What are the responsibilities and job description for the ARBORIST II (OPEN) position at City of Cincinnati?
Under direct oversight, the Arborist II performs skilled arboricultural work amongst a team of experienced arborists, within City of Cincinnati rights-of-way, parks, and other public properties. In this Role, the Arborist II will climb or utilize an aerial lift, to remove dead and dangerous trees, and regularly perform structural pruning to uphold the long-term integrity of public trees. In addition, the scope of work includes stump removal, tree planting, pest/disease management, emergency response during and after storms to remove trees and hazards, and other maintenance of public trees. The Arborist II will also perform general maintenance of equipment and vehicles, and other job-related duties as required.
Additional Information:
Cincinnati Parks is seeking an experienced tree care worker to apply to our Arborist II position. The Arborist II will work as part of a team of experienced arborist under the guidance of the Lead Arborist performing general tree care operations within the City of Cincinnati along rights-of-way, within parks, and other public properties. The Arborist II will be expected to work aloft, either with rope and saddle or utilizing an aerial lift, to remove dead and dangerous trees, and regularly perform structural pruning to uphold the long-term integrity of public trees. Additionally, they may work on the ground in support of other arborists on larger removals, assisting with traffic control, or in rigging operations. Additional tree care activities covered by this position include planting, pest/disease management, risk inspections, and stump grinding. This position will also include opportunities for continued skill development and a focus om continuing education in the field of arboriculture. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of:
Tree climbing techniques include single/double rope, limb walking, redirects, and proficient use of harness, throw lines and ropes. Climbing and rigging knots used in tree care operations.
Modern climbing and rigging equipment utilized for safe and efficient tree care operations. Aerial rescue techniques. Tools and power equipment used in tree maintenance (i.e., chainsaws, hand tools, chippers, stump grinders, etc.), as well as their proper usage/maintenance, safety procedures, and corresponding personal protective equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.) as defined within the ANSI A300 industry standards.
Tree maintenance techniques and best practices employed to safely manage the physics and dynamics of tree/branch loads and felling operations. Proper pruning practices to maintain a healthy structure, shape, and clearance to ensure tree health and long-term development.
Basic mathematics (adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division) sufficient to mix pesticides, fertilizers, and other materials.
Basic physics calculations are needed to safely manage dynamic weight loads of tree parts in relation to rope strength, equipment used (pulleys, etc.), angle of fall, and distance to the ground. Tree inventory methods and basic data collection.
Tree identification techniques and detailed knowledge of species both native to the Cincinnati region and those commonly in the local nursery industry, including their wet and dry weights per diameter inch and length, best use in an urban environment, common issues, and characteristics to inform best management practices in tree care operations and placement in the landscape.
Plant healthcare related to trees, including a basic understanding of common diseases, insects and nutrient deficiencies and their corresponding treatments. Usage and purpose of liquid and granular fertilizers. Tree maintenance safety procedures and how to use safety equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.
Skill to:
Perform all tree maintenance (pruning, removal, planting, and stump grinding) to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI A300 industry standards. Climb proficiently at considerable heights using single and/or double rope techniques and redirects as needed to reach all points of a tree safely, efficiently, and securely.
Efficiently and safely manage ropes during all tree care operations Tie, dress, and secure knots used in arboriculture to safely perform rigging, pruning and tree removal operations. Perform aerial rescue as needed to ensure the safety of fellow arborist.
Safely and proficiently operate power equipment (chipper, aerial lift, loader/skid steer, chain saw, stump grinder, drill, metal grinder, etc.), hand tools (hand saws, loppers, pickaxe, sledgehammer, shovel, hoe, etc.) and common arboriculture tools (ropes, harness, pulleys, wedges, rigging equipment, etc.) in accordance with ANSI A300 industry standards. Proficiently maintain all equipment prior to use.
Plant and maintain young trees in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) best practices and standards.
