DEFINITION

Inventories, plants, maintains, and cares for all city-wide trees; periodically provides tree safety inspections; performs other work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Arborist class is an advisory and first line supervisory position in the preservation, care, and removal of trees that are within the city's jurisdiction.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED

Direction is received from the Public Works Manager. Supervisory responsibilities may entail supervision of maintenance workers and/or one or more part-time laborers. On occasion supervision of larger work crews may be required for special project work.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Inventories trees through computer usage; plants and cares for new trees, including staking, restaking, and watering the trees during the early care maintenance period; prunes trees for early structuring and early care maintenance; inspects and prunes trees for safety, clearance, and visibility purposes; cables, braces, and attaches guy wires to trees; mow weeds, mulches, and fertilizes soil for proper tree care, growth, and weed abatement; removes dead and dying trees; cleans storm drains during and after heavy winds and/or rains; installs and maintains irrigation systems; attends seminars and other training programs as they relate to the maintenance of certification and licensing as an Arborist and Pest Control Advisor.

OTHER DUTIES

Advises and trains in pest control functions and in the safe use of spraying and other tree care equipment; prepares bids for and supervises the work of contract tree care and maintenance activities; purchases section's supplies and equipment; prepares and monitors section's budget; reviews blue prints and prepares contract specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience/Education

Sufficient experience and education in tree care maintenance to perform journey level tree care service work. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of two years of concentrated education/training in arboriculture and three years of professional tree care experience.

Knowledge/Skill/Ability

Thorough knowledge of methods, equipment, and materials used in tree maintenance and care; tree health problems, diseases, and pests; safe and effective method of felling trees, removing branches, and lowering limbs; safety procedures for climbing trees and working around overhead wires. General knowledge of types and level of maintenance and repair functions performed in landscape installation and maintenance, and irrigation system installation and maintenance; occupational hazards and standard safety precautions. Some knowledge of principles of organization, administration, budget, personnel management, and computer operations. Ability to plan, organize, and implement maintenance and repair programs for tree inventorying, maintenance, and removal; follow and direct others to follow safe work practices; prepare and maintain records and reports; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others contacted in the course of work; supervise, train, and evaluate the work of others also may be required.

Working Conditions

Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping and making repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when inspecting and overseeing work activities, and preparing budget requests and maintenance related reports. The need to lift, carry, and push tools, equipment, tree branches, and supplies up to 60 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this outdoor position works in all weather conditions including wet, hot, and cold. The incumbent may use cleaning and lubricating chemicals and ingredients which would expose the employee to fumes, dust, and air contaminants which may cause eye and skin irritation. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to climb up ladders and into high lift buckets, use power and noise producing tools and equipment, drive motorized vehicles, and work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions exposing the incumbent to mechanical, electrical, and traffic hazards. In addition, incumbent must utilitize climbing equipment suchas climbing belts, ropes, spikes, and operate a chain saw at heights.

License/Certificate

Possession of a class C California driver license by date of appointment and the possession of an Arborist Certification issued by the International Society of Arboriculture. A Pest Control Advisor and Qualified Applicators License issued by the State of California also is required.