Arborist I - ISA Certified - Parks and Urban Forestry

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Edmonton is seeking an ISA Certified Arborist to maintain and enhance our urban forest canopy. The role involves pruning, removal, risk assessments, and tackling storm-damaged trees on public property.

You will work with engagement participants and partners, operate from an aerial lift or climb as needed, and maintain records in GIS and timesheets. Strong safety and communication skills are essential for this physically demanding position in Edmonton.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or GED; urban tree care experience preferred.
• Current ISA Certified Arborist certification required or ability to register and take ISA test within 90 days.
• Certifications in fall protection, aerial lift operations, rigging, chainsaw, and first aid are expected.

Responsibilities

• Prune small to large trees using hand and power tools to maintain structural health.
• Maintain sidewalk and street clearances through pruning.
• Respond to storm-damaged trees and safety requests.
• Perform tree removals, rigging, and chipping following safety protocols.
• Conduct structural risk assessments and implement mitigation as needed.
• Respond to 311 notifications with professional citizen engagement.

Skills

ISA Certified Arborist

Urban tree care experience

Rigging and pruning

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

Grade 12 or GED

Tools

Aerial Lift Operations

Chainsaw

Chipper

Fall Protection

Aerial Evacuation

Standard First Aid/CPR/AED

Job description

Job Number: 56187Our urban forest isn't just a collection of trees; it's a living, breathing part of our city's identity that we are committed to growing by 2 million more trees through our \"Greener as We Grow\" initiative. We love seeing our team grow! We are looking for a passionate and skilled ISA Certified Arborist to help us care for these vital community assets. If you are someone who loves working outdoors and wants to work year-round as an Arborist, we want to meet you!As an ISA Certified Arborist with the City of Edmonton, you will be on the front lines of maintaining a healthy, safe, and sustainable urban forest canopy. You will apply your expertise in best practices for tree pruning, tree removal, risk assessments and mitigation to ensure our trees thrive for generations to come. This role is perfect for a technical expert who enjoys a physically demanding environment and high-altitude work. You will work closely with engagement participants and community partners to address tree-related concerns and provide peer-to-peer mentorship to your teammates. Your work directly impacts the wellness of the city’s tree canopy, making Edmonton a greener place to live.What will you do?Prune small to large trees at both ground and aerial levels using hand and power tools to ensure structural health, remove deadwood, and provide clearance for urban structuresEnsure sidewalk and street clearances are maintained through pruningRespond to storm-damaged treesExecute tree maintenance requests such as removing basal sprouts, cabling and bracing and other requestsSafely perform tree removals, rigging and chipping, following established schedules and safety protocolsConduct structural risk assessments and perform mitigation as neededRespond to 311 notifications regarding tree concerns, ensuring professional interaction with citizens and stakeholdersPerform arboriculture tasks using an aerial lift or climbing (as needed)Maintain accurate electronic records of tree maintenance activities using GIS, timesheets, and work progress reportsQualifications:Completion of Grade 12 or GEDA minimum of 3 years of urban tree care experience, emphasizing the pruning and maintenance of treesCurrent International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification as a Certified Arborist (ability to register and take ISA test within 90 days will be considered)Certifications 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 Evacuation 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 identification, and tree pest identificationExceptional technical skills in tree felling, rigging, and pruningAbility to make critical decisions regarding tree health, safety, and work methodsStrong communication skills to provide mentorship and guidance to peers and interact with interested partiesCommitment to safety standards, including I.S.A., ANSI, and OH&S regulationsThe 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 3 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent) with air brake (training will be provided through the City as needed)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 certifications (training will be provided as needed)Applicants may be tested as part of the interview processWork Environment:This role works in outdoor settings in various weather conditions and is year roundExposure 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 is EllerslieThe 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/COEbenefits.Up to 1 temporary full-time position in accordance with Article 18.02.03 of the Collective AgreementHours of Work: 40 hours per weekSalary Range: $36.050 (Hourly); $75,272.40 (Annually)Recruitment Consultant: PO/SOEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis NationIND123Classification Title: Arborist I - CertifiedPosting Date: Oct 2, 2026Closing Date: Oct 16, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-timeUnion : CUPE Local 30Department: Parks and RoadsWork Location(s):Fleet Services, Ellerslie Facility, 2415 - 101 Street SW Edmonton T6X 1A1