Arborist I

City of Springfield; Springfield (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Springfield is seeking an Arborist Assistant to perform pruning for safety, assist with hazard tree removal, and support Forestry Division operations including tree planting and nursery maintenance. You will report to the Lead Arborist, work in a team environment, operate chippers, chainsaws, stump grinders, and various hand and power tools, and participate in storm-damage responses as needed.

Candidates should be willing to work outdoors in all weather, follow safety procedures, and

Qualifications

• High School diploma or higher in arboriculture or related field preferred.
• ISA Certified Tree Worker preferred.
• 2 years of tree work experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform pruning, removal, and planting of public street trees.
• Operate and maintain chippers, chainsaws, and stump grinders.
• Assist crew leaders on the ground and loft.
• Report to the Lead Arborist for daily work assignments.
• Maintain safe and clean work sites and proper cleanup.
• May respond to storm damage calls outside regular hours.
• Collaborate with the Forestry Division and the general public.

Skills

Strenuous labor

Safety procedures

Teamwork

Communication

Storm response

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or higher in arboriculture

ISA Certified Tree Worker preferred

Tools

Chippers

Chainsaws

Stump grinders

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

Responsible for performing all aspects of tree care including pruning for safety, clearance, and visibility. Position includes assisting with the removal of hazard trees including technical rigging of limbs and wood. Assists with Forestry Division operations including tree planting and tree nursery maintenance. Supervision is received from Lead Arborist. No supervision is exercised over other employees.

• Daily work activities to maintain the overall health and vigor of the City of Springfield street tree population.
• Assist with the implementation of the work zone safety procedures such as the placement of cones and signs.
• Operates and maintain chippers, chainsaws, and stump grinders safely.
• Operates various hand and power tools associated with tree work including handsaws, chainsaws, and blowers.
• Assist crew leaders working on the ground and loft.
• Reports directly to the Lead Arborist for daily work assignment.
• Daily work will include but is not limited to pruning, removal, and planting of public street trees.
• Performs proper clean-up of job sites and maintains a safe work zone.
• May be called upon to report to storm damage calls outside regular operational hours.
• Performs related work as required.

• Ability to perform strenuous labor and work in all weather conditions and seasons
• Knowledge of methods, equipment, and materials used in tree maintenance and care
• Ability to safely and effectively fell trees, remove branches, and lower limbs
• Understanding of industry safety procedures for climbing trees and working around overhead wires.
• Learn and demonstrated high safety standards sound risk assessment skills, equipment inspection skills, learns proper application in approved knots and proper climbing techniques and procedures, proper pruning and small removal skills, and learns proper rigging skills.
• Understanding of occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Ability to plan, organize, and implement tree planting, pruning and removal operation
• Ability to follow and direct others to follow safe work practices
• Prepare and maintain records and reports
• Demonstrate clear and concise verbal and written communication
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted in the course of work
• Must be exceptional working in a team environment, capable of working with a group of staff in an effective manner
• Must have experience working collaboratively in a union environment and with the general public.
• Ability to anticipate, respond to and manage change. Ability to think strategically.

• High School diploma and or higher degree in arboriculture or related field preferred
• ISA Certified Tree Worker preferred
• 2 years of tree work experience preferred