Job Detail

Arborist 1 or 2

Location: Littleton, CO
Salary: $21.80 OR $27.04

Position may be filled at the I or II level, depending on qualifications and department needs.

The City of Littleton has an exciting opportunity to help build our forestry initiatives!  Be on the ground floor of the forest as we build up ours.

The Arborist performs skilled tree work primarily with rope and saddle on city-owned trees under the guidance of the Lead Arborist.

The ideal candidate will have a love of trees and a deep knowledge of tree biology.  Self-described tree nerds will do well in this role.   Excellent candidates will be passionate about tree equity and excited by the idea of growing and developing the city’s forestry program.   Ideal candidates will have experience in creating a daily operations work plan and will carry a safety-first mentality in all that they do.  If you have a strong adherence to the ISA’s Best Management practices for tree care and love to talk trees, this might be the position for you!

 

The City of Littleton is a vibrant community south of Denver and is consistently voted as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and one of Colorado’s top five places to Raise a Family. Home to a charming and historic downtown, a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, parks and trails, there is a lot to offer to the wonderful people who live and work here. The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to its employees. For more information, please see the 2023 Benefit Guide.

 

The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and our strategies include hiring in at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.

 

 

Arborist I

Starting pay at or near $21.80 per hour

 

Arborist II

Starting pay at or near $27.04 per hour

 

 

This full-time position is non-exempt per FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.

 

Work Schedule:  This full-time position will work 6:00am to 2:30pm, Monday through Friday. Must be available to work nights and weekends as needed for snow removal. Overtime opportunities are available throughout the year for special events and projects.

 

 

Application Deadline: This posting will remain open until finalists are identified or the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

• Follows directives of Lead Arborist on daily assignments.
• Trim and remove trees, remove unwanted, diseased or dying limbs on trees.
• Conduct tree risk assessments observing for condition, defects, maintenance needs and pests.
• Maintain accurate tree inventory data, maintenance and removal records.
• Assists in Arbor Day planning and celebration 
• Prunes, thin, removes, grinds stumps, plants, waters, fertilizes, and inventories trees.
• Performs and potentially oversees proper tree planting techniques 
• Climbs trees to perform maintenance with using industry accepted rope and saddle techniques.
• Assist the Lead Arborist with tree risk assessments and inventory updates, staff safety trainings and establishment of safe work zones.
• Develop work plans with guidance of Arborist II or Lead Arborist.
• Familiarity with ANSI standards.
• Trained in proper pruning techniques following guidelines within Arboriculture Best Management Practices.
• Educates and explains forestry standards of street tree maintenance to citizens.
• General knowledge of maintenance of gear and equipment for daily use.
• Operates machinery needed in the maintenance of trees including aerial lift operation, may also be required to operate heavy equipment.
• Performs 24-hour emergency storm response and snow removal duties in coordination with other departments.
• Maintains a safe working environment.
• As delegated or assigned by the Lead Arborist, prepare material and supply orders for Large Tree Care activities.
• Assist with special events and holiday programs (may occur on weekends and holidays).
• May act as an Emergency Worker.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

 

 

Additional Duties for Arborist II:

 

• Climbing experience utilizing rope and saddle when pruning, knowledge of knots, chainsaw operation and chipper operation 
• Tree climbing skills with rope and saddle 
• Perform basic rigging and lowering techniques 
• Assist the Lead Arborist or Operations Supervisor in training Grounds personnel in pre-climb tree safety assessment, tree climbing, aerial lift devices, rigging operations, tree felling, cable and bracing, tree identification, cultural requirements, safety procedures, and proper operation and maintenance of tools and equipment. Provide preventive maintenance and simple repairs to vehicles and equipment.  

 

Minimum Qualifications

 

Minimum Qualifications for Arborist I Level:

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• One (1) year of experience in a documented tree climbing environment including experience with tree care, diagnosis, and pest identification; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker required within first six months of employment. 

• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, motor vehicle records check, drug screen and physical.  
   

Minimum Qualifications for Arborist II Level:

 

• High school diploma or equivalent; and
• Three (3) years of experience in a documented tree climbing environment with tree care, diagnosis, and pest identification; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.

• Pesticide Applicator’s License required within first six months of employment. 
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or Certified Tree Worker required within first six months of employment. 
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check, motor vehicle records check, drug screen and physical.  

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

 

• Trained in Aerial Rescue
• Continued Education in Forestry, Urban Forestry, or similar

 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

 

• Knowledge of tree biology, Colorado tree and shrub identification.
• Knowledge of tree care best practices.
• Ability to identify common insects and tree diseases of the front range.
• Proper handling, and storage techniques for temporary holding of nursery stock.
• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of tree establishment and structural pruning.
• Principles and techniques of job site safety and maintaining a safe workspace using industry standard methods.
• Knowledge of industry standard practices and safety standards are required.
• Knowledge of safe operation of industry specific equipment; chippers, chainsaws, stump grinder, aerial lift, etc. is required.
• Properly maintain, prepare and operate all tools and equipment including chainsaws, chippers, aerial lifts, and more.
• Knowledge of modern arboricultural principles, standards, and best management practices.
• Use of Asset Management system to inventory trees.
• Ability to read, listen and follow directions/instructions from supervisory staff.
• Ability to provide outstanding customer service and get along with coworkers, patrons, and supervisors and interact with employees and vendors in a professional manner.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Arborist II:

• Skilled in proper pruning techniques, safe tree removal, a variety of climbing techniques and procedures, chainsaw safety, and general best management practices within arboriculture 
• Tree climbing skills with rope and saddle and essential PPE. 
• Skilled in Aerial Rescue Training 
• Knowledge to install cables, bracing, and lightning protection systems 

 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

 

• This position will work outdoors in all weather conditions with exposure to various chemicals related to fertilization and pest control. 
• This position requires strenuous outdoor work such as climbing trees with rope and saddle and working off the ground (up to one hundred (100) feet above ground) in trees or using aerial lift devices.   
• This position must be able to perform strenuous physical work which involves lifting and handling objects frequently which weigh up to 80 pounds from ground to waist height; ability to walk for 3-8 hours per day 
• Ability to frequently handle miscellaneous maintenance equipment. 
• Requires ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, handle, feel, talk, hear voices, equipment engines, approaching traffic, near and/far visual acuity, depth perception, and color vision to perform essential functions of the position. 
• Must be able to understand verbal information and instruction. 

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