Arborist

Advance your career with our Arborist Apprenticeship Program!

Do you enjoy working outdoors Care about making a positive impact on the environment Want to build practical handson technical skills OurArborist Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to launch a fulfilling career in arboriculture. No prior experience is required! We offer thorough onthejob training and online courses designed to give you the knowledge skills and experience needed to become a Certified Arborist.

Upon hire

• Ability to learn needed skills to become a certified Arborist.
• Ability to read city maps including lot and block.
• Ability to maintain manual records and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers and the public both orally and in writing to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors associates and the public.

• Extensive knowledge of safety and precautions of the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the techniques procedures materials equipment and tools necessary for the planting maintenance pruning removal and replacement of trees.
• Considerable knowledge of ANSI A300 standards; tree planting site analysis; tree identification as it relates to urban forestry in this region.
• Considerable knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards relating to climbing and use of equipment in tree operations.
• Considerable knowledge of City and departmental policies procedures rules and regulations governing the work.
• Some knowledge of hazard tree assessment and abatement methods.
• Ability to safely use and operate the standard tools and equipment of the job (e.g. ropes chainsaw saddle stump grinder bucket truck etc.).
• Ability to climb trees and perform work at heights that may involve strenuous activity.
• Ability to inspect own work daily while in progress and upon completion to ensure quality of work and adherence to City and departmental policies procedures and safety standards

• Graduation from high school or GED; and
• Possess a valid Iowa Class B CDL allowing the operation of vehicles with airbrakes; and
• Be an Iowa Certified Pesticide Applicator in categories #2 #30T or #6; and
• Complete the City of Des Moines tree climbing test within 2 years of hire; and
• Be a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture; and
• Successfully complete a postemployment offer background investigation physical examination and drug screen.

• Graduation from high school or GED; and
• Possession of a valid drivers license at hire; and
• Successfully completea postemployment offer background investigation physical examination and drug screen.
• Arborist must*:
  • Possess a valid Iowa Class B CDL allowing the operation of vehicles with airbrakes within 6 months of hire; and
  • Be an Iowa Certified Pesticide Applicator in categories #2 #30T or #6 within 1 year of hire; and
  • Complete the City of Des Moines tree climbing test within 2 years of hire; and
  • Progress satisfactorily throughout the Arborist Apprenticeship Program; and
  • Complete the Arborist Apprenticeship Program within 4 years of hire; and
  • Be a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture within 4 years of hire.

• Inspects trees and shrubs for insects diseases split or weak branch attachments and other abnormalities.
• Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning removal planting mulching staking fertilizing and watering.
• Operates heavy equipment (e.g. aerial portion of a bucket truck chipper truck chipper etc.) utilized to prune and remove trees.
• Operates and maintains manual and motorized equipment (e.g. chain saws power pruner stump grinder root pruner hand tools etc.) at ground level and at heights up to 70 ft.
• Trims trees using climbing ropes and saddle.
• Uses proper safety equipment monitors working conditions and reports problems to supervisor.
• Interacts with other City departments and the public to accomplish work.
• Provides feedback to supervisors to enhance operations.
• Keeps accurate records of time spent and equipment used on each job.
• May work evenings weekends and holidays as necessary in response to emergencies (e.g. storms tornadoes floods mudslides etc.) related to public tree removal.
• Performs other duties as assigned.