Arborist

Job Title

Under general supervision, performs skilled and unskilled work in the maintenance of woody and herbaceous plants located on city owned public lands, in parks, athletic fields and around/adjacent to other City facilities. Operates moderate-sized equipment as required. Reports to the assigned Parks & Public Lands Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Perform arboriculture work in the care and maintenance of the City of Kissimmee's public trees and plants, utilizing specialized equipment as directed by the Parks Manager/Urban Forester.
• Utilize International Society of Arboriculture standards of practice and procedures (ANSI300) for as all aspects of tree care, to include tree selection, planting, pruning, training, removal, stump grinding, mulching, fertilizing, disease identification and treatment, and all other practices commonly associated with urban forestry and park maintenance and operations.
• Performs various City Ordinance abatement tasks regarding trees and vegetation ordinances.
• May conduct field inspections of landscape installation and related permits.
• Operates all equipment and tools in a safe, prudent and efficient manner, including the use of truck, bucket truck, aerial lift, wood chipper, chain saws, hand saws, stump grinders, loaders, safety harness, climbing saddle, rigging ropes and tackle.
• Utilizes and maintains appropriate Personal Protective Equipment and safety equipment, being responsible for safety of self, co-workers and the public.
• Supervises and trains various staff in Parks & Public Works divisions.
• Responsible for inspecting woody and herbaceous plants to determine the need for removal, pruning, training, spraying, or other appropriate treatments.
• Keeps records of time and material, requisition of supplies, and preparing contract documents and reports.

Minimum Education and Training:

• Requires an Associate's Degree supplemented by at least three years of experience in arboriculture, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience.
• Must possess or be able to obtain an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist Certificate with 6 months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state of Florida driver's license.
• Must possess or obtain the most recent FEMA 100, 200, 300, 400, 700 and 800 incident command system certifications within 6 months of employment.

Skill Requirements:

• Has knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Parks and Recreation Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of Arborist.
• Has the ability to comprehend, interpret and apply regulations, procedures and related information.
• Has knowledge of general facility and grounds maintenance procedures and techniques.
• Has knowledge of the standard equipment, tools, materials and practices of the industry.
• Is able to operate job related machinery with skill and safety.
• Has skill in the care and use of required equipment and tools.
• Is able to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
• Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
• Is able to prepare records and reports.
• Is able to read and interpret a variety of materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job.
• Is able to analyze problems that arise on the job and make valid recommendations.
• Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision.
• Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks.
• Is able to aid supervisors and co-workers as needed.
• Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.
• Knows how to perform duties in a courteous manner and communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.
• Ability to train staff on safe and proper use of equipment.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be physically able to operate vehicles, trucks, required equipment, hand and power tools, etc.
• Tasks involve the regular and sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and that involves the lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds) and occasionally heavier objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Working Conditions:

• Works indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
• Is able to perform work in adverse conditions, including but not limited to exposure to extreme heat and cold, wetness, humidity, traffic hazards, machinery hazards, toxic agents, noise, smoke, dust, pollen, dirt, etc.

Other:

• It is understood that every incidental duty connected with operations enumerated in the job description is not always specifically described, and employees, at the discretion of the City, may be required to perform duties not within their job descriptions.

Benefits:

• Full-time employees (working 40 hours) are eligible for Life, Health and Dental benefits. Full-time employees will participate in the local law pension plan that applies to the position.
• Temporary or part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

The City of Kissimmee supports the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. Applicants with physical or mental disabilities may request reasonable accommodation throughout the selection process by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io.