Arborist

Experience it - Ajax!

The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario.

With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.

Arborist

Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry and Horticulture the position of arborist is responsible to maintain all municipally owned trees within the Town of Ajax.

These include but are not limited to all trees located on / in boulevard, parks, facilities, and woodlots on town managed properties.

Job Duties Include

The following responsibilities and duties of this position includes but is not limited to :

• Maintenance of in excess of 43,000 trees located in parks, woodlots, municipal boulevards and around town facilities within the Town;
• Maintenance is performed based on knowledge of criteria, critical to the success of the tree species. This includes identification of species, pest / pathogens, pruning / removing trees, soil conditions, identifying and pruning hazardous, dangerous limbs, stump removal, plant health care- appropriate application of mulch, water and fertilizer as well as trouble shooting of potential problems;
• Implement Town’s plant healthcare program on municipal trees when required;
• Assist with providing direction to full / part-time, seasonal and summer staff as required;
• Meets with public to inform of problems related to trees on public and private property to maintain positive image of Environmental Services by dealing in a professional manner and conveying accurate information;
• Works with and inspects the work of contractors to ensure tree planting and related work is completed to meet Town standards;
• Follow all applicable legislation as it relates to arboriculture work including working at heights;
• Accurately maintains Town data base as it relates to work orders and tree inventory;

For the purposes of winter control (November 15th April 15th) placed on Winter Control Standby and required to be available for winter call-out purposes, in accordance with the collective agreement.

Assist with snow clearing operations as required manually or with equipment, to ensure the public’s safety.

Qualifications / Skills

• 2-year College diploma in arboriculture (see related skills below) or related field combined with 3 years’ experience or equivalent combination of training and experience with demonstrated knowledge, skills and ability;
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist in good standing;
• Ability to complete continuing education units (CEU’s) to maintain ISA Certified Arborist certification;
• Familiarity and proficiency with Microsoft 365, Outlook programs and various computer software;
• Extensive knowledge of Health and Safety and other applicable Provincial Legislation and Acts;
• Good understanding and knowledge on a wide range of arboriculture skills including, but not limited to planting, pruning, removing, stump removal, identifying hazardous trees / limbs as it relates to trees.
• Knowledge in plant identification, plant biology, pathology and entomology and diagnosis, understanding of soil principles, landscape design, pruning, plant healthcare, propagation, and integrated pest management;
• Good organization, time management and planning skills;
• Class D’ driver’s license with Z’ endorsement with a satisfactory driver's abstract;
• Ability to work with minimal supervision;
• Ability to provide a current Criminal Reference Check that is satisfactory to the Town of Ajax, upon being hired.

Nice to Have

• Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Landscape Exterminator License is considered an asset;
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) considered an asset;
• 2 years of municipal winter control experience operating medium sized snow clearing equipment considered an asset.

What is offered to staff

• Rate of Pay : $37.75 - $40.34 per hour ($78,520 - $83,907 per year)
• Hours of Work : This is a unionized position that works a 40-hour work week. The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 7 : 30 a.

m. to 4 : 00 p.m. and are in accordance with Schedule A of the Collective Agreement. The position is redirected from arboriculture related tasks to provide support for winter control within the Town as required.

Benefits : The Town offers full-time staff a comprehensive benefit package with paid sick and vacation leave; Employee & Family Service Program;

Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre membership; plus a defined benefits pension (OMERS pension).