Arborist (PFT) (CUPE 12.24)
Norfolk County, Canada

Scope of Position:

Responsible for overseeing the appropriate and responsible management of Norfolk County’s Urban Forest. This position will oversee all tree management operations including in-house operations and contracted services. As well as providing tree maintenance on County owned property.

Position Description:

• Responsible for the documentation and record keeping of all inspections, tree risk assessments, and inventory of all publicly owned trees by adhering to proper protocols for documenting, recording and compiling data.
• Meets with public to inform of problems related to trees on public and private property to maintain positive image of Norfolk County by dealing in a professional manner and conveying accurate information.
• Responds to calls from the public regarding the condition of any publicly owned tree.
• Responsible for coordinating appropriate tree maintenance and hazard mitigation when required.
• Responsible for scheduling, communicating with, and monitoring the work of contracted services.
• Review, modify, and re-assign work orders to appropriate county staff for the completion of required tree maintenance.
• Assist with the management of Norfolk County’s tree planting program.
• Select suitable tree species, tree planting locations and oversee a tree planting contract with a private supplier.
• Prepare tree planting plans, arborist reports, or other technical reports required for County projects or the investigation of by-law infractions.
• Prepare, review, and make recommendations on technical reports, assessments or plans in relation to County projects or developments
• Review site plans, tree planting plans, landscape plans, and vegetation management plans as they pertain to developments or County projects and make appropriate recommendations based on industry standards and County policy.
• May be required to provide work direction and training to other County staff.
• Use of equipment and tools including chainsaws, brush saws, weed-eaters, lawn mowers, tractors, trucks, and a variety of power and hand tools
• Use a GPS unit or tablet to compile data
• Assist with GIS services for Parks Department, including data collection, mapping, and maintenance of GIS related files.
• Assist with data collection related to enforcement of municipal by-laws
• Provide extension services and support to partner groups and agencies
• Make recommendations to improve the tree management program and work efficiencies
• Support seasonal events throughout the County
• Occasional assignment to other areas within the Operations Division such as cemetery maintenance, park maintenance, horticulture maintenance and winter snow removal.
• Provide excellent customer service to residents and the public in general
• Work closely with, and in full view of the public
• Candidates must be physically fit and able to work in varying climate conditions
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Knowledge and Experience:

• Post-secondary diploma in Urban Forestry/Arboriculture or related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience maybe considered.
• Minimum of two years up to and including three years current related experience working in the field of forestry or arboriculture.
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist or Ontario Certified Arborist
• International Society of Arboriculture Qualified Tree Risk Assessor an asset
• Landscape exterminator license an asset
• Chainsaw Operations and Maintenance certificate an asset

Skills and Abilities:

• Valid Ontario G driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Computer expertise in corporate standard software (Microsoft Office)
• Experience operating trucks, forestry equipment, power tools and hand tools
• A thorough working knowledge of GIS/GPS equipment and related corporate software including ArcMap, ArcGIS online and Field Maps.
• Experience operating field GPS units and tablets.
• Working knowledge Arboriculture Safe Work practices including familiarity with Ontario Traffic Manual-Book 7
• Understanding and good working knowledge of current industry standards and practices as they pertain to the planting, assessment, care and maintenance of trees
• Proven ability to work as a member of a team
• Good physical dexterity
• Must be aware of safe work practices as they relate to job responsibilities and work environment, and have the basic understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

Benefits

Posting #: CUPE 12.24

Position: Arborist

St

Job Rewards and Benefits