Arborist I

St. Catharines Hydro Inc.; St. Catharines; Hybrid; CAD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Catharines Hydro Inc. is seeking an Arborist/Forestry professional to prune or remove diseased or overgrown trees near hydro infrastructure. You will climb, operate bucket trucks, and perform tree surgery while following safety rules and Ministry guidelines.

Required are a two-year Arboriculture/Forestry program and valid Ontario arborist certification, plus training in chainsaw use and fall arrest. You will work outdoors, require a DZ license, and provide excellent customer service.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Arborist (444A) is required.
• Documented Chainsaw Operator's training.
• Valid half-day Utility Work Protection Code Overview certificate.
• Standard First Aid / CPR C Certification (WSIB).
• Valid Class DZ driver's licence in good standing.
• Knowledge of OHSA, PPE and fall arrest procedures.
• Experience with traffic control per Book 7 is preferred.
• Minimum three years of tree climbing experience and crane operations.
• Experience in tree surgery is required.

Responsibilities

• Prune or remove damaged or overgrown trees following policy and best arboricultural practice.
• Operate brush chippers and arborist tools near hydro assets safely.
• Use ropes and climbing gear to prune or remove trees.
• Inspect site, set up traffic controls and maintain safety near work zones.
• Operate aerial bucket trucks and perform preventive maintenance.
• Complete paperwork such as time sheets and accident reports.
• Provide excellent customer service to the public and staff.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Customer service

Independent work

Teamwork

Time management

Education

Two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry

Equivalent education/experience mix

Tools

DZ driver's licence

Chainsaw operation training

Fall Arrest training

Job description

About the Role:

In this role, you will be responsible for pruning and/or removing diseased, dying, or overgrown trees to support safety and overall tree health. Working under the functional leadership of the Arborist II, and the Supervisor III - Forestry, you may also be required to perform duties in close proximity to electrical apparatus while following established safety procedures.

What You'll be Doing:

• Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying or overgrown trees according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted arboricultural practice(s).
• Ability to 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, traffic signs, sidewalks and other structures and assets as required.
• Use ropes, saddles, climbing equipment and/or rigging to safely prune or remove trees.
• Operate aerial truck with hydraulic lifting device; inspect the site for access and positioning of the truck. Assist other departments and agencies as required.
• Perform tree surgery, by cabling, bracing, bark tracing and cavity filling, as required.
• Develop and implement a traffic protection plan in accordance with Ministry of Transportation of Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7: Temporary Conditions.
• Ensure proper clean-up of job site.
• Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes and specifications.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained & safely operated, check on a daily basis and perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Provide functional leadership as required to accomplish the goals of the department.
• Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Ensure trucks and equipment is safely and securely stored.
• Complete paperwork as required, i.e. statistic sheets, time sheets and accident reports.
• Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What's Required:

• Graduation from a two-year community college program in Arboriculture or Forestry and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Possession of a valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for the trade of Arborist (444A) is required. Utility Arborist certification would be considered an asset.
• Documented Chainsaw Operator's training required.
• Possession of a valid half-day Utility Work Protection Code Overview certificate.
• Valid - Standard First Aid / CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
• Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” driver’s licence held in good standing with proven capability in the operation of large GVW vehicles.
• Working knowledge of, and experience with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, particularly as it relates to maintenance and construction activities (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE), fall arrest).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual, with emphasis on Book 7, is preferred. Ability to safely set up and maintain traffic control in temporary work zones during roadway, utility, and maintenance operations.
• Minimum three (3) years of tree climbing experience, with demonstrated knowledge of tree pruning and removal techniques, including experience using cranes for tree removal operations.
• Recent experience in tree surgery is required.
• Ability to safely work at heights and perform climbing work in trees and from ladders. Proficient in the operation of aerial bucket trucks and capable of meeting the physical demands of the position, as outlined in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA).
• Must successfully complete City-provided training in Traffic Control - Temporary Work Zones.
• Must successfully complete a one-day Fall Arrest training course through IHSA or an approved equivalent provider.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
• Willingness to work overtime and respond to after-hours emergency call-outs, as required.
• Willingness to be trained in, and operate, snow removal equipment when required.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with the public, residents, and community groups.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and plan work activities effectively.
• Basic computer skills are required; experience with Microsoft Office Suite would be considered an asset.