Arborist

The City of Lakewood is dedicated to upholding City values to include: Performance Excellence, Leadership, Respect and Collaboration. Best fit candidates will demonstrate innovation, customer service, dedication, passion and engagement. All people, citizens and employees, will be treated with respect, relevance, and importance.

HIRING RANGE: $31.85 - $35.39/hour

This position is primarily responsible for performing all technical aspects of managing an urban forestry program. This includes tree trimming, pruning, planting, watering, tree removal, insect identification, pest identification, plant health care, contractor licensing and inventory management. The position has frequent contact with residents in the community regarding vegetation requirements defined in the municipal code. Issues vegetation correction notices and cooperatively works with citizens to address and mitigate safety concerns and comply with the code. Assists in other division responsibilities such as snow removal, park management activities and other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Incumbent is accountable for all duties of this job and other projects and responsibilities may be added at the City’s discretion. Employees must be able to perform the essential duties of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Applies pesticides for control of undesirable plant species and pests.
• Assists as required in various planting projects.
• Assists with enforcement of City ordinances relative to vegetation problems on private property.
• Cares for trees and shrubs on City property within city limits, to include trimming and removal of trees and shrubs.
• Keeps daily and monthly records of work performed.
• Operates City owned vehicles, equipment and hand tools.
• Supervises variable employees in the performance of routine maintenance tasks pertinent to the forestry program.
• Waters and cares for new and established plant material.
• Assists in managing and updating city tree inventory.
• Assists in snow removal operations.
• Performs some weekend and/or afterhours work, including emergency tree related response is required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

Supervision Received: City Forester or Lead Arborist depending on work assignment

Supervision Exercised: May provide general direction to seasonal/variable staff

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skillful in the operation of hand tools, chippers, bucket truck, chainsaws, stump grinder and various tree trimming, pruning and plant health care equipment.
• Knowledge of plant life and growing habits, specifically trees and shrubs.
• Ability to perform rope and saddle work (climb) in trimming operations.
• Ability to supervise variable employees and evaluate performance.
• Ability to deal with and effectively communicate with the public.
• Knowledgeable in tree and shrub species appropriate for planting in this area.
• Assists with the administration of tree contractor written and field exams.
• Manages and updates city tree inventory.
• Completes monthly work reports and monthly work plannings.
• Assists with organizing and completing planting and trimming projects.

Technology Skills

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite

Education and Experience

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.

Associate degree, two-year technical certificate or bachelor’s degree in forestry, arboriculture horticulture, natural resources, irrigation, general trades or closely related field preferred.

• Experience: Two or more years’ experience in tree biology, tree identification, diagnosis and dealing with plant stresses, insects and disease; and basic pruning techniques or a closely related forestry/horticultural field.

Two years of experience working in an urban forestry operation.

Certification/Licenses/Specialized Training

• Ability to obtain Colorado Department of Agriculture Certified Operator license, within six months of employment.
• Must be able to obtain International Society of Arborist (ISA) Certification within one year of employment.
• Must be able to obtain International Society of Arborist (ISA) Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) within one year of employment.
• Must be able to obtain Colorado Class A Commercial Driver’s License within six months of appointment.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Must successfully complete and maintain required state or departmental physical standards and certifications.

Very Heavy Work:  Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• Bend or position self to move items from higher place to lower place or vice versa
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels up to 50 lbs.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, move, or position from all levels over 51 lbs. with assistance
• Sit, stand or be stationary
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb, balance, turn or twist all of which may include awkward positions on
• both even and uneven terrain
• Talk, hear, converse, communicate, or exchange information
• Use of hands and/or fingers in a repetitive motion to handle, pinch, reach, grasp, move, feel, inspect, etc.
• Vision to include distance, depth perception, peripheral and color
• Walk, ascend or descend on both even and uneven terrain

Environmental Conditions may include

• Confined spaces
• Extreme cold or heat
• Frequent vibrations due to equipment use
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Moderate to extremely loud noise environment
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Toxic or caustic chemicals
• Wet or humid conditions
• Work in high, precarious places

The City of Lakewood is a drug-free workplace that provides employment opportunities in compliance with all pertinent federal, state, and local laws. All Lakewood employees are expected to work and complete all tasks in a safe manner consistent with training, standard operating procedures, City or Department policies, and common sense. Working in a safe manner includes the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and complying with all City and/or Department safety rules. Horseplay on-the-job is strictly forbidden. The failure to work in a safe manner, use PPE, follow standard operating procedure, or comply with a safety rule will result adverse employment consequences ranging from verbal discipline to termination from employment, including any applicable reduction in benefits under the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Act. Employees are also expected to encourage safe work practices by all co-employees, and to report any unsafe work practices immediately to a supervisor.

The City of Lakewood celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our workforce. Accordingly, the city is committed to creating, nurturing and sustaining a diverse, equitable and inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our community and employees.

Pay Range

$28.09-$35.39

Background and reference checks will be conducted for all regular and some variable/seasonal positions.