Arborist

City of Kissimmee; Kissimmee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kissimmee is seeking an Arborist to maintain trees and plants on city lands, parks and facilities, operating moderate-sized equipment under the Parks Manager.

Requirements include an Associate's Degree in Arboriculture and 3+ years of arboriculture experience; ISA Certified Arborist within 6 months; Florida driver’s license; FEMA ICS certs within 6 months.

The role emphasizes safety, recordkeeping, staff supervision, and coordination with public and city staff.

Qualifications

• Requires an Associate's Degree supplemented by at least three years of experience in arboriculture.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Certificate with 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Florida driver's license.
• Must possess or obtain the most recent FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 incident command system certifications within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform arboriculture work in the care and maintenance of the City of Kissimmee's public trees and plants, utilizing specialized equipment as directed by the Parks Manager/Urban Forester.
• Operates all equipment and tools in a safe, prudent and efficient manner, including the use of truck, bucket truck, aerial lift, wood chipper, chain saws, hand saws, stump grinders, loaders, safety harness, climbing saddle, rigging ropes and tackle.
• Supervises and trains various staff in Parks & Public Works divisions.
• Responsible for inspecting woody and herbaceous plants to determine the need for removal, pruning, training, spraying, or other appropriate treatments.
• Keeps records of time and material, requisition of supplies, and preparing contract documents and reports.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as their immediate supervisor, other City personnel, co-workers, customers and the public.

Skills

Arboriculture knowledge

Equipment operation and safety

Supervisory skills

Recordkeeping

Education

Associate's Degree in Arboriculture

Job description

General Statement of Job

Under general supervision, performs skilled and unskilled work in the maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants located on city owned public lands, in parks, athletic fields and around/adjacent to other City facilities. Operates moderate-sized equipment as required. Reports to the assigned Parks & Public Lands Manager.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Perform arboriculture work in the care and maintenance of the City of Kissimmee's public trees and plants, utilizing specialized equipment as directed by the Parks Manager/Urban Forester. Utilize International Society of Arboriculture standards of practice and procedures (ANSI300) for as all aspects of tree care, to include tree selection, planting, pruning, training, removal, stump grinding, mulching, fertilizing, disease identification and treatment, and all other practices commonly associated with urban forestry and park maintenance and operations.
• Performs various City Ordinance abatement tasks regarding trees and vegetation ordinances. May conduct field inspections of landscape installation and related permits.
• Operates all equipment and tools in a safe, prudent and efficient manner, including the use of truck, bucket truck, aerial lift, wood chipper, chain saws, hand saws, stump grinders, loaders, safety harness, climbing saddle, rigging ropes and tackle. Utilizes and maintains appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and safety equipment, being responsible for safety of self, co-workers and the public.
• Supervises and trains various staff in Parks & Public Works divisions. Supervisory duties include training, assigning and evaluating the work of others; maintain standards; coordinating activities and acting on employee related issues.
• Responsible for inspecting woody and herbaceous plants to determine the need for removal, pruning, training, spraying, or other appropriate treatments. Keeps records of time and material, requisition of supplies, and preparing contract documents and reports.
• Performs a wide variety of tasks required for maintenance and repair of Parks and Recreation Department and Public Works Department areas and facilities. Examples include, but are not limited to, tree risk assessments, grass cutting, urban forestry, custodial, construction, equipment operation, equipment repair, etc.
• Performs other tasks and duties as assigned in an efficient and prudent manner.
• Performs oversight of woody and herbaceous plant planting, pruning and removal.
• Keeps and submits records and reports.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as their immediate supervisor, other City personnel, co-workers, customers and the public.

Minimum Education and Training

Requires an Associate's Degree supplemented by at least three years of experience in arboriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience. Must possess or be able to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Certificate with 6 months of hire. Must possess and maintain a valid state of Florida driver's license. Must possess or obtain the most recent FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 incident command system certifications within 6 months of employment.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards Required

Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Parks and Recreation Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of Arborist. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information. Has knowledge of general facility and grounds maintenance procedures and techniques. Has knowledge of the standard equipment, tools, materials and practices of the industry. Is able to operate job related machinery with skill and safety. Has skill in the care and use of required equipment and tools. Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Is able to prepare records and reports. Is able to read and interpret a variety of materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to analyze problems that arise on the job and make valid recommendations. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Is able to aid supervisors and co-workers as needed. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and communicate effectively with co-workers and the public. Ability to train staff on safe and proper use of equipment.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate vehicles, trucks, required equipment, hand and power tools, etc. Tasks involve the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and that involves the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds) and occasionally heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Responsibilities

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts. Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations. Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas. Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Working Conditions

Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather. Is able to perform work in adverse conditions, including but not limited to exposure to extreme heat and cold, wetness, humidity, traffic hazards, machinery hazards, toxic agents, noise, smoke, dust, pollen, dirt, etc.

Other

It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations enumerated in the job description is not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions.