Arborist – Leadhand (Forestry)

Working within our Strategic Plan, Cambridge Connected, and committing to our values of Integrity, Respect, Inclusiveness and Service, the successful candidate will work together to help the City of Cambridge achieve our vision: A place for people to prosper – alive with opportunity.

Job Profile
Forestry staff maintain trees along our roadways, parks, trails, and other public spaces. The Lead Hand is an integral part of a team dedicated to handling emergency and routine forestry work. Reporting to the Manager of Operations Forestry & Horticulture, the following duties apply:

What you will be doing
– Lead, coach staff and coordinate work with supporting equipment, materials, and parts for all activities detailed this job description in a safe manner.
– Work with Supervisors/ Management Staff to set work expectations, complete work and report on work completed.
– Communicate with residents/ stakeholders on related work and for scheduling work activities and for follow up.
– Plan and execute complex work involving 3rd party contractors.
– Prune and remove trees; clean site of debris.
– Plan/ execute complex tree/ vegetation removal using various industry standard techniques in urban and naturalized settings ensuring staff are competent and able to complete the work.
– Work at various heights performing tree maintenance and tree removal, using aerial device and/or manual climbing using approved climbing and safety equipment and techniques.
– Assist those working at heights in the handling of ropes or acting as a spotter.
– Drive, operate and inspect various equipment including trucks, tractors, aerial tower, chain saws, pruners, brush chipper, tree stumper and other associated equipment and techniques.
– Determine and implement traffic management using OTM Book 7. Set up signs and cones for traffic control.
– Inspect trees; record condition and problems; recommend action.
– Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles, equipment and tools such as greasing, sharpening and adjusting.
– Perform forestry operations under all weather conditions.

Education
– Candidates are required to have a Diploma in Arboriculture (two semester program) or Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MTCU) Certified apprenticeship designation in Arboriculture (444A) or equivalent.

Minimum Requirements
– International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist designation in good standing is required.
– Minimum 10 years’ urban forestry experience including complex tree removal and advanced rigging.

Hours of Work
– The regular work schedule is: Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Flexibility is required as the position must be able to work evenings and weekends when operational needs arise. The role includes scheduled on‑call responsibilities and requires working in all weather conditions as needed.

We will ask you for these items if you are hired
– Confirmation that you are physically able to perform the essential duties of the position, as assessed through our third party provider, prior to commencement in the position.
– Current and valid Police Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check to be provided prior to commencement in this position.
– Proof of your current and valid certificate(s) and/or educational qualifications.
– Supervisor Health & Safety Awareness Training Certificate from the Ministry of Labour
– Valid DZ driver’s license

Your compensation
This position is located within our CUPE 32 (outside workers union) compensation salary schedule Job Grade 8 and has an hourly rate of pay is as follows (2026 Rate):
Starting Rate: $37.82 per hour
12-Month Rate: $38.99 per hour
24-Month Rate: $40.16 per hour

Comprehensive Benefits Package including OMERS Pension Plan included.

Advertisement expiration date
To apply, submit your candidate profile and application through the link below, prior to January 22, 2026.

Accommodation needs and protection of privacy
The City of Cambridge recognizes and appreciates diversity and inclusion enhances our public value commitment.

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience and encourage all qualified people to apply, including and especially people from equity-deserving groups. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with honour and respect toward their individual dimensions of diversity.

We strive to remove barriers that may prevent qualified applicants from fully participating in the recruitment and selection process. Accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and other applicable legislation is available throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process. Contact [email protected] to make your needs known in advance.

For more information on our Employment Equity, please read our full policy https://www.cambridge.ca/en/your-city/resources/Employment-Equity.pdf

Personal information collected in relation to the recruitment process is collected under the authority outlined in the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and used solely to determine eligibility for employment with the City of Cambridge only.