Job Description
Under the direction of the Supervisor, Forestry or designate, perform forestry and other Parks division duties.
Responsibilities:
- Climbing trees, using safety ropes, belts and spurs
- Pruning and removal of all dead wood, branches overhanging buildings, sidewalks, streets
- General arboricultural practices as assigned to maintain city trees
- Planting of deciduous and coniferous plant material
- Participating in Integrated Pest Management as required to maintain city trees
- Operate equipment and tools required to perform forestry duties such as aerial bucket device, motorized chipper, stumpers, sprayers, power and hand saws, tractor with attachments, front end loader, hand and power pruners, shovels, etc.
- Maintain good public and professional arboricultural relations with the general public and staff
- Perform shop duties such as sharpening saws, minor repairs and cleaning of saws, tools and equipment
- Direct assigned staff assisting in above activities in working procedure only
- Complete appropriate work records and related paper work
- Ensure work is performed in accordance with City of Oshawa Safe Work Performance and Quality Standards, and the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and provide input into the development and improvement of safety procedures
- Support and demonstrate the City of Oshawa core values of Authenticity, Courage, and Trust
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Two (2) year post-secondary diploma in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry, plus three (3) years of experience in all aspects of urban tree management or the equivalent combination of formal education and relevant experience
- Must be an ISA Certified Arborist
- Possess or be capable of obtaining a relevant Landscape Exterminator applicator licence
- Possession of Chainsaw Operator’s certification and demonstrated proficiency in chainsaw operations
- Must possess a minimum of one (1) year of aerial bucket truck experience
- Possess or is willing to obtain a certificate in electrical safety awareness and/or utility line clearing proficiency
- Must possess current Working at Heights training
- Physically fit with a demonstrated ability to climb trees and work at heights using approved equipment
- 0-8 ton Crane Operators Certificate will be consider an asset
- Able to lift and move heavy items, and capable of performing assigned work in accordance with provincial and municipal health and safety standards
- Good understanding of arboriculture including all aspects of tree structure, identification and functions, soil, transplanting, fertilizer, pruning trees and treating wounds, pest and disease inspection and control
- Willingness to accept responsibility and ability to work alone or with minimum supervision
- Possess personal qualities of reliability and co-operation, sound judgement and initiative relating to the need for attendance to matters outside normal working hours
- Good communication skills and ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
- Good interpersonal and communication skills to deal effectively and courteously with the general public and colleagues
- Possession and maintenance of a valid Ontario Driver's Licence, in good standing (minimum Class "DZ"), a driver’s abstract showing no demerit points, and the ability to pass the Corporation's tests for motor vehicle operation
- Must be capable of obtaining a minimum Operator 2 internal licence
- Must be able to serve on the summer and winter consolidated Call Board
As a condition of employment, the City of Oshawa will require successful candidates to undergo a Criminal Records and Judicial Matters check and an employment medical.
