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 Citys 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 bachelors 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 Drivers 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. Lakewood is full of possibilities for businesses, residents and visitors with innovative approaches, community collaboration, a strong financial foundation and healthy local economy. The city serves as a gateway to outdoor adventures while also providing a 10-minute commute to the heart of the metropolitan area. Much of Lakewoods charm derives from neighborhoods as varied as horse properties, live/work units for artists, urban-style lofts and traditional homes. Lakewood has dedicated one-quarter of the land in the city to parks and open space, providing for a healthy, active lifestyle. The city also provides a comprehensive array of services, and we are home to global and national companies while also having a robust array of small businesses. Were an All-America City connected to the metro area with the latest technology and multiple transportation options. If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page: Access Lakewood Not finding the right fit? Let us know you're interested in a future opportunity by clicking Get Started below or create an account by clicking 'Sign In' at the top of the page to set up email alerts as new job postings become available that meet your interest! The City of Lakewood offers a robust benefits package. The following applies only to regular full-time and part-time positions. Medical Cigna HDHP with Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Kaiser Permanente DHMO with Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) Dental Delta Dental PPO plus Premier Plan Vision Vision Service Plan (VSP) Life Insurance Employees are covered for 1.5 times their annual base salary in life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment, up to a maximum of $500,000 (the minimum benefit is $50,000). The city pays the cost of this coverage. Pension Our pension fund is a social security replacement, money purchase plan. Mandatory employee contribution is 11% of gross base salary; city contribution is 13% of gross base salary. Sick Leave Full-time employees earn 8 hours per month. Part-time employees earn 6 hours per month. Vacation Full-time employees with less than five years of service earn 8 hours per month. Part-time employees with less than five years of service earn 6 hours per month. City Holidays Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The Following are Additional Benefits the City Offers: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Deferred Compensation Voluntary Life Insurance Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Short Term Disability Long Term Disability (LTD) Injury Leave Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Military Leave Jury Duty Tuition Assistance Credit Union Recreation Facilities Employees are eligible for free general admission into the citys recreation centers, swimming pools and Bear Creek Lake Park. Wellness Programs Value-Added Benefits