Arborist I (Under Review)

Town of Oakville; Oakville; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Oakville is seeking Arborists for temporary full-time roles within its urban forestry team. Successful candidates will manage tree operations, operate specialized equipment, and ensure safety standards while participating in an on-call schedule. Preferred qualifications include relevant certificates and substantial experience in arboriculture.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of practical arboriculture work experience required.
• Knowledgeable in current industry practices, physically fit, and able to work in varying climate conditions.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Implement assigned arboriculture work orders, including pruning and removal.
• Operate specialized equipment like aerial bucket trucks and chain saws safely.
• Participate in an on-call schedule for emergency storm management.

Skills

Tree Climbing

Arboriculture

Communication Skills

Time Management

Education

Certificate in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture

ISA Certified Tree Worker

Crane Operator (0-8 tons) Certificate

Safety in Line Clearing Certificate

Ontario Driver’s License Class DZ

Job description

Job Details:
Temporary Full Time (CUPE 136T)

Posting Status:
Open to Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

Vacancies:
Three contracts available, lasting approximately eight months

Closing Date:
Applications for this position must bereceived at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on July 11, 2025.

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 at $36.29/hour (temporary 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:

• Implement assigned arboriculture work orders including pruning, removal and cabling according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted maintenance practice(s);
• Operate specialized equipment including aerial bucket trucks, chippers, chain saws, skid steer, stumper and standard tree climbing equipment where required in a safe and efficient manner;
• Maintain written records as required, tree maintenance work orders, activity cards and tail board talk plans;
• May be required to provide work direction and training to other staff and carries out duties that meet Health and Safety standards in a safe and responsible manner;
• Ability to use tablet computer in order to update completed work electronically;
• Duties include and are not limited to hydro line clearing, grid pruning projects, woodlands tree maintenance, including diagnosing tree maintenance requirements and occasional service requests;
• Required to participate in an on call out pager schedule 24/7 rotational basis, throughout the year, includes emergency storm management after hours service;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A certificate or diploma in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture or related discipline from a recognized institution. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered;
• 2+ years of tree climbing experience and practical arboriculture work experience in addition to having a valid Crane Operator (0-8 tons) certificate and a “Safety in Line Clearing” certificate from the Electrical Utility Safety Association or equivalent such as a Line Clearing Awareness certificate from Hydro One;
• An ISA Certified Tree Worker designation and certificate in the Trade of Arborist (Provincial designation) and Certificate in the Trade of Utility Arborist are also requirements;
• Candidates must be knowledgeable in current accepted industry practices and be physically fit and able to work in varying climate conditions. Demonstrations of the foregoing qualifications may be required through written, oral and practical examinations;
• Candidates must also demonstrate effective communication skills, both oral and written, time management skills, flexibility in adjusting between a variety of duties and ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team in addition to possessing an understanding of the Highway Traffic Act and knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
• Candidates must hold and provide a copy of a valid and unrestricted Ontario Driver’s License Class DZ minimum (standard and automatic transmission) with a driving record that demonstrates responsible and safe driving behaviour. Note: Applicants with 6 or more points are ineligible for consideration. The successful applicant, who is a new hire, will be required to provide the Corporation with a current drivers abstract (no older than 30 days) and pass a Town administered road test prior to assuming the position.

DATED: June 20, 2025

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 thepractical assessment 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.

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