Arborist 1
Category: Classified
Pay Grade: C17
Job Code: 13534
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.
JOB SUMMARY
The Arborist 1 plays a vital role in the Urban Forestry operational team, serving as a bridge between Arborist Apprentices and Arborist 2. This classification calls for advanced arboriculture knowledge, leadership skills, and a dedication to the preservation and enhancement of the urban forest. The Arborist 1 is responsible for implementing tree care strategies, addressing a wide range of tree-related issues, and ensuring adherence to safety guidelines. They play an essential part in training and guiding Arborist Apprentices while collaboratively working with the Arborist 2 to manage complex projects. Tasks demonstrate their commitment to the urban forest’s health and longevity, contributing significantly to the community’s environment. The Arborist 1 reports to an Arborist 2.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS (examples, not all inclusive)
- Works collaboratively with Arborist Apprentices and Arborist 2 to ensure safe and efficient work practices;
- Assists in the development and implementation of work plans for tree care, including pruning and removal, especially in tight spaces, along busy roadways, and near power lines;
- Helps develop and implement pruning prescriptions to provide safe road and sidewalk passage while ensuring the health and longevity of urban forest trees;
- Assists in the safe and efficient operation of all Urban Forestry fleet equipment and helps train Apprentices in their use;
- Identifies a wide range of tree-related issues and assists in developing effective plans to solve them;
- Communicates effectively with citizens, explaining work objectives in a courteous, confident, and tactful manner;
- Acts in a lead role in the absence of the Arborist 2, overseeing the team’s work and ensuring safety standards are met.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Must possess and maintain a certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist or equivalent credentials and two (2) years’ experience in tree trimming or directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
Special Qualifications (May be required depending on the area of assignment):
- A Florida Driver’s License or Florida Commercial Driver’s License and endorsement, if any.
- Assignment to work a variety of work schedules, including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.
- An external candidate appointed with qualifications determined equivalent to a Certified Arborist must obtain, possess, and maintain the formal designation as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist within 12 months of appointment.
- Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to a position.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Advanced knowledge of standard methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in arboriculture operations, including proficient use of saws and other standard tools.
- Knowledge of tree biology, soils, fungi, pest identification, wood anatomy, wood decay, species identification, species profiles, green log weights, tree hazards, pruning principals, plant health care, equipment operations, tree climbing, and intermediate arboricultural techniques.
- Ability to work collaboratively with Arborist Apprentices and under the supervision of Arborist 2.
- Ability to assist in developing and implementing work plans for tree care, including pruning and removal.
- Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, explaining work objectives in a courteous, confident, and tactful manner.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
This work requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:
- Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
- Feeling: Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips.
- Grasping: Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm.
- Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
- Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
- Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
- Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion.
- Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
- Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
- Visual ability: Sufficient to effectively operate office equipment including copier, computer, etc.; and to read and write reports, correspondence, instructions, etc.
- Hearing ability: Sufficient to hold a conversation with other individuals both in person and over a telephone; and to hear recording on transcription device.
- Speaking ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over a telephone.
- Mental acuity: Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
- Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word including those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
- Repetitive motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
- Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
- Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.
- Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbent works in an environment with heavy equipment and machinery that could result in bodily harm to co-workers or others.