Arborist I (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Sowela; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin-based Arborist I position at Sowela focuses on planting, pruning, and maintaining public trees using safe practices, basic rigging, and equipment operation. You will work in a crew, follow city procedures, and support emergency response during severe weather.

The role requires one year outdoor experience with power tools or motorized equipment, and you must obtain a Texas CDL within three months of hire. Outdoor work in all weather is expected.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• One year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, including use of power tools or motorized equipment.

Responsibilities

• Works in a crew setting to complete assigned work orders for tree planting and maintenance activities.
• Uses basic rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, trunks, and storm debris for public safety and infrastructure protection.
• Operates water truck, dump truck, aerial lift truck, grapple brush truck, and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintaining vehicle records.
• Provides rotating City-wide emergency response to severe weather events during and after normal work hours.
• Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
• Maintains and updates GIS tree inventory and work management systems.

Skills

Outdoor work

Communication

Conflict management

Multi-tasking

Weather resilience

Public interaction

Prioritization

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Commercial Driver License (CDL)

Power tools

Job description

Arborist I

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position maintains public trees using a working knowledge of tree pruning, removal, planting, watering, chain saw safety, aerial lift operations, rope and saddle tree climbing, electrical hazard awareness, tree biology, and industry best management practices.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Works in a crew setting to complete assigned work orders for tree planting and maintenance activities and communicates work order status to crew lead.
• Uses basic rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, trunks, and storm debris for public safety and infrastructure protection.
• Operates water truck, dump truck, aerial lift truck, grapple brush truck, and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintaining vehicle records.
• Provides rotating City-wide emergency response to severe weather events during and after normal work hours.
• Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
• Maintains and updates GIS tree inventory and work management systems.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, which included the use of power tools or motorized equipment.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• Must obtain Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License and any necessary endorsements within three (3) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• Experience with maintaining, operating, and installing irrigations systems.
• Experience performing tree planting according to ANSI standards.
• Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
• Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corps., Texas Conservation Corps., or Park Ranger Cadets.

Preferred Certifications/License:

• Current TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.