Arborist 1

Our City Our Future

St. Johns is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. Johns is committed to recruiting worldclass talent and expertise to join our City staff more than 1200 strong who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. Johns and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality we want you to help us make St. Johns a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The Human Resources Division is presently accepting applications for the fulltime temporary position of Arborist I Parks and Open Spaces with an anticipated end date of September 2025.

This position reports to the Foreperson Parks & Open Spaces Division.

Accountabilities

work related to and advise staff involved in the care and maintenance of trees.
and transplants trees utilizing both mechanical and manual tree planting techniques.
and complies with utility locates for the purposes of planting trees stump removal and grinding and any type of work that requires digging or other means of excavation.
and has a good working understanding of the morphology and physiology of trees common throughout the St. Johns area.
water fertilizer pesticides and manual techniques required to ensure tree health.
assigned work selects and prepares equipment required ensuring work is completed in an efficient and effective manner and that work is prioritized accordingly.
to and ensures compliance with all applicable legislation City policies safe work practices and operating standards. Provides instruction as required with respect to methods of work operation of equipment and health and safety standards.
staff on all aspects of City tree maintenance/arboriculture program and the duties of the Arborist I and Arborist II positions as well as the tree maintenance responsibilities of Parks Service Workers providing feedback with an aim to share skills and achieve continuous improvement.
daily timecards pre and post trip vehicle inspection forms advising supervisor of deficiencies observed in a prompt and timely manner.
equipment is thoroughly inspected preuse and maintained in accordance with City policy and manufactures specifications.
tree hazards and maintenance requirements and reports observations to supervisor to determine appropriate course of action.
aloft at various heights performing tree maintenance and other park operation activities through the use of aerial devices and manual climbing using approved safety equipment and techniques.
as a spotter monitoring and assisting those working at heights in the handling of ropes rigging use of mechanical equipment maintaining a safe workspace etc.
operates inspects and ensures proper maintenance of various equipment including but not limited to: bucket truck chainsaw wood chipper stump grinder mechanical pole saw trailers stake body truck pickup truck snowmobile walk behind snowblower winches various hand tools etc.
loads and unloads wood brush wood chips and related tree and park maintenance equipment using proper lifting techniques.
work on City streets public spaces and within the public rightofway directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic to ensure site safety.
liaises with members of the public in a professional manner as required to address matters of tree maintenance and site safety providing secondary contact information as required.
other duties as assigned.

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

Must be a high school graduate and have a diploma in Ornamental Horticulture Arboriculture Forestry or related field from a postsecondary institution or equivalent combination of education and experience deemed suitable by the City.
Must have and maintain current accreditation as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist. To attain this accreditation a minimum of three years of experience in all types of arboricultural work including pruning removal knowledge of cabling and bracing stumping planting and fertilizing is a prerequisite.
Experience climbing trees and operating aerial towers using approved equipment and safety procedures when working at various heights to perform tree maintenance including working in the vicinity of energized conductors.
Must possess a valid Class 5 drivers license.
Must be willing to acquire further education as deemed necessary by the Department of Public Works.

Hours of Work

8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. Monday Friday / Shift Work as Required

This position is classified as safetysensitive. The City of St. Johns has a comprehensive Alcohol and Drug Policy to ensure fitness for work and the completion of a satisfactory alcohol and drug test is a mandatory preemployment requirement.

Applicants must be members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 569 or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. Johns does not accept applications in person by email fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. Johns is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the communitys diversity.