This position is responsible for performing various activities related to urban forestry/arboriculture such as basic tree assessment, planting, pruning and removals on City properties, trails and forested lands.
Wage $29.82/hour (2026)
Reports To Supervisor, Forestry and Horticulture
Department Community Services
Location City of Kawartha Lakes
Hours Full Time, Normal Working Hours 40 hours per week
Other This is a current vacancy. Travel throughout City of Kawartha Lakes in accordance with job requirements and work locations. Work in all weather conditions. Able to exert up to 100 lbs of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs of force frequently and/or 20 lbs of force constantly to move objects. Willing to work varied hours: day, afternoon, evening and weekend hours
Essential Duties
Specific to this role:
- Perform basic tree inspections when required using the knowledge of tree species biology related growth and cultural requirements to maintain healthy specimens
- Assist in the monitoring of trees for identification of tree pests, diseases and potential hazards
- Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying/dead or interfering trees, in accordance with City of Kawartha Lakes policies and procedures, International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Best Management Practices and ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards
- Prepare grounds and planting sites; plant specimens using the proper planting techniques based on the tree genus and site conditions; record arboriculture data, fertilizer application data, tree and shrub inventory and prepare written reports, as required
- Operate aerial bucket truck, stumper grinders, chainsaws, chippers and tractors; inspect the site for access and positioning of equipment
- Coordinate work with necessary utilities, tree contractors and notify appropriate agencies for road closures
As a member of the professional team:
- Administer procedures and recommend solutions to challenges, or process improvements
- Respond to customer service concerns, investigating, problem solving and responding within defined processes and advancing to the attention of the supervisor and/or manager, as appropriate
- Work collaboratively with others to deliver the outcomes as defined; report any challenges to the supervisor
- Maintain documentation, databases and corporate records in accordance with policy and divisional practice; consider legislative municipal requirements such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA)
- Provide data to allow reporting and decision making
- Procure services and goods as authorized by the supervisor
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Post-secondary diploma in Urban Forestry, Arboriculture or a related field
- Minimum two (2) years of progressive experience, preferably in a municipal environment
- Possess and maintain a valid Ontario Class “D” Driver’s Licence with “Z” endorsement or the ability to obtain within a specified timeframe
- International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certification as a Certified Arborist
- Possess Chipper and Chainsaw Safety Awareness Training Certification along with a valid Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) Line Clearing Technician certificate
- First Aid/CPR certification, or willingness to obtain
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and other relevant legislation, including relevant traffic control procedures Book 7 Training
- Demonstrated ability to climb/work in trees, proficient in the use of aerial bucket trucks, assess safety hazards and conduct tree rescue and emergency procedures
- Demonstrated knowledge of local native and introduced tree species including identification, growth habits and pest problems
- Demonstrated time-management skills with the ability to prioritize workloads and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
- Possess and demonstrate the knowledge, skills and personal attributes as described in the key performance competencies outlined below
- Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite of applications, the internet and any other related software
- Upon a conditional offer of employment, a Criminal Record Check will be required
Working Conditions
- Normal working hours are 40 hours per week
- Must be willing to work varied hours: day, afternoon, evening and weekend hours
- Travel throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes in accordance with job requirements and work locations may vary
- Work in all weather conditions, including prolonged periods of heat, rain or snow, while maintaining safe work practices
- Ability to exert up to 44.4 kg (100 lbs) of force occasionally, and/or up to 22.2 kg (50 lbs) of force frequently, and/or up to 8.9 (20 lbs) of force constantly to move objects
Confidentiality
All employees of the City of Kawartha Lakes are required to sign and abide by the Employee Confidentiality Statement and the Code of Conduct and Ethics Value Statement of Commitment.
Accommodation
Accommodation requests will be reviewed on an individual basis in compliance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and any other Federal or Provincial legislation.
Applicants must be prepared for skill testing.
