Arborist I

TOWN OF OAKVILLE; Oakville; On-site; CAD 52,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Town of Oakville in Ontario seeks an Arborist/Urban Forestry Technician to maintain municipal trees, perform pruning, removal, and health assessments, using equipment like bucket trucks and chippers.

Requires urban forestry certificate, ISA credentials, and a valid Ontario DZ license; candidates must have at least two years of hands-on arboriculture experience and be able to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation.

Qualifications

• Certificate or diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or related field from a recognized institution.
• Valid Crane Operator Certificate (0–8 tons).
• Valid Safety in Line Clearing Certificate from IHSA (2 or 5 day or equivalent).
• ISA Certified Tree Worker designation.
• ISA Certified Arborist or Provincial Arborist (444A).
• Utility Arborist (444B).
• Minimum of 2 years tree climbing and hands-on arboriculture experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform arboriculture tasks including pruning, removal, cabling, and other tree maintenance activities.
• Safely operate aerial bucket trucks, chippers, chainsaws, skid steers, and stumpers.
• Maintain written and electronic records including work orders, activity cards, and tailboard talk plans.
• Provide work direction and training to other staff as required, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety standards.
• Utilize CityWorks software to maintain our database.
• Conduct hydro line clearing, grid pruning, and woodland tree maintenance, including diagnosing tree health and responding to service requests.
• Participate in a 24/7 rotational on-call pager schedule, including emergency storm response and after-hours service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tree climbing

Arboriculture knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Valid DZ license

Education

Urban Forestry/Arboriculture certificate or diploma

Valid Crane Operator Certificate (0–8 tons)

IHSA Line Clearing Safety Certificate (2 or 5 day)

ISA Tree Worker designation

ISA Arborist or Provincial Arborist (444A)

Utility Arborist (444B)

Job description

Job Details

Permanent Full Time (CUPE 136)

Posting Status

Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

Probationary Rate: $40.12
Full Time Rate: $40.42

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

Note: Consideration may be given to applicants who do not possess the certification requirements highlighted below if a fully qualified candidate is not available in the applicant pool. A successful applicant without the pre-requisite certifications would be compensated at the Arborist II rate of $38.00/hour (full-time rate).

These positions report to the Supervisor of Street Tree Operations and the Supervisor of Woodlands and Parks Tree Operations and are responsible for various activities related to urban forestry/arboriculture on municipal properties. Principal duties include:

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform assigned arboriculture tasks including pruning, removal, cabling, and other tree maintenance activities in accordance with current and ANSI A300 policies.
• Safely operate specialized equipment such as aerial bucket trucks, chippers, chainsaws, skid steers, and stumpers.
• Maintain accurate written and electronic records including work orders, activity cards, and tailboard talk plans.
• Provide work direction and training to other staff as required, ensuring compliance with Health and Safety standards.
• Utilize CityWorks software to maintain our database.
• Conduct hydro line clearing, grid pruning, and woodland tree maintenance, including diagnosing tree health and responding to service requests.
• Participate in a 24/7 rotational on-call pager schedule, including emergency storm response and after-hours service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education & Certification:

• Certificate or diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture, or a related field from a recognized institution. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Valid Crane Operator Certificate (0–8 tons).
• Valid Safety in Line Clearing Certificate from IHSA, either the 2 or 5 day or equivalent (e.g., Hydro One’s Line Clearing Awareness Certificate).
• ISA Certified Tree Worker designation.
• ISA Certified Arborist or Provincial Arborist (444A).
• Utility Arborist (444B).

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years tree climbing and hands-on arboriculture experience.

Skills & Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of current arboriculture practices.
• Physically fit and able to work in varied weather conditions.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong time management and ability to adapt to different tasks.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Licensing & Driving Requirements:

• A valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s Licence Class DZ/ARZ is required with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. Successful applicants will be required to provide the Corporation with a copy of their driver’s licence and a current driver’s abstract (no older than 30 days from their offer date) and will be required to pass a Town administered road test as a condition of employment.

DATED: November 4, 2026

The town’s recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short-listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job.This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. The minimum threshold score for each of the testing and interview components of the recruitment process is 75%.

We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.