Arborist

City of Kissimmee; Kissimmee (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Kissimmee is seeking a skilled arborist to maintain public trees and plantings on city lands, parks, and facilities. You will operate mid-size equipment and follow ISA standards for tree care under supervision of the Parks Manager/Urban Forester.

Requires an Associate’s Degree with 3+ years in arboriculture, ISA Certified Arborist within 6 months, a Florida driver’s license, and FEMA ICS certifications within 6 months of hire. You may train staff and assist with inspections and records.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree with at least three years of arboriculture experience or equivalent.
• Must possess ISA Certified Arborist or be able to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Must possess a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must obtain FEMA ICS certifications (100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800) within 6 months of employment.

Responsibilities

• Perform arboriculture work on city trees and plants using specialized equipment.
• Inspect and maintain trees and vegetation per standards and safety procedures.
• Supervise and train staff within Parks & Public Works divisions.
• Keep records of time, materials, supplies, and reports.

Skills

Arboriculture

Safety training

Education

Associate’s Degree + 3 years arboriculture experience

Tools

Bucket truck

Aerial lift

Wood chipper

Job description

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. Work is performed independently with the direction of the Parks Manager, and performance is reviewed while in progress, reports, meetings, and results obtained.

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.

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.