Arborist IA - Certified Utility Arborist (CUA) Full-time Job

Main Purpose & Function 
This is skilled and semiskilled arboriculture work involving pruning, maintenance, planting and removal of boulevard and park trees. Tree pruning and removal is hazardous work performed with minimum supervision.

 

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• The Arborist IA is the lead worker responsible for allocating, checking and reviewing the work of an arboriculture operations crew.
• The successful candidate will respond to enquiries from the general public in the course of carrying out assignments, participate in preparing presentations, public demonstrations and provides on the job training to subordinates in tree care operations.
• The Arborist IA will also be responsible for performing tree pruning operations around energized hydro lines and pruning boulevard and park trees using power saws, and other hand tools. This position would operate an aerial bucket truck and climb boulevard and park trees when required, using ropes and safety harness, operating a chipping machine as required and occasionally carrying out cabling and bracing.
• Additional responsibilities include planting and removing trees as required with using hand tools and mechanized equipment.
• The Arborist IA will have to lift and transplant established trees to accommodate site modifications, identifies diseased trees or trees that are potentially hazardous to public safety, and undertakes emergency control action as required and informs superiors of situations.

 

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Completion of the tenth school grade plus considerable experience in street tree operations and in the operation of a boom truck, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience in the use of climbing equipment and rigging techniques, and in planting and transplanting techniques.
• Utility Arborist – Certificate of qualification is required.
• Level I First Aid Certificate is required.
• Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate when required
• Power System Safety Certificate is an asset.

 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of arboriculture methods, standards and practices, City and Park Board safety protocols, and arboriculture and utility arboriculture safe work procedures.
• Considerable knowledge of growth habits and maintenance requirements of various tree species.
• Working knowledge of arboriculture pests and diseases, and integrated pest management practices.
• Skill in the use of a variety of power and hand tools used in pruning, planting, removal, cable and bracing, pest control and general tree maintenance
• Skill in the use of safety harness and ropes used in climbing trees.
• Skill in the operation and servicing of equipment used in the work and in the use of tools used in minor servicing and repair tasks.
• Demonstrated ability to perform hazardous climbing and pruning tasks at considerable heights and ability to identify hazardous trees.
• Ability to perform manual tasks under varying weather conditions.
• Ability to identify hazardous and diseased trees and to take emergency remedial action.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out oral and written instructions with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to assign, check and review the work of subordinates performing semiskilled and unskilled tasks participate in conducting performance reviews for same.
• Ability to keep records related to work performed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates.
• Ability to meet the public and answer a variety of questions regarding tree management activities, and participate in preparing presentations and public demonstrations.

 

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A current and valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License or higher and a Satisfactory National Safety Code driving record
  • 5 years accumulation of no more than 9 points, not in excess of 3 points per single year
  • 3 years accumulation of no more than 1 preventable work related driving or equipment operating accident in any single year
  • Employees who do not demonstrate a satisfactory driving record will have their application reviewed in more detail

 

The City’s COVID-19 vaccination policy is currently suspended and as a result, vaccination against COVID-19 is not required at this time. However, should circumstances change and the City deem it necessary to re-introduce such policy, you may be required to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be eligible to continue performing your duties.

Vancouver, a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canadas densest, most ethnically diverse cities. A popular filming location, its surrounded by mountains, and also has thriving art, theatre and music scenes. Vancouver Art Gallery is known for its works by regional artists, while the Museum of Anthropology houses preeminent First Nations collections.