Arborist I (Austin Parks and Recreation)

About This Position

Job Description:

Arborist I

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position maintains public trees using a working knowledge of tree pruning, removal, planting, watering, chain saw safety, aerial lift operations, rope and saddle tree climbing, electrical hazard awareness, tree biology, and industry best management practices.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• •Works in a crew setting to complete assigned work orders for tree planting and maintenance activities and communicates work order status to crew lead.
• •Uses basic rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, trunks, and storm debris for public safety and infrastructure protection.
• •Operates water truck, dump truck, aerial lift truck, grapple brush truck, and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintaining vehicle records.
• •Provides rotating City-wide emergency response to severe weather events during and after normal work hours.
• •Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
• •Remains informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
• •Maintains and updates GIS tree inventory and work management systems.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• •Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• •Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
• •Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• •Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• •Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• •Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
• •Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, which included the use of power tools or motorized equipment.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• •Possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• •Must obtain Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License and any necessary endorsements within three (3) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Experience:

• •Experience with maintaining, operating, and installing irrigations systems.
• •Experience performing tree planting according to ANSI standards.
• •Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
• •Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corps., Texas Conservation Corps., or Park Ranger Cadets.

Preferred Certifications/License:

Current TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

Other:

Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (APR) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Arborist I position will be to drive and operate a 2,000-gallon water truck to water trees daily through the summer and fall months, as well as tree planting, structural pruning, mulching, and inventory updates during the planting season.

Work Location:

Central Maintenance Complex (CMC) 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd., Austin, TX 78741

Work/Location Schedule:

• •Monday through Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• •May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• •Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• •This position will require traveling to multiple sites throughout the workday.
• •May be required to work during City emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Salary Range:

$22.15 - $24.37 per hour.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• •Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting – up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted, and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• •Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• •Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
• •Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• •Driving Requirement: This position requires a Texas Class C Operator’s License or ability to obtain one by date of hire. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. If you cannot meet these conditions, you may be deemed ineligible for this position.
• •Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

Travel: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.

90 Day Provision for Additional Vacancy: This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.

Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: All APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

.

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of