Temporary Arborist (Contract up to 6 months)

Position Summary

Situated on the picturesque Grand River, the City of Brantford is a rapidly growing community of over 100,000 residents, located in the heart of Southern Ontario with direct access to Hwy. 403 and is in close proximity to the GTHA, Waterloo and Niagara regions. As a single-tier municipality, Brantford is responsible for the full spectrum of municipal service areas. We invite you to join our #TeamBrantford corporate culture with many progressive initiatives, including our hybrid work environment. The City is committed to the professional development of our staff and invite you to come, grow with us!

Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry, the Arborist position is responsible for performing all tasks associated with the care and maintenance of municipally-owned street trees, trees along trails, within parks, cemeteries, open spaces and laneways. Responsibilities include: removals, pruning and felling trees; aerial inspections; the care and installation of mechanical tree support systems; tree planting and after care as well as stump grinding. Technical rigging and proficiency tying knots and hitches is required. The Arborist position will also operate aerial devices, brush chippers, stump grinders and other forestry-related equipment in a safe and efficient manner. Regular hours of work are eight (8) hour shifts from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. scheduled in advance, however hours and shifts may include evenings, weekends and holidays. At times unscheduled hours may also be necessary as this position is required to respond to emergency situations caused by wind storms, ice storms or other event(s). Please note that overtime and on call response (on a regular rotation) is a requirement of the position.
Other duties include:

• Review work orders generated by Lead Hand, Forestry Technicians, Forestry Coordinator and/or Supervisor of Forestry and Horticulture
• Provide excellent external and internal customer service as it relates to this position
• Ensure safety, structural development and health of trees by utilizing hand, power, hydraulic tools and aerial devices
• Provide proper clearances above roads, sidewalks, traffic signs, streetlights, buildings and other trees
• Traffic control set up according to MTO Book 7
• Process and chip trees, brush and material as required
• Inspect and assess equipment as per City procedures
• Complete work site safety tailboards, participate in job site safety briefings and implement work zone safety procedures
• Prepare job site and assess trees on site before commencing work
• Attend to storm-damaged trees
• Assist in other operations as may be required by Parks Services
  

Qualifications

• Graduation from a minimum two (2) year community college in a recognized Arboriculture/Urban Forestry program from Fleming, Humber or Algonquin College or equivalent post-secondary education OR Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) certification as an Arborist or Utility Arborist
• Minimum three (3) years current work experience in an urban forestry environment completing tree maintenance, pruning and removals aloft and from the ground. A minimum of one (1) of these years includes the demonstrated proficient use of approved manual climbing (open system rope access) techniques and safety equipment
• DZ Ontario driver's license in good standing
• Certified Arborist or a certified tree worker from the International Society of Arboriculture in combination with a I.H.S.A. Utility Line Clearing Technician Utility Arborist course (or EUSA equivalent)
• Aerial Bucket Rescue and Fall Arrest training
• Working at Heights training
• Aerial Tree Rescue training
• Professional Chainsaw safety and cutting techniques certificate
• Proficiency utilizing computer applications including tree management software, Arc GIS/ Collector, Microsoft office suite
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to work constructively both in a team environment and independently with minimal supervision
• Physically fit and able to complete labour intensive work, including heavy lifting
• Successful applicants must obtain a current First Aid and CPR Level C certification prior to commencing employment
• As a condition of employment, candidates must submit a current Police Clearance Certificate (dated within the last three months)
  

As a condition of employment, proof of current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications will be required.

What We Offer

The City of Brantford is an equal opportunity employer that values equity, diversity and inclusion. At the City of Brantford, people are our priority. #TeamBrantford employees are our most valuable resource and we believe it's important to offer a competitive total rewards package.

Paid training and professional development, the flexibility to work from home in some positions and wellness and work life balance are just some of the great things the City of Brantford has to offer. When you work with us, you'll know you're doing important work that matters and helps build a better Brantford. Come grow with us.

Learn more about working for the City of Brantford