Arborist

Position Overview The City of Wauwatosa is looking to add an Arborist to their team! This position performs arboricultural, horticultural, and landscape duties related to maintaining Wauwatosa’s urban forest, parks, and green spaces. Arborists will have a primary assignment to either arboriculture related duties or horticulture and landscape related duties, but may be assigned to any of those activities based on the City’s needs. In addition, Arborists perform snow and ice control on City streets as part of the Department of Public Works snow plowing operations. Position Overview Relating to Specific Duties: Arboriculture – Responsible for providing a safe and vibrant urban forest by following industry best practices while performing work on City trees including risk analysis, removal, pruning, stumping, planting, and disease/pest identification and treatment. The position assists in managing the department’s GIS based tree inventory, site analysis for new tree plantings, tree species selection/management and coordinating forestry projects. Duties during the winter months include snow and ice control. Horticulture/Landscape - Responsible for the installation and maintenance of City landscapes; assisting with design and development of landscaped areas, coordinating landscape projects, and performing day-to-day maintenance of City landscapes including natural areas. The position performs landscaping and grounds maintenance duties during the spring, summer and fall. Duties during the winter months include working with forestry crews conducting tree pruning operations and snow removal. This position will primarily focus on arboriculture work. The starting pay for this position ranges from $31.16 to $39.81 hourly, depending on experience and qualifications. This is complemented by an excellent benefits package, a robust wellness program, an on-site fitness center, a free workplace clinic, paid parental leave, generous paid holidays and vacation, a pension plan, volunteer time off, a flexible workplace environment and the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals who have a passion for public service. (Click the Benefits tab to find out more!). Essential Functions The following duties are primarily performed and are essential for this position. Employees are expected to be able to perform each of these job duties satisfactorily and successfully to be qualified for the position. Other duties may be required and assigned. Trim, prune, spray, cultivate, plant, transplant, water, fertilize, mulch and remove trees, shrubs, flowers and turf. Diagnose and treat trees, shrubs, flowers and turf for insects and disease problems. Read and follow landscape design and maintenance plans related to the care of Wauwatosa’s parks and green spaces. Train, monitor, and coordinate seasonal part-time workers as directed by Supervisor. Install and maintain shrub, perennial, and annual flower beds Maintain turf areas associated with public greenspaces including mowing, weed control, fertilizing and aerating. Irrigation system operation, repair, and maintenance Maintain and update GIS based inventory of public trees and green spaces in the field through a tablet or other device. Update and complete digital work orders and pesticide application records in the field. Operate various pieces of motorized equipment, trucks and tools related to duties. Performs daily preventative maintenance of equipment. Perform emergency tree work as needed. Perform snow and ice control on sidewalks and streets manually and with power equipment. Maintain ice rinks during normal operation hours. Effectively communicate department policy and procedures when asked by residents or staff. Minimum Requirements Education and/or Experience Requirements : High School Diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s Degree in urban forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field or equivalent work experience. Two years of experience as an arborist, horticulturalist, or landscape professional preferred. Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements: A valid Wisconsin Driver’s License, CDL preferred at time of hire. Must be able to obtain Class B CDL within one year of hire. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Qualifications In order to perform the functions and responsibilities of the position (listed above) the following knowledge, skills, and abilities are essential. Ability to pass and maintain the WDATCP pesticide category 3.0 Ornamental and Turf certification within three months of appointment. Ability to perform strenuous physical labor at great heights and on the ground. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time. Knowledge of proper tree pruning and removal procedures, methods and techniques; knowledge of safe use of common insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers. Knowledge of hazards of tree work and necessary safety precautions. Skill in the use of hooks, saws, ropes, ladders, hand tools, and power equipment commonly used in tree work and landscape operations. Ability to perform tree work from an aerial lift truck. Climbing by rope and saddle may be required. Experience installing hardscape such as retaining walls and brick pavers preferred. In evaluating candidates for this position, The City of Wauwatosa may consider a combination of education, training, and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of this position. Additional Information Physical Requirements While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance and talk or hear. The employee is required to sit and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl and climb into a truck on occasion. The employee must consistently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds occasionally. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment This position requires year-round work outside in varying weather conditions. Noise in the work area is frequently loud and requires the use of hearing protection.