Arborist/Tree Truck Operator

The City of Thunder Bay provides exceptional quality of life to those who live, work, and play in Thunder Bay – a culturally vibrant, economically diverse community with a metro population of over 120,000. Located on the north shore of Lake Superior, under the protective watch of the Sleeping Giant, Thunder Bay is rich in people and resources, and connects Northwestern Ontario to the world. We value our high quality of life and promote a clean, green, beautiful, and healthy community that provides economic opportunity, respects diversity, and provides affordable and safe neighbourhoods that are accessible to all.

The City of Thunder Bay is a place where art, culture and nature come together!

PLEASE NOTE:  Application reviews begin immediately, continuing until the position is filled and may close at any time.

POSITION SUMMARY:  Under the general supervision of the Supervisor – Forestry & Horticulture and technical direction of the Leadhand Arborist, operates equipment and vehicles for the maintenance of Parks facilities and grounds.  Must be willing to work at heights, be available for overtime and be available for emergency call-outs.

MAJOR TASKS:

• Maintains trees from the ground, operates tree truck with aerial device or climbs trees using proper accepted tree climbing techniques and current arboriculture practices.
• Working within a crew, performs tree trimming, tree removal, stump grinding and other vegetation management duties.
• Operates equipment with machine operator classification.
• Performs minor servicing of equipment.
• Reports equipment defects to Supervisor.
• Records data related to the operation of the Urban Forestry Program, as required.
• Provides information to and responds to enquiries from the public regarding tree related concerns
• Participates in work related safety training programs, staff training and development.
• Carries out caretaker and maintenance duties on winter rinks if required.
• Performs other Park Worker duties as may be assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Secondary school graduation; and
• Current certification as an Arborist from either the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or Ministry of Training Colleges & Universities (MTCU) with a minimum of one (1) year experience conducting active tree care using aerial lifts and approved climbing techniques.
• Must possess a valid certificate in chain saw operation

Skills/Abilities:

• Must demonstrate an ability to work at heights from aerial lift platforms and tree climbing techniques.
• Must be proficient in the operation of all equipment used in this classification
• Must be capable of issuing and accurately comprehending written/oral information and instructions
• Must have the ability to deal with the public in a tactful, courteous manner
• Must be reliable and capable of performing routine work with minimum supervision
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class “D” Ontario Drivers Licence, or equivalent with a ‘Z’ endorsement
• Must meet the definition of a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• Must have a working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it applies to this work

Assets:

• Current Working at Heights Training certification through the Ministry of Labour

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: 

• Must obtain and maintain a valid Class “A” Ontario Drivers Licence, with a “Z” Endorsement within 6 months of hire
• Will be required to attend ongoing training when necessary
• Must remain a competent driver as defined by the Corporation
• May be required to provide a successful driver’s record (uncertified)
• Must be physically able of performing the assigned duties
• Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)overtime and be available for emergency call outs