Arborist I

City of St. Catharines; St. Catharines; On-site; CAD 40,676 - 57,932; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision benefits

OMERS pension plan

Job summary

The City of St. Catharines is seeking an Arborist to manage tree health by pruning or removing trees in the Niagara Region. This position requires a valid Ontario Arborist certification and experience in tree climbing, along with a commitment to customer service and safety compliance.

As part of a dedicated team, you will enjoy competitive pay, great benefits including a pension plan, and opportunities for growth in a supportive work environment.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry.
• Valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Arborist (444A).
• Minimum three years of tree climbing experience.

Responsibilities

• Prune or remove damaged or diseased trees according to procedures.
• Operate brush chippers and aerial trucks safely.
• Provide excellent customer service and maintain equipment.

Skills

Tree climbing experience

Communication

Customer service skills

Education

Two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry

Valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Arborist

Tools

Chainsaw

Aerial bucket trucks

Job description

Overview

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that supports one another. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay, great benefits, and a pension, you’ve got space to grow and the balance you need.

About The Role

In this role, you will prune and/or remove diseased, dying, or overgrown trees to support safety and overall tree health. Working under the Arborist II and the Supervisor III – Forestry, you may also perform duties near electrical equipment following established safety procedures.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying or overgrown trees according to policies, procedures, and accepted arboricultural practice.
• Prune trees in an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing manner.
• Operate brush chippers with or without hydraulic winch lines.
• Operate dielectric and arborist tools to clear limbs and suckers from hydro wires, signs, sidewalks, and other assets.
• Use ropes, saddles, climbing equipment and/or rigging to safely prune or remove trees.
• Operate aerial truck with hydraulic lifting device; inspect site access and positioning. Assist other departments as required.
• Perform tree surgery, including cabling, bracing, bark tracing and cavity filling as needed.
• Develop and implement a traffic protection plan per Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7.
• Ensure proper cleanup of the job site and compliance with codes and specifications.
• Maintain and safely operate equipment; perform routine maintenance and minor repairs.
• Provide functional leadership to help the department achieve goals.
• Operate equipment safely and in accordance with legislation, policies, and procedures.
• Store trucks and equipment securely.
• Complete paperwork as required (statistic sheets, time sheets, accident reports).
• Provide excellent customer service and respond to the needs of customers and staff.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What’s Required

• Graduation from a two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry or equivalent experience.
• Valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Arborist (444A); Utility Arborist certification considered an asset.
• Documented Chainsaw Operator’s training.
• Valid half-day Utility Work Protection Code Overview certificate.
• Standard First Aid / CPR C certification.
• Valid unrestricted Class “DZ” driver’s licence with ability to operate large GVW vehicles.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to maintenance and construction activities (PPE, fall arrest).
• Knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual (Book 7) preferred; ability to set up traffic control in temporary work zones.
• Minimum three (3) years of tree climbing experience with pruning and removal techniques; crane experience preferred.
• Recent experience in tree surgery.
• Ability to work at heights; proficient with aerial bucket trucks; able to meet physical demands (PDA).
• Completion of City training in Traffic Control and Fall Arrest training (IHSA or equivalent).
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather; willingness to work overtime and after-hours emergencies.
• Willingness to be trained in, and operate, snow removal equipment when required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to prioritize and plan work.
• Basic computer skills; Microsoft Office experience is an asset.

Job Details

• Job ID: 2026-29
• Pay Rate: $35.79
• Hours: 40 per week
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Location: St. Catharines, ON
• Work Mode: In Person
• Employee Group: CUPE Local 150
• Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
• Duration: N/A
• Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy
• Application Deadline: Until Filled

What’s In It For You

• Great People: Be part of a supportive team.
• Make Your Mark: Drive meaningful change in the community.
• Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds.
• Competitive Pay: From a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
• Secure Future: OMERS pension plan with employer match.
• Balance & Benefits: Flexible options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Other Information

• Equal Opportunity Employer: The City is committed to an inclusive and accessible work environment.
• Accommodation: We provide accommodations during the recruitment process per regulations. Contact HR for assistance.
• Application Process: Online submissions only through the portal; keep contact information up to date.
• Interviews and Assessments: May include video or in-person interviews and tests.
• Use of AI: The City does not use AI in the recruitment process.