Job Detail

Arborist

Location: Rochester, MN
Salary: 2023 starting hourly rate is $26.57 with advancement to $34.48.

The City of Rochester, Minnesota (pop. 115,000+) Park and Recreation Department provides a variety of leisure time opportunities for people to enjoy and manages more than 5000 acres of park land and openspace including over 140 individual parks and 85 miles of paved trails.

Nature of Work

This is a skilled position in the Parks and Recreation Department which is responsible for the preventative care, formative pruning, and removal of trees and shrubs to improve appearance, maintain usability, improve plant health and minimize storm damage. Work will require comprehensive knowledge of tree removal techniques to ensure safety on the job.

Arborists can see the impact their work has on Rochester’s landscape/environment that will benefit the community for years to come, along with the impact it will have the residents. This position is well suited for those looking to work as a team, primarily outdoors.  
 

Pay Rate: 2023 starting hourly rate is $26.57 with advancement to $34.48.

This position is part of the International Union of Operating Engineers - Local 49. Individuals in this role, are part of the Local 49 Central Pension Fund, where $1.90 per hour is contributed to the fund; this is in addition to the City's Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) pension.

 

Review of applications will begin on July 11, 2023. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The work below is representative of the scope of work performed within this job classification. Individual job duties will vary based on work assignment.

*Tree & plant installation, maintenance and care activities.

• Plant, prune, remove, chemically treat, and provide general care of trees and shrubs.
• Plant trees and other plant material according to current applicable industry standards.
• Inspect trees and shrubs to determine health, and perform integrated pest management and/or the application of pesticides/herbicides.
• Climb trees using a rope and saddle or aerial lift equipment to prune trees or as part of a tree removal operation.
• Train seasonal employees in the techniques and procedures of pruning, removing, and planting of trees and other vegetation.
• Respond to storm event and any resulting damage, which may include coordination of work with other divisions, departments, contractors.

*Administrative and safety requirements.

• Assist the general public with questions regarding the procedures for removing and pruning trees or refer questions to supervisors, if needed.
• Maintain records of daily tree work including participation and assistance with the Tree Inventory.
• Comply with current OSHA and ANSI safety regulations and all City safety policies and procedures.

*Park and Forestry Division Assignments.

• Perform general custodial duties including: sweeping, moping, vacuuming, general cleaning, waste & rubbish removal, and stocking supplies.
• Perform necessary repair and maintenance of buildings, facilities, infrastructure, furniture and equipment.

*Assist in non-departmental community events/activities. 

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience
Associate's degree or two-year vocational certificate in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or closely related field AND three (3) years of experience performing preventative care, formative pruning, and tree removal OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Licenses and/or Certifications
Valid Minnesota Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake and tanker endorsements; Non-commercial pesticide applicator license categories A and E; State of Minnesota Certified Tree Inspector certification; and completion of the Electric Hazard Awareness Program (EHAP), within six months of hire as a condition of continued employment.

International Society of Arboriculture Arborist certification, within one year of hire as a condition of continued employment.

Desirable Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in horticulture, arboriculture, landscape maintenance, natural resources, ecology or related field.
Experience in pesticide application and integrated pest management and installation and maintenance of outdoor areas including naturalized landscapes.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Expectations: 

This position is covered by the City’s hearing conservation program, drug testing policy, and Parks & Recreation area residency requirement. The are residency requirement requires employees to reside within thirty (30) driving miles of their normally scheduled work reporting location.

 

The City of Rochester is committed to a community where all members feel a sense of belonging. We commit to recognizing the diversity of our community members, listening to ALL voices and providing equitable services to create an inclusive place to live, play and work.

 

We believe EQUITY should be at the center of all our work. We strive to represent our community in our teammates, as we know that diverse and inclusive teams are more innovative, and have an empowering impact on the work, progress and culture of our community.

 

It takes us all working together.

For more detailed information regarding the job duties and expectations, view the complete job description here. 

 

Agency

City of Rochester

Address

201 4th Street SE

Rochester, Minnesota, 55904

Phone

(507) 328-2555

Website

https://www.rochestermn.gov/employment

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