Ability to:
Maintain a positive attitude, communicate effectively with fellow arborists, ground crew members, staff, and the public. Maintain a sharp focus and situational awareness at all times, especially when driving a truck with chipper, working aloft, communicating with crew members, and working within densely populated and/or high traffic areas.
Work collaboratively as a team member to ensure safe working conditions for fellow staff, team members working aloft in the practice of tree care, and the public. Communicate respectfully and effectively with fellow arborists and ground crew to ensure safe and efficient tree operations and site conditions (e.g., Vehicular, and pedestrian traffic).
Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.
Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.
Perform all tree maintenance tasks safely. Determine safe working weight loads for all equipment (ropes, pulleys, rigging devices, etc.) during tree care operations. Read, comprehend and draft written reports at a level sufficient to understand instructions, guide daily workload, record work/maintenance records and ensure proper utilization of pesticide, herbicide, and equipment.
Collect tree inventory data (e.g., tree species, current condition, and site details) utilizing a graphic information system (GIS) cloud-based platform to geospatially locate individual trees managed by the department.
Work irregular hours and/or be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards Perform emergency response duties during and after storms to manage down trees and branches impacting the flow of traffic and/or threatening the safety of pedestrians.PROMOTIONAL:
Each applicant must have a minimum of one year of experience as an Arborist I.
OPEN:
Each applicant must have a minimum of two years of climbing experience with a tree service company or similar organization performing all aspects of tree maintenance.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credentials and an Ohio State Pesticide license, category 6a (Ornamental Plant Pest Control) and 4a (General Forest Pest Control).
Applicants must have or successfully acquire the following within the twelve (12) month probationary period:
•ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Class-B Ohio Commercial Driver License
Must have the ability and willingness to work irregular hours and be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards. Must maintain all required certifications during length of employment
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendationsEnvironmental Conditions:
Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; work around moving vehicles; operate heavy equipment tools and machinery; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to pesticides, automobile exhaust, noise; exposure to poison ivy; work at high elevations regularly.
Physical Conditions:
Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for tree climbing, sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; must be able to do general heavy manual labor; must be able to distinguish colors and make visual assessments; must be able to operate assigned vehicle and equipment.
Note: Passing a Civil Service examination is required as part of the selection process for this position. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will receive instructions on how to complete the exam.
Additional Information:
Cincinnati Parks is seeking an experienced tree care worker to apply to our Arborist II position. The Arborist II will work as part of a team of experienced arborist under the guidance of the Lead Arborist performing general tree care operations within the City of Cincinnati along rights-of-way, within parks, and other public properties. The Arborist II will be expected to work aloft, either with rope and saddle or utilizing an aerial lift, to remove dead and dangerous trees, and regularly perform structural pruning to uphold the long-term integrity of public trees. Additionally, they may work on the ground in support of other arborists on larger removals, assisting with traffic control, or in rigging operations. Additional tree care activities covered by this position include planting, pest/disease management, risk inspections, and stump grinding. This position will also include opportunities for continued skill development and a focus om continuing education in the field of arboriculture. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required.(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)
Knowledge of:
Tree climbing techniques include single/double rope, limb walking, redirects, and proficient use of harness, throw lines and ropes. Climbing and rigging knots used in tree care operations.
Modern climbing and rigging equipment utilized for safe and efficient tree care operations. Aerial rescue techniques. Tools and power equipment used in tree maintenance (i.e., chainsaws, hand tools, chippers, stump grinders, etc.), as well as their proper usage/maintenance, safety procedures, and corresponding personal protective equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.) as defined within the ANSI A300 industry standards.
Tree maintenance techniques and best practices employed to safely manage the physics and dynamics of tree/branch loads and felling operations. Proper pruning practices to maintain a healthy structure, shape, and clearance to ensure tree health and long-term development.
Basic mathematics (adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division) sufficient to mix pesticides, fertilizers, and other materials.
