County Arborist

County Arborist

A vacancy exists in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Highways and Equipment Maintenance. A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below. Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants. This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly. All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time. List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications. Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time. You MUST attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable. Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Job Purpose: Under general supervision, plans, directs and administers the Baltimore County tree program including planting, scaling, trimming and removal of trees. Supervises and coordinates the county forces tree crew and tree service contractors. Essential Job Duties:

• Plans, directs and administers the Baltimore County tree program.
• Administers the tree services contract including planning and directing work performed, listing contract items, ensuring work performed is in accordance with contractual specifications, and approving invoices for payment.
• Plans, directs and coordinates work performed by the county forces tree crew and others engaged in various tree service activities.
• Directly supervises the Highways Crew Chief in charge of the county forces tree crew.
• Responsible for the inspection of trees to determine which trees require service.
• Provides advice and consultation to crews regarding appropriate procedures and techniques for tree service.
• Serves as liaison with the Maryland Forest Service and other governmental and private agencies regarding tree service issues.
• Performs estimates of time and materials required, keeps records, and submits work status reports.

Examples of Other Duties: Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or closely related field Plus Four years experience in forestry programs for tree care, plant growth and tree disease, and insect controls, one year of which was in a supervisory capacity. (Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.) Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level): Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of tree service. Knowledge of tree species and their growing patterns and characteristics. Ability to administer contracts. Ability to communicate with other agencies and citizens. Ability to prepare written reports. Licenses and Certificates: Possession of a valid driver's license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C Maryland license and a Maryland State Tree Expert License is required at the time of appointment. A Herbicide Applicator License must be obtained within one year of hire, and an ISA Certified Arborist credential must be obtained within two years of hire. Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education: Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application. Proof of Degree Equivalency: Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. ( Mail or deliver documents to: ATTN: County Arborist Office of Human Resources Baltimore County Government 308 Allegheny Ave. Towson, MD 21204

Conditions of Employment: Physical and Environmental Conditions: The work of this classification includes field work and travel between work sites throughout the county. Conditions of Employment Employees in this classification are designated as Emergency/Essential and may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice. Employee is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to emergencies such as violent storms, vandalism and motor vehicle accidents. Employment Background Investigation: Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.

Employment Benefits for Full-Time, Merit or Classified Employees: Baltimore County General Government offers the following benefits to full-time,merit or classified employees. Some benefits vary for sworn employees of the Police and Fire Departments. New employees are eligible for benefits upon hire, unless noted otherwise. Equal Opportunity Employer: Baltimore County is an equal opportunity employer and encourages minority, female and disabled applicants. Smoke free workplace: All Baltimore County offices are smoke free. Drug free workplace: Baltimore County provides a drug free workplace. Prospective employees are required to submit to urinalysis drug testing as part of the pre-employment physical examination. Salary: Annual Salary review - Step increases may be granted on anniversary date based on satisfactory job performance General Increases - Cost of living increases and adjustments may be granted as legislated. Longevity Increases - In accordance with the specific pay schedule, a full-time merit or classified employee may receive a longevity increase, equivalent to one step, upon completion of a certain number of years of classified service with the County. Employee Assistance Program: Our Employee Assistance Program provides confidential and professional assessment and referral assistance for employees and eligible dependents in the household who are experiencing personal problems that may be affecting work performance, job satisfaction, or overall quality of life. Health Insurance: Health Insurance benefits elected become effective the first day of the month following the date of hire if the employee has completed online enrollment prior to that date. New employees must enroll within thirty (30) calendar days of hire. Plans offered include: Medical, Prescription, Dental and Vision insurance. Flexible Spending Accounts: Opportunity to set aside pre-tax dollars, through payroll deduction, for eligible unreimbursed medical care expenses and/or dependent care costs. Life Insurance: Employees may elect basic term life insurance for themselves equal to one time the employee's annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000. Employees contribute a portion of the premium through monthly payroll deductions. The County also offers an Additional/Employee paid Life Insurance plan with coverage up to $100,000. Retirement: Employees are required to participate in the Baltimore County Employees' Retirement System (ERS), with very limited exceptions. Paid Leave: Paid benefits listed below vary depending upon the Classification. Sick Leave Vacation Leave Personal Leave Holidays Bereavement Leave Jury Leave Military Leave Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union: Membership in Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union offers a full range of savings programs, loans, checking, direct deposit, payroll deduction, savings bonds, and other financial services. Direct Deposit: Payroll through direct deposit to the financial institution selected by employee is required. Educational Assistance: 70 to 80 percent tuition reimbursement following successful completion of pre-approved courses related to position. Amount of reimbursement and fiscal year dollar limitations vary with bargaining group. Deferred Compensation: Nationwide Retirement Solutions offers a 457 retirement plan allowing for payroll contributions of tax deferred dollars to investment options of your choice. Disclaimer: This is only a summary of benefits and policies in Baltimore County. Any benefit or policy may be changed at any time at the discretion of the administration. This summary does not constitute an express or implied contract, nor does it constitute a guarantee that your employment relationship will continue for any specified period of time or end only under certain conditions.