Arborist - Full Time

This is skilled and semiskilled arboriculture work involving pruning, maintenance, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees. Tree pruning and removal is hazardous work performed with minimum supervision.

The Arborist IA is the lead worker responsible for allocating, checking and reviewing the work of an arboriculture operations crew.
The successful candidate will respond to enquiries from the general public in the course of carrying out assignments, participate in preparing presentations, public demonstrations and provides on the job training to subordinates in tree care operations.
The Arborist IA will also be responsible for performing tree pruning operations around energized hydro lines and pruning boulevard and park trees using power saws, and other hand tools.
This position would operate an aerial bucket truck and climb boulevard and park trees when required, using ropes and safety harness, operating a chipping machine as required and occasionally carrying out cabling and bracing. planting and removing trees as required with using hand tools and mechanized equipment.
The Arborist IA will have to lift and transplant established trees to accommodate site modifications, identifies diseased trees or trees that are potentially hazardous to public safety, and undertakes emergency control action as required and informs superiors of situations.

Completion of the tenth school grade plus considerable experience in street tree operations and in the operation of a boom truck, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Experience in the use of climbing equipment and rigging techniques, and in planting and transplanting techniques.
Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture is required.
Power System Safety Certificate is an asset.

Thorough knowledge of arboriculture methods, standards and practices, City and Park Board safety protocols, and arboriculture and utility arboriculture safe work procedures.
Considerable knowledge of growth habits and maintenance requirements of various tree species.
Working knowledge of arboriculture pests and diseases, and integrated pest management practices.
Skill in the use of a variety of power and hand tools used in pruning, planting, removal, cable and bracing, pest control and general tree maintenance
Skill in the use of safety harness and ropes used in climbing trees.
Demonstrated ability to perform hazardous climbing and pruning tasks at considerable heights and ability to identify hazardous trees.
Ability to identify hazardous and diseased trees and to take emergency remedial action.
Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to assign, check and review the work of subordinates performing semiskilled and unskilled tasks; participate in conducting performance reviews for same.
Ability to meet the public and answer a variety of questions regarding tree management activities, and participate in preparing presentations and public demonstrations.

A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher and a Satisfactory National Safety Code driving record
~Business Unit/Department : Employment Type: Regular Full Time
At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion .
The City of Vancouver acknowledges that it is situated on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation).