Arborist II

Job Summary

Are you passionate about trees and working outdoors in a forward-thinking workplace that puts your safety first and is committed to quality work? We are seeking talented arborists who are passionate about caring for trees. You will be an integral member of an award-winning team that performs tree care services safely and efficiently on streets, parks, and natural areas of one of Canada’s largest cities. You will work alongside some of the top arborists in the country in a non-unionized environment with access to the best gear and an amazing team culture where your skills are valued and your voice is heard. You will be part of an agile team where everyone works aloft, on the ground, as a tree climber, and aerial lift operator as needed.

Your pay will  be negotiated based on your experience, abilities, and qualifications, and your benefits and perks will include access to a defined benefit pension plan (OMERS), competitive paid vacation, and a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, and access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program.    

Duties and Responsibilities

• Inspect and assess the health, structure, and condition of trees and woody plants, identify any pests, diseases, or defects, and determine work required
• Perform all arboricultural tasks as directed by a crew lead, including basic and advanced tree climbing, rigging, pruning, and removal work at various heights and in proximity to energized conductors
• Ascend, descend, and work aloft safely and proficiently in trees of all sizes on streets, parks, and natural areas
• Operate, inspect, and maintain vehicles, equipment, and gear (i.e. pickup trucks, bucket trucks, crane trucks, dump truck, brush chipper, chainsaw, pole saw, etc.)
• Communicate and interact frequently with the public and clients in a professional manner to address tree and work site concerns
• Work independently and as part of a crew in a collaborative manner
• Establish traffic control and other protective measures to secure the work site in accordance with legislation and best practice
• Provide technical advice and expertise to other staff and stakeholders
• Provide functional guidance and training to other staff
• Participate in job safety briefings and tailboards, identify safety hazards and concerns to crew lead and supervisor
• Maintain digital records of daily tasks and updates to tree inventory
• Participate in the mandatory Forestry On-Call Program (24/7 after-hours on-call rotation, and call-out for emergencies)
• May be required to work to overtime and/or work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays
• Work in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, ANSI Z133 Safey Standard, ISA Best Management Practices, Arborist Safe Work Practices, Electrical and Utility Safety Rules)
• Participate in all mandated training
• Act as crew lead as required
• Perform other duties as required

Skills and Qualifications

• Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in arboriculture, urban forestry, or the approved equivalent education and/or experience
• Must be an ISA Certified Arborist and/or ISA Certified Tree Climber or obtain within the first 6 months of employment.
• Must possess IHSA Utility Line Clearing Technician Proficiency (Utility Arborist) training or obtain within the first 6 months of employment
• ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), Skilled Trades Ontario Certificate of Qualification as an Arborist (444A) and/or Utility Arborist (444B) would be an asset
• Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class D License with Z Endorsement (or higher) with an acceptable driving record, or obtain within the first 6 weeks of employment
• Must be able to obtain a driver’s abstract at your own expense

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience performing arboricultural tasks, including tree climbing, rigging, pruning, and removal work at various heights and in proximity to energized conductors

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, regulations, standards, and best practices (i.e. Occupational Health and Safety Act, Highway Traffic Act, ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, ANSI Z133 Safey Standard, ISA Best Management Practices, Arborist Safe Work Practices)
• Must be physically capable of safely performing all required duties in all weather conditions, on uneven terrain, perform heavy lifting (50 lbs)