Arborist
The City of Owen Sound is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to the the Arborist role. This position is responsible for the selection, planting, maintenance and removal of trees, shrubs and plant materials on municipal property and performs various other park operations duties as assigned. The arborist works independently and in a team setting. The position will also participate in winter operations and perform winter control duties as assigned.
The successful candidate will have a Diploma (2-year program) in Arboriculture, Forestry or other relevant field of study with a minimum of one (1) year of experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities described or a combination of education, on-the-job training and experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities described may be considered, such as:
Certificate (1 year program) in Arboriculture, Forestry or other relevant field of study with a minimum of two (2) years of experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities described.
Or ISA Certificied Arborist in good standing with a minimum grade 12 or GATB education with a minimum of three (3) years of experience commensurate with the duties and responsibilities described.
Skills and Competencies Required:
Technical
- ISA Certified Arborist and earn minimum number of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to maintain certification or Certificate of apprenticeship with arboriculture apprenticeship program.
- Knowledge of methods and techniques of tree maintenance, felling, and removal in an urban environment. The ability to evaluate and understand dynamic hazards on the job.
- Knowledge of urban forestry management, tree identification, characteristics and habit of tree species, tree pests and disease, plant health care, identification of hazardous and problem trees, and tree selection for replacement plantings.
- Knowledge of climber rescue techniques including high angle rescue, aerial lift evacuation, and extrication.
- Knowledge of arboricultural practices, plant taxonomy, and insect/disease control.
- Knowledge of proper and safe industry standards for tree climbing techniques and use of related equipment and apparatus. Ability to identify and understand anchor points, friction hitches, protection systems and specifications related to climbing ropes.
- Knowledge of accepted rigging techniques used in the safe lowering of tree limbs and trunks.
- Knowledge and the ability to perform tree inspections and assessments.
- Knowledge and understanding of locates, utility markings, and overhead and under ground hazards.
Procedural
- Working knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations that applies to this work.
- Working knowledge of Ontario Traffic Manual-Book 7 to set up traffic control devices in work zones.
- Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with urban tree care.
- Knowledge of proper and safe handling of equipment and tools.
- Ability to recognize hazardous situations and exercise extreme caution when working in and around overhead utilities, tree stump holes, machinery, vehicles, and other forestry related equipment.
- Ability to rescue a climber using high angle rescue, aerial lift evacuation, and extrication.
- Ability to practice appropriate health and safety precautions and procedures during pruning and felling operations.
- Ability to transport machinery and vehicles safely using load security procedures.
Equipment
- Valid Ontario Licence with “D” and “Z” endorsement and acceptable driving record to operate City-owned equipment and vehicles, or ability to obtain within six (6) months
- Ability to use/operate equipment (e.g., aerial truck; chipper truck, dump truck, stumper, crane truck, chipper, chainsaw, pole saw, safety equipment, rigging, cabling, bracing, climbing equipment, leaf blower, snowplow).
- Ability to use a variety of hand tools (e.g., shovel, rake, broom, handsaw).
- Ability to use a computerized work management system.
- Ability to use electronic devices.
The wage rate is $28.88 per hour and this position works 40 hours per week. The City offers a comprehensive health and dental benefit plan and the OMERS defined benefit pension plan. The full job description can be found on the City’s website. To explore this opportunity further, we invite applicants to forward their resume and cover letter to:
Human Resources Manager
City of Owen Sound
E-mail: hrjobposting@owensound.ca
The City of Owen Sound is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, valuing and respecting diversity. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We will accommodate the needs of qualified applicants under the Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians Disabilities Act, in all aspects of the hiring process, upon request. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will only be used for candidate selection.
