Arborist

Arborist
Regular Full Time
Requisition ID: 3788
Salary Range: $31.35 to $31.80 Hourly

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for the regular full-time position of Arborist in the Operations Department, Community Services Commission. While all applications will be received, current members of CUPE 905 (Outside Workers) will be given first consideration. To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume online at www.markham.ca/careers by April 24, 2024.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

JOB SUMMARY
A position with the City of Markham offers the chance to make a difference by providing the highest quality customer service to our growing community. With us, you will enjoy being part of a multicultural workforce with a dynamic culture and a desire to be the best.

The City is looking for a detail oriented individual who works well within a team and independently as needed.  Reporting to the Working Supervisor, Urban Forestry, you will be responsible for performing all arboricultural related duties on City boulevards, parks and open spaces.  You will be assisting with on-call Urban Forestry Winter Operations that includes walkway clearance at Community Centres. You may also respond to public inquiries while in the field, maintain related equipment and tools, and assist with the operations maintenance activities including on-call winter snow removal.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement assigned arboriculture work records including pruning, removal and cabling according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted maintenance practice(s);
• Operate specialized equipment including aerial bucket trucks, chippers, chain saws, stumper and standard tree climbing equipment where required in a safe and efficient manner;
• Maintain written records as required, tree maintenance work records, activity cards and safety plans;
• May be required to provide work direction and training to other staff and carry out duties that meet Health and Safety standards in a safe and responsible manner;
• Ability to use tablet computer in order to update completed work electronically;
• Duties include and are not limited to area pruning projects, woodlands tree maintenance, including diagnosing tree maintenance requirements and occasional service requests;
• Required to participate in a standby schedule on a rotational basis, throughout the winter, includes after hours service; operating snow removal equipment
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• A certificate or diploma in Arboriculture or Urban Forestry from a recognized institution. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Two (2) years of directly related experience including the operation, routine maintenance, and safe use of related equipment
• An ISA Certified Arborist and/or Tree Worker designation (or willing to obtain conditionally within the first 4 months of employment),
• Candidates must be knowledgeable in current accepted industry practices and be physically fit and able to work in varying climate conditions. Demonstrations of the foregoing qualifications may be required through written, oral and practical examinations;
• Excellent customer service and problem solving skills required, as well as demonstrated good judgment.
• You must be physically capable of performing all related tasks to arboricultural practices
• Must possess a class “DZ” Ontario Driver’s licence with a satisfactory driver’s abstract (no demerit points and no more than one moving and one non-moving violation)

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• ISA Certification (tree worker, utility, arborist), and/or
• Ontario Certified Arborist Certificate of Qualification (within the past 10 years), and
• Proficient experience with bucket truck operation, and
• 3-5 years of tree climbing experience
• 1 year of bucket truck operation
• Valid First Aid, CPR
• Book 7 training and understanding
• Working at Heights Training
• Proven teamwork ability

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Qualified candidates will be required to complete a written and practical test.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible, and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve.  Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.