Arborist I

at  City of St Catharines

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation from a two year community college program in Arboriculture or Forestry and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification as an Arborist.
• Must have documented Chainsaw Operator’s training along with IHSA Utility Line Clearing Technician Proficiency (Utility Arborist) certificate or equivalent.
• Possess a valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for the trade of Arborist and Utility Arborist.
• Possess a valid (0-8 Ton) Mobile Crane Operator and Safe Use of Rigging certificates.
• Must possess a valid Utility Work Protection Code certificate and be able to meet the relevant Controlling Authority (i.e. Horizon Utilities) requirements to hold work protection including hold-offs.
• Valid - Standard First Aid / CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
• Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” driver’s licence held in good standing with proven capability in the operation of large GVW vehicles.
• 3 years tree climbing experience, good knowledge of pruning and removal of trees and experience with the use of cranes for tree removal.
• Recent tree surgery experience required.
• Working knowledge and experience with the Occupational Health and Safety Act in particular as it relates to maintenance and construction activities (e.g. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), fall arrest).
• Must be comfortable working at heights, able to climb/work in trees or from ladders, proficient in the use of aerial bucket trucks and Ability to meet the physical demands of the job as described in the physical demands analysis (PDA).

SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and capable of working in a team environment, with the ability to also work independently.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, coordinate / plan work and function as part of a team.
• Exceptional customer service skills with a strong sense of public service and cooperation, and well developed abilities to deal with the public and citizens’ groups.
• Basic computer skills, experience with Microsoft Office Suite an asset.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Must successfully complete a City provided training course in Traffic Control – Temporary Work Zones.
• Must successfully complete a one day training course in Fall Arrest (IHSA or approved equivalent).
• Able to work outside in varying weather conditions (heat, cold, wet).
• Availability to work flexible hours (e.g. working shifts for a 7 day, 24 hour operation, overtime, winter control).
• Willing to be trained on and operate snow removal equipment, when required.
• Proven completion of Ministry of Labour Worker Health and Safety Awareness training.
• A demonstrated commitment to enhancing a safety culture.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

To perform tree pruning and removal operations within proximity to electrical apparatus, to inspect and evaluate woody plants, and provide direction to forestry crew on site in the absence of the foreman.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Perform tree inspection and evaluation when required with knowledge of tree biology, species, varieties and related growth and cultural requirements for healthy specimens.
• Assist in the monitoring and identification of tree pests, diseases, problems and potential hazards.
• Organize, control and supervise jobsite, including holding work protection and completing all relevant documentation.
• Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying or overgrown trees according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted arboricultural practice(s).
• Ability to prune trees in an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing manner.
• Operate brush chippers with or without hydraulic winch lines.
• Operate dielectric and arborist tools to clear limbs and suckers from hydro wires, traffic signs, sidewalks and other structures and assets as required.
• Use ropes, saddles, climbing equipment and/or rigging to safely prune or remove trees.
• Operate aerial truck with hydraulic lifting device; inspect the site for access and positioning of the truck. Assist other departments and agencies as required.
• Perform tree surgery, by cabling, bracing, bark tracing and cavity filling, as required.
• Develop and implement a traffic protection plan in accordance with Ministry of Transportation of Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7: Temporary Conditions.
• Ensure proper clean-up of job site.
• Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes and specifications.
• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained & safely operated, check on a daily basis and perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
• Perform other similar and related duties, as required.
• Provide functional leadership as required to accomplish the goals of the department.
• Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
• Ensure trucks and equipment is safely and securely stored.
• Complete paperwork as required, i.e. statistic sheets, time sheets and accident reports.
• Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
• Perform other similar and related duties as required.
  These responsibilities outline the principal functions of the position and serve as a guiding vision for the role’s impact and contribution.