Arborist

Performs skilled and technical tree maintenance including pruning, removal, and planting in public right-of-way, and on city-owned and maintained properties. Operates and maintains a variety of specialized equipment and tools. Responds to 24-hour emergency call outs, and addresses risks and hazardous trees. Work requires independent discretion in decision making and is performed under general supervision.

Performs skilled and technical tree maintenance including pruning, removal, and planting of trees in public right-of-way and on city-maintained properties. Uses arboricultural tools to prune trees for health and public safety according to defined pruning standards by ANSI. Utilizes advanced arboricultural climbing and rigging skills to perform maintenance and tree removals. Responds to 24-hour emergency call-outs; evaluates and determines the safest methods for removal of hanging or downed branches and trees. Performs safety inspections of trees prior to climbing. Implements necessary safety precautions during tree maintenance operations. Coordinates with forestry staff in tree planting duties to ensure trees are professionally planted for health and longevity. Operates and maintains medium to heavy equipment such as aerial lift towers, brush chippers, stump cutters and backhoes to perform duties. Prepares and if necessary, applies pesticides and herbicides according to city procedures (60%)

Performs routine inspections to identify maintenance needs and safety issues. Reviews work orders and maps and coordinates work according to locations. Coordinates with staff to determine which tasks are a priority and adjusts schedules and routes accordingly. Inputs data into work orders and timesheets ensuring a detailed record of work performed (20%)

Ensures an accurate and detailed record of all pesticide applications is maintained to include the type of pesticide, application location, mixture, and amounts used. Reports low inventory and upcoming needs for supplies. Attends arboriculture training to maintain certified arborist status on an annual basis. Attends, and when applicable, passes city-sponsored safety and training classes. Maintains an adequate level of chemicals, tools, and related equipment. Tracks and reviews inventory of equipment and tools to develop projections of future material requirements. (10%)

Directs fieldwork of volunteers and seasonal staff. Provides training and corrective guidance to volunteers and seasonal staff. Ensures compliance with all safety protocols and trains volunteer and seasonal staff on equipment and tools utilized. (10%)

Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time. Total Percentage = 100%

Required Knowledge, Experience, And Training

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Two years of experience in tree operations or college-level coursework in biology, horticulture, or related fields
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Working knowledge of tree anatomy and biology; materials, equipment, and methods used to plant and maintain trees
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and ANSI safety standards for tree work

• Ability to recognize risk trees; safely operate all tools and vehicles required; use safety equipment and tools while climbing trees; read landscape plans and maps
• Operate a computer with demonstrated proficiency using related database, word processing, and spreadsheet software applications at an appropriate level for efficient job performance
• Display an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of City of Boise employees and the public; communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Complete assignments in a timely fashion; understand and comply with all rules, policies and regulations; maintain prompt and regular attendance; and perform all essential and marginal functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without a reasonable accommodation
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record

• Associates degree in Arboriculture, Biology, or related field
• Three years of experience working with plant removal and pruning
• Idaho Pesticide Operators License issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture; International Society of Arboriculture Certification in any of the following:
  • #Certified Arborist
  • #Arborist Utility Specialist
  • #Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist
  • #Certified Tree Worker Climber Specialist
  • #Certified Tree Worker Aerial Lift Specialist

• Idaho Class A commercial driver's license

• Idaho Pesticide Operators License issued by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture

• International Society of Arboriculture Certification as an Arborist and/or Tree Worker

• City of Boise background check processes which includes a criminal history check and reference checks in accordance with the City of Boise Hiring Process Regulation
• Driving Record Check
• Drug Free Workplace: In accordance with the City of Boise Drug Free Workplace Regulation, this position is designated as safety sensitive and is subject to testing requirements including Post Offer Applicant Testing, Random Testing, Reasonable Suspicion, Post - Accident, etc. Applicants will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to hire. Appointment to this position is contingent upon a negative pre-employment drug test.
• Persons in this position must have a CDL that can handle a gross combination weight rating of 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of the towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds.

The physical effort characteristics and working environment 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.

Physical Efforts
While performing the duties of this job the employee is always lifting/carrying up to 20 pounds, frequently lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds and occasionally lifting/carrying up to 100 pounds. Also, the employee is always pushing/pulling up to 20 pounds, frequently pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds and occasionally pushing/pulling up to 100 pounds. The noise level is always moderate and frequently very loud. Work includes sensory ability to talk, hear, smell and touch. Work in this position also includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception. Employees will sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, climb and balance. Position requires hand/finger dexterity. Additional physical efforts include: twisting, climbing, bending and and carrying hand and power tools up and around trees..

Working Environment
The work environment will include inside conditions, outdoor weather conditions, extreme temperatures, in wet and humid conditions, with areas of dust, odors, mist and gases or other airborne matter. Employees are exposed to mechanical and electrical hazards and work in/at heights. Employees will also drive a vehicle as part of this position. Work includes protected exposure to infectious bacteria, bodily fluids and chemicals. Must navigate and be aware of: falling limbs, trees, high winds, storms, ice, snow, rain stinging insects, poisonous plants, thorns, snakes, and related pests.
This position may work an on-call schedule and respond to tree related emergencies.