Arborist (Unionized Position)

County of Brant; Ontario; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency is seeking an experienced Arborist to manage tree maintenance and inspections. The successful candidate will have a strong background in Arboriculture, with certifications in tree risk assessment and climbing techniques. The role includes equipment operation, conducting inspections, and providing exceptional service. This position offers a competitive hourly wage and requires a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• 3 years’ experience in the Arboriculture industry.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
• Valid G driver’s licence with acceptable abstract.

Responsibilities

• Implement tree maintenance requests including pruning and removal.
• Conduct tree inspections and risk assessments.
• Provide excellent customer service to staff and clients.

Skills

Climbing and aerial lift operation

Digital applications knowledge

Arboriculture practices

Climber rescue techniques

Hazard tree risk assessment

Education

Post secondary education in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture

Certified Arborist designation

Certified Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial devices

GIS-based tree inventory systems

Job description

REPORTS TO:Forestry Supervisor
LOCATION:Green Lane Sports Complex

Minimum Qualifications:

• Post secondary education in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture or related discipline from a recognized institution. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the Arboriculture industry with a minimum of 6 months climbing and aerial lift operation.
• Certified Arborist designation with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
• Certified Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) – or ability to obtain within 9 months of start.
• Proven practical Arboriculture experience in pruning, hazard tree removal, proactive maintenance, tree planting, hazard tree risk assessment, site safety assessment, traffic control plans, roping and rigging techniques, and tree species identification.
• Knowledge of climber rescue techniques including high angle rescue, aerial lift evacuation, and extrication.
• Working knowledge of digital applications including Outlook, Excel, Word, and GIS-based tree inventory systems.
• Demonstrated safe work practices in compliance with applicable legislation including Occupational Health and Safety Act, Book 7 – Ontario Traffic Manual, County of Brant Health & Safety Policies & Procedures, etc.
• Ability to work evening and weekends, as scheduled or required due to emergency
• Valid G driver’s licence and an acceptable driver abstract and police records check

Assets:

• Pesticide license in forestry and/or landscape application through the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP)
• Safety & Awareness for Line Clearing Certificate from the Electrical & Safety Utilities Association of Ontario (E&USA)
• Certificate of Qualification as a Certified Arborist (444A) with the Province of Ontario.

Duties:

• Implement assigned tree maintenance requests including but not limited to pruning, removal, cabling, storm damage clean-up, air-spading, chipping and hauling brush according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted maintenance practice(s).
• Conduct tree inspections, tree risk assessments, and tree inventory tasks.
• Operate specialized equipment in a safe and efficient manner, including aerial devices, chippers, chainsaws, stump grinders, pruning tools, and standard tree climbing equipment.
• Implement the County’s young tree maintenance program which includes watering, mulching and pruning of newly planted trees on County lands.
• Assist with trail maintenance and construction and snow removal.
• 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.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained & safely operated, check daily and perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Provide excellent customer service; respond to the needs of all customers and staff as required.
• Provide support for special and educational events such as Earth Week and Arbor Day.
• Assist Supervisor with work plans, capital projects, contract management, risk assessments, documenting minimum maintenance standards, scheduling work assignments, resource planning.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

Hourly Rate:$29.33 (Probationary) $36.39 (Full-time)
Hours per week: 40 Hours per week

Date of Posting: Thursday, August 7, 2025

The application deadline is Monday, August 18, 2025 @ 9:00 a.m.#LI-DNI

The County of Brant is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all stages of the recruitment process. If contacted for an employment opportunity, please advise the County if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants and advise that only candidates to be interviewed will be contacted. Personal information submitted is collected under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.