Public Works Arborist

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

 Incumbent serves as the City Arborist, and is responsible for the planting, pruning, investigation, assessment and treatment of damage and disease of urban silviculture. The City Arborist assists the Forester in tree and limb removals along with the Assistant Urban Forester.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Plans, procures, performs, and provides for the installation of trees and shrubs within the City utilizing standard forestry equipment (chain saws, pole saws, chipper, grinder, lift truck, etc.)
2. Recommends appropriates species and inspects for the condition of plantings
3. Maintains City trees and inspects trees for damage from weather and disease, treats trees appropriately and provides recommendations for removal or treatment.
4. Receives and investigates citizen complaints from dispatch regarding City streets and related areas.
5. Keeps records of work performed and updates city tree inventory as needed

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Assists in maintaining inventory of department equipment, materials, and supplies, submits recommendations to City Engineer as needed.
2. This position is considered safety sensitive and will require a DOT physical and medical card
3. Performs other duties as assigned consistent with public works functions
4. On call in case of emergencies and/or snow/ice/storm response.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

 The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Incumbent performs duties both indoors and out of doors, and is required to respond to supervise work crews in varying weather conditions.  Incumbent is exposed to moderate amounts of dirt, dust, noise, and necessitates constant awareness of appropriate safety precautions to ensure against injury.

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

 The physical demands 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.

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS– Physical (P), Mental (M), Knowledge (K)

• Ability to maintain accurate records.  (M)
• Knowledge of and ability to perform common urban forestry tasks such as tree assement, removal of limbs, pruning, tree planting, tree removal.  (K, P)
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.  (M,P)
• Ability to give meaningful instructions.  (M,P)
• Ability to lift between 50 – 100 pounds.  (P)
• Ability to operate lifts and work at heights in excess of 10’ (M, P, K)
• Ability to effectively maneuver around job site.  (P)

Preferred Requirements

• Employee In Responsible Charge Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire
• Indiana Department of Transportation Certified Technician, or ability to obtain hot mix asphalt paving certification within one (1) year of hire

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

 Associates Degree in a related area (forestry, natural resource management, agriculture) with 2 years experience in as an arborist performing planting, pruning, and tree removals. ISA Arborist certification required within 6 months of hire date.