Arborist

CLASS SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Assistant Public Works Director, the incumbent performs responsible, professional work planning, organizing and directing the City's tree and Greens planting and maintenance program, including utility right‑of‑way trimming, landscaping and tree maintenance at municipal facilities and public properties. Assists in the enforcement of applicable ordinances directed toward tree maintenance activities.  Supervision is exercised over contract tree and landscape crews, seasonal employees and other contracted services as needed.  Incumbent provides staff support for the Tree Commission. Performs duties independently using technical judgment, municipal codes and ordinances and applicable statutes.

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (Any one position may not include all the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class. Allocation of positions to this class will be determined on the amount of time spent in performing the primary duties.)

Establishes tree planting and trimming standards for use with municipal trees. Assists with contract bidding and specifications for contractual work related to tree maintenance and planting.

Schedules the City's tree care maintenance program, performed by crews or contract, with coordination and direction from the Assistant Public Works Director and may be required to directly supervise some maintenance work on smaller ornamental trees that do not require rope, saddle and assorted safety equipment as used in larger shade‑type trees.

Supervises the planting, trimming and maintenance of trees and/or grounds on public properties and/or public rights-of-way and municipal Greens and other City-owned parcels.

Provides consultations to homeowners regarding tree, shrub, insects, diseases and urban forestry issues; advises on how to eradicate tree pest infestation; provides tree care information, disease and pest diagnosis and eradication for right-of-way and City-owned trees.

Maintains computerized survey data and inventory to ensure accuracy and safety of all municipal trees on public right‑of‑ways and utility easements.

Assists with emergency removal of trees damaged by storms, winds or other causes which are immediately dangerous to movement of traffic or public safety. Responds to emergency situations as necessary, including fallen limbs and downed and hazardous trees in public rights-of-way.

Performs field inspections, tree identification and makes reports on field observations for the Tree Commission for implementation of the municipal tree planting program.

Supervises and monitors the work of service contractors to ensure compliance with contract requirements.

Coordinates with the Tree Commission, ODNR foresters and tree experts in promoting best tree selection and tree care techniques. Provides staff support for the Tree Commission.

Provides advice to residents on tree care and best arboricultural management practices.  Works with various civic and professional organizations. (Attends various department and public meetings; presents information regarding arboriculture and urban forest issues.)

Responsible for development of annual department budget; oversees purchases of materials, equipment and supplies; monitors expenditures.

Searches and recommends grants for submittal pertaining to tree maintenance, tree planting, inventory and tree education programs.

Performs related work as required and assists the Assistant Public Works Director with other duties as assigned.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT (The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit; use hands to manipulate objects, tools or controls; reach, climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. and occasionally may be required to lift and/or move more than 100 pounds (with mechanical or manual assistance, using OSHA mandated safety devices if required). Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works outside and at times under adverse weather conditions for extended periods of time. The employee frequently works near moving mechanical equipment or equipment parts. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and vibration. The noise level in the work environment may vary from moderate to high.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Work requires possession of a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Landscape Architecture or a closely related field, plus considerable progressively responsible experience in planting and caring for shade and ornamental trees, landscaping, or operation of large scale nursery. A Master's degree in Horticulture, Landscape Architecture, Agriculture or Forestry is preferred; or any equivalent combination of education and/or experience that provides the following knowledge, abilities, and skills:

• Knowledge of arborist/urban forestry principles and practices.
• Knowledge of plant types, aesthetic design, maintenance, care and preservation procedures, and the tools and equipment used in forestry.
• Knowledge of safety standards and precautions pertaining to the use of tools and equipment and the use of pesticides and fertilizers.
• Knowledge of tree identification, tree evaluation, and tree species recommended for planting in an urban environment; knowledge of insects, diseases, and other diagnoses; knowledge of arboricultural activities and practices necessary to maintain trees for public safety.

Good communication, interpersonal and public speaking skills.  Skill in effectively resolving conflicts with subordinates, superiors, contractors and the general public. Skill in management of urban forestry activities necessary to answer questions posed by the various municipal departments and the general public.

Ability to assess planting sites and companion landscape; select tree species well-sited for planning; identify potential conflicts and challenges; decide on appropriate planning placement.

Ability to work effectively with community leaders and maintain their confidence in the City forestry program.

Ability to effectively supervise and delegate work assignments; ability to manage work projects and large programs, encompassing job specifications, manpower and equipment needs.

Establish and maintain a variety of manual and computerized files, records, record keeping, and project management systems.

Ability to use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools, vehicles, and power equipment.

Ability to use independent judgment reflecting good logic, common sense and technical feasibility related to work tasks.

Must provide a high level of customer service by being courteous, responsive, respectful and helpful in all interactions with City staff, superiors, contractors and the general public.

Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, superiors, contractors and the general public.

May perform other related duties as assigned.

Must have regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Must follow and comply with City rules and policies.

 LICENSE, CERTIFICATE, OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS (All required licenses and certificates must be current, and the privileges granted under each cannot be suspended or otherwise encumbered.)

Possession of a valid State of Ohio Class B Commercial Driver's License is required.

Registration in Ohio as a Certified Arborist, or ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of appointment, is required.