400,000 Open Space and Boulevard trees. This developmental arborist position will have you assisting and working closely with ISA Certified Arborists to maintain the City’s Urban Forest. Maintaining trees in an urban setting is essential for creating a sustainable, resilient and livable urban environment for current and future generations. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of then this job might be for you.What will you do?Assist ISA Certified Arborist in day-to-day tree care-related tasks such as pruning, chipping and tree removalsPerform various tree maintenance activities as required including bolting/cabling, removal of broken limbs and removals of basal sprouts/suckers as neededRespond to emergency storm-related work and hazard tree removals or mitigationProvide traffic control and direction for vehicular, pedestrian and bicycle trafficSet up job site to ensure that work zone is clearly identified and ensure that site is securePerform inspections on and operate equipment related to urban tree care including aerial units, chippers and chainsawsOperate and perform minor maintenance on equipment which may include: chainsaws and various pruning toolsRespond to 311 notifications and communicate with citizens and stakeholders in the field as neededConduct job duties in a safe manner in compliance with City and Provincial Occupational Health and Safety Legislation regulations, codes, policies, and competency trainingUpdate tree inventory and maintenance activities on COE softwareComplete task cards, work records accurately and interpret work assignmentsOther related duties as requiredQualifications:Completion of Grade 12 or GED6 months experience in urban tree care with experience pruning and maintaining trees. Eligible experience will include hours worked as a Forestry Labourer, and/or related external urban tree care experience or landscape related work experienceCertifications and Competencies:Note - If missing certifications, candidates will be required to get missing certifications through the City within the agreed upon timeline.Fall ProtectionStandard First AidElectrical AwarenessGround Worker OperationsStructural PruningAerial Lift Operations competencyAerial Excavation competencyRigging Fundamentals competencyChainsaw competencyChipper competencyStandard First Aid certification including AED, CPR and WHMISClass 3 (with Air Brakes endorsement) licenseSkills required for success:Experience and knowledge in tree care, tree identificationThe ability, willingness, and expectation to operate or be trained on aerial bucket trucks and other equipmentKnowledge of safety precautions and Arboriculture Best Management PracticesExemplary customer service skills and good written and verbal communication skillsExperience with Google Suite including Gmail, google sheets and google docsAlignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusionConditions of Employment:Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent)Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this positionSuccessful candidates are able to be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, is a requirement of this positionCompliance with the City of Edmonton’s safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen and coverallsPossession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certificationsApplicants may be testedWork Environment:This role works in outdoor settings in various weather conditionsExposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, noise, light variation, vibrations, chemicals, and exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards may occurThis role requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks such as standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, using feet/hand controls requiring physical stamina and resilienceThe work is physically demanding, classified as Considerable/Heavy Effort, including lifting up to 50lbs and the need for significant physical strength, agility, and endurance, especially when climbing and pulling body weight up and around the treeMust be able to work outdoors year-round in all challenging weather conditions, from extreme heat to cold, rain, and snowWork is performed at heights, requiring awareness of the potential to fall or be injured and potential to be struck by branches or debrisLocation: Westwood Central YardThe City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefitsUp to 1 temporary full-time position up to 11 monthsHours of Work: 40 hours per weekSalary Range: $34.576 - $35.510 (Hourly); $72,194.69 - $74,144.88 (Annually)Recruitment Consultant: PO/SOEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.Classification Title: Arborist - DevelopmentalPosting Date: Oct 28, 2026Closing Date: Nov 11, 2026 11:59:00 PM (ABT)Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-timeUnion : CUPE Local 30Department: Parks and RoadsWork Location(s):Westwood Central Service Yard, 12304 - 107 St Edmonton T5G 2S7