Arborist I - Urban Forestry

City of Kelowna; Kelowna; On-site; CAD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kelowna is hiring Arborist I - Urban Forestry for a 6-month term. Location: PARKS OFFICE/YARD. The role requires climbing, pruning, tree maintenance, and leadership of a crew. ISA certification eligibility, BC driver’s license with Air Brake, and City certification on equipment are expected.

Responsibilities include tree surgery, dealing with diseased trees, and coordinating safety and work at heights. Strong interpersonal skills and adaptability are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Diploma in horticulture or arboriculture required.
• Eligible to obtain ISA Arborist Certification.
• Relevant arboriculture/tree maintenance experience.
• Valid BC Class 5 license with Air Brake endorsement.
• City of Kelowna equipment and trucks certification required.

Responsibilities

• Planting, pruning, topping, falling, and removing trees; identify diseased trees; perform tree surgery and repairs.
• Carry out stump grinding, root removal, fertilizing, and related maintenance tasks.
• Operate and maintain aerial lift trucks, wood chippers, trucks, and power tools safely.
• Ensure safe work practices, fall protection, PPE, and traffic control at sites.
• Provide on-site leadership, supervise crew, and respond to inquiries from staff and public.
• Perform manual labour and work at heights as part of the role.

Skills

People management

Flexibility

Customer service

Communication

Education

Diploma in Horticulture or Arboriculture

Tools

Aerial lift operation

Job description

City of Kelowna is located at PARKS OFFICE/YARD. The company is currently looking for applications for the role of Arborist I - Urban Forestry. We are seeking a self-disciplined individual with exceptional interpersonal skills. The chosen applicant will be required to join and begin their duties as soon as possible. This is a 6-month term position.

Employer Name: City of Kelowna
Position: Arborist I - Urban Forestry
No. of vacancies: 1
Salary: $39.51 per hour
Employment type: 6 Months Term
Location: PARKS OFFICE/YARD

• The candidate will be responsible for planting, pruning, topping, falling, and removing trees; identifying diseased trees; and performing tree surgery and repairs, including cleaning affected areas, cabling, and bracing.
• The candidate will be responsible for performing additional urban tree maintenance duties, including stump grinding, root removal, fertilizing, and related activities.
• The candidate will be responsible for using and maintaining specialized climbing equipment, including harnesses, ropes, and pulley rigging systems, to safely climb high trees for inspections, pruning, and falling.
• The candidate will be responsible for operating and maintaining aerial lift trucks, wood chippers, flat deck trucks, crane trucks, and various hand and power tools, including chainsaws, power shears, drills, and stump grinders.
• The candidate will be responsible for ensuring safe work practices are followed at the work site, including proper fall protection, personal protective equipment, work zone protection, and traffic control measures.
• The candidate will be responsible for supervising staff and providing on-site leadership to the crew.
• The candidate will be responsible for receiving and responding to inquiries from staff, contractors, and members of the public.
• The candidate will be required to perform manual labour and work at heights as part of the position responsibilities.

Job Requirements

• The candidate must have a Diploma in Horticulture or Arboriculture.
• The candidate must be eligible to obtain ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) Arborist Certification.
• The candidate must have relevant experience related to the position.
• The candidate must have a valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License with an Air Brake endorsement.
• The candidate must obtain City of Kelowna certification on designated equipment and trucks.
• The candidate must demonstrate flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work requirements.
• The candidate must demonstrate strong people management skills to effectively lead, support, and develop team members.
• The candidate will be required to deliver excellent service by responding effectively to customer and stakeholder needs.
• The candidate with a valid Class 3 Driver’s Licence will be given preference.
• The candidate will work in an organization committed to reflecting the diversity of the community.
• The candidate will be part of an equitable, inclusive, and progressive work environment.