Parks Operator - Arborist

Highland City; Highland (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Highland City seeks a Parks Operator-Arborist to manage urban forestry tasks and be the environmental steward of our community. You will prune, plant, diagnose tree health, and lead volunteers while maintaining the city's GIS tree inventory.

Required qualifications include a Utah Class A CDL, pesticide applicator license, and ISA Arborist certification (within 12 months). Expect outdoor work at height in varied Utah weather.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2-4 years of hands-on urban forestry or commercial tree care experience.
• Utah Class A CDL required; pesticide applicator license within 6 months.
• ISA Certified Arborist required at hire or within 12 months.
• Knowledge of ANSI A300 and Z133 standards.
• Operate heavy machinery and work at height in extreme weather.

Responsibilities

• Pruning and hazardous-tree removal using rigging, ropes, and bucket trucks.
• Diagnose tree diseases and apply IPM.
• Educate residents and lead volunteer planting projects.
• Select climate-resilient species for Utah soils.
• Maintain GIS-based tree inventory and mapping systems.

Skills

Aerial Artistry

Plant Healthcare

Community Education

GIS Software

Heavy Machinery

Safety & Rigging

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Utah Class A CDL

Utah Pesticide Applicator License

ISA Certified Arborist

Tools

Chippers

Backhoes

Stump Grinders

ANSI A300

Z133 Standards

Job description

Join the Canopy Crew: Parks Operator - Arborist

Highland City is looking for a skilled Parks Operator - Arborist to help shape the literal landscape of our community. If you are passionate about urban forestry and enjoy a role that balances technical expertise with outdoor physical challenge, we want to hear from you.

The Role: Why Your Work Matters

As our resident tree expert, you won't just be maintaining plants; you'll be an environmental steward for Highland. Your day-to-day will involve:

• Aerial Artistry & Safety: Pruning, trimming, and removing hazardous trees using advanced rigging, ropes, and bucket trucks.

• Plant Healthcare: Diagnosing diseases like Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch Elm Disease and applying Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to keep our canopy thriving.

• Community Connection: Serving as the face of the Parks Department by educating residents on pruning decisions and leading volunteer planting projects.

• Precision Planting: Selecting and siting climate-resilient species specifically for Utah's unique alkaline soils.

• Modern Forestry: Using GIS software to maintain the City's digital tree inventory and mapping systems.

What You Bring to the Team

We are looking for a dedicated professional who thrives in a high-energy environment:

• Education & Experience: High School Diploma/GED required, with 2-4 years of "hands-on" urban forestry or commercial tree care experience.

• Credentials: You must have (or be able to obtain) a Utah Class A CDL and a Utah State Pesticide Applicator License within 6 months. ISA Certified Arborist credential is required at hire or within 12 months.

• Technical Savvy: Deep knowledge of ANSI A300 and Z133 standards, and the ability to operate heavy machinery like chippers, backhoes, and stump grinders.

• Physical Grit: You are comfortable working at significant heights and in extreme weather conditions, from 100°F+ summers to sub-freezing winters.

Position Details

• Job Code: 1150.

• Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time.

• Supervision: You will report to the Parks Superintendent and provide guidance to seasonal maintenance workers.

• Availability: Includes a 24/7 on-call rotation for emergency public works responses.

Highland City is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates must pass a background check, drug screen, and Human Performance Evaluation prior to hire.

All qualified applicants must pass a pre-employment testing including but not limited to: Background check (18 years of age and older), Driving Record Review, Drug Screen, and Human Performance Evaluation.