Arborist

City of Kenosha; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a dedicated Arborist to join their team, focusing on the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs within city limits. This role involves pruning, planting, and inspecting trees for health, as well as operating various motorized equipment. The ideal candidate will possess a strong knowledge of tree diseases and trimming techniques, along with the ability to maintain effective public relations. If you are passionate about arboriculture and enjoy working outdoors, this opportunity offers a chance to make a significant impact on the community's green spaces.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in arboriculture and tree care.
• Knowledge of tree trimming methods and equipment is essential.
• Must have a valid CDL and a good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Prune, plant, and remove trees and shrubs in city parks and streets.
• Inspect trees for disease and administer treatment as needed.
• Establish effective public relations with citizens.

Skills

Tree trimming methods

Knowledge of tree diseases

Climbing techniques

Public relations

Record keeping

Ability to perform manual labor

Education

High school diploma or GED

Coursework in arboriculture or related field

Pesticide application license

ISA certification

Tools

Motorized equipment

Hand-held pruning equipment

Tractors

Aerial lift

Log loader

Chipper

Grinder

Tree spade

Job description

Under the supervision of the City Forester, the Arborist job duties involve pruning, planting, cultivating, and removal of trees and shrubs.

• Plants, prunes, trims, removes, and sprays trees and shrubs on City streets and parks.

• Required to apply pesticide as needed.

• Inspects trees for disease damage and infection; administers chemicals and solutions to treat diseased trees and shrubs.

• Operates motorized and mechanical equipment including trucks, tractors, aerial lift, log loader, chipper, grinder, tree spade in tree pruning, removal, and planting; operates various hand-held pruning equipment.

• Maintains record of activities.

• Establishes and maintains effective public relations with citizens.

• Assists in snow and ice removal activities.

• Performs other work as requested or assigned.

Education, Training and Experience Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED; with additional coursework in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, or closely related field.

• Supplemented by three (3) years of experience in arboriculture, pruning, and removing trees; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

• Pesticide application license at time of application or ability to obtain within the probationary period.

• ISA certification required by end of probationary period or time specified by department.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of tree trimming methods, techniques, and equipment.

• Knowledge of the disease and harmful insects affecting trees and shrubs.

• Knowledge of safely climbing trees using ropes and spurs or other techniques at high elevations from tree limbs, ladders, ropes, and motorized equipment.

• Knowledge of tools and equipment utilized in tree pruning and removal.

• Ability to climb trees safely.

• Ability to work safely at considerable heights.

• Ability to perform manual labor for extended periods and to withstand exposure to variable weather conditions.

• Ability to plan and organize the work of others.

• Ability to use tools and equipment utilized in tree pruning and removal.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective public relations.

• Ability to keep records and make reports.

• Skill in the use of tree trimming and tree removal tools and equipment.

• Ability to handle reasonably necessary stress.

Physical Requirements:

• Task involves the regular, and at times sustained, performance of heavier physical tasks such as walking over rough or uneven surfaces, bending, stooping, working in confined spaces, and lifting or carrying moderately heavy (20-50 pound) items and occasionally very heavy (100 pounds or over) items.

• May involve the complex operation of gasoline, electric, or diesel-powered machinery or shop equipment requiring the manipulation of multiple controls, fine adjustments, or both; or the sustained operation with associated equipment.

Environmental Requirements:

• Task requires that work be performed in adverse environmental conditions.

Sensory Requirements:

• Task requires color perception and discrimination.

• Task requires sound perception and discrimination.

• Task requires odor perception and discrimination.

• Task requires depth perception and discrimination.

• Task requires texture perception and discrimination.

• Task requires visual perception and discrimination.

• Task requires oral communications ability.

Other Requirements:

• Possession of a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) and a good driver's record.

Selection of qualified applicants will be based upon a rating of their training, experience, and work record. The selection process may include written and/or oral examinations. Appointment will be made in accordance with City policy and the Civil Service Ordinance and Rules and Regulations. The City reserves the right to evaluate only those applicants who best meet the needs of the City.