Basic physics calculations are needed to safely manage dynamic weight loads of tree parts in relation to rope strength, equipment used (pulleys, etc.), angle of fall, and distance to the ground. Tree inventory methods and basic data collection.
Tree identification techniques and detailed knowledge of species both native to the Cincinnati region and those commonly in the local nursery industry, including their wet and dry weights per diameter inch and length, best use in an urban environment, common issues, and characteristics to inform best management practices in tree care operations and placement in the landscape.
Plant healthcare related to trees, including a basic understanding of common diseases, insects and nutrient deficiencies and their corresponding treatments. Usage and purpose of liquid and granular fertilizers. Tree maintenance safety procedures and how to use safety equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.
Skill to:
Perform all tree maintenance (pruning, removal, planting, and stump grinding) to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI A300 industry standards. Climb proficiently at considerable heights using single and/or double rope techniques and redirects as needed to reach all points of a tree safely, efficiently, and securely.
Efficiently and safely manage ropes during all tree care operations Tie, dress, and secure knots used in arboriculture to safely perform rigging, pruning and tree removal operations. Perform aerial rescue as needed to ensure the safety of fellow arborist.
Safely and proficiently operate power equipment (chipper, aerial lift, loader/skid steer, chain saw, stump grinder, drill, metal grinder, etc.), hand tools (hand saws, loppers, pickaxe, sledgehammer, shovel, hoe, etc.) and common arboriculture tools (ropes, harness, pulleys, wedges, rigging equipment, etc.) in accordance with ANSI A300 industry standards. Proficiently maintain all equipment prior to use.
Plant and maintain young trees in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) best practices and standards.
Ability to:
Maintain a positive attitude, communicate effectively with fellow arborists, ground crew members, staff, and the public. Maintain a sharp focus and situational awareness at all times, especially when driving a truck with chipper, working aloft, communicating with crew members, and working within densely populated and/or high traffic areas.
Work collaboratively as a team member to ensure safe working conditions for fellow staff, team members working aloft in the practice of tree care, and the public. Communicate respectfully and effectively with fellow arborists and ground crew to ensure safe and efficient tree operations and site conditions (e.g., Vehicular, and pedestrian traffic).
Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.
Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.
Perform all tree maintenance tasks safely. Determine safe working weight loads for all equipment (ropes, pulleys, rigging devices, etc.) during tree care operations. Read, comprehend and draft written reports at a level sufficient to understand instructions, guide daily workload, record work/maintenance records and ensure proper utilization of pesticide, herbicide, and equipment.
Collect tree inventory data (e.g., tree species, current condition, and site details) utilizing a graphic information system (GIS) cloud-based platform to geospatially locate individual trees managed by the department.
Work irregular hours and/or be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards Perform emergency response duties during and after storms to manage down trees and branches impacting the flow of traffic and/or threatening the safety of pedestrians.PROMOTIONAL:
Each applicant must have a minimum of one year of experience as an Arborist I.
OPEN:
Each applicant must have a minimum of two years of climbing experience with a tree service company or similar organization performing all aspects of tree maintenance.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credentials and an Ohio State Pesticide license, category 6a (Ornamental Plant Pest Control) and 4a (General Forest Pest Control).
Applicants must have or successfully acquire the following within the twelve (12) month probationary period:
•ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)
• Class-B Ohio Commercial Driver License
Must have the ability and willingness to work irregular hours and be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards. Must maintain all required certifications during length of employment
MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION
Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendationsEnvironmental Conditions:
Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; work around moving vehicles; operate heavy equipment tools and machinery; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to pesticides, automobile exhaust, noise; exposure to poison ivy; work at high elevations regularly.
Physical Conditions:
Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for tree climbing, sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; must be able to do general heavy manual labor; must be able to distinguish colors and make visual assessments; must be able to operate assigned vehicle and equipment.
Note: Passing a Civil Service examination is required as part of the selection process for this position. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will receive instructions on how to complete the exam.
Salary : $57,561 - $66,415