Municipal Arborist (Arborist & Tree Care)

  City of St. John's

  St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

Vibrant City, Vibrant Career
St. John's is a vibrant city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John's is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John's a city where people want to live, work and play. 

The Opportunity
This position will carry out a program designed to enhance the appearance of the City and further the welfare of the residents by the planting, maintenance, protection and preservation of public trees, including the establishment and implementation of the master tree plan and the specifications as prescribed by the Department of Public Works known as the Urban Forest Program and enforce the "St. John's Tree Regulations". This shall include the provision of on-site direction of Arboricultural personnel through assignment and reassignment of duties as necessary, in consultation with Parks Forepersons; training and advising personnel in all aspects of the Arboricultural trade; other related duties as required. 

Accountabilities
The Municipal Arborist shall advise the Department in the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the Tree By-Law regulations. Attempt to preserve rather than remove diseased, infected, or injured trees wherever this is possible and expedient, and to preserve the aesthetics and environmental functions of public lands and lands adjoining public lands. Recommend to Council for its approval, with the advice and assistance of the Tree Committee, a tree program, including a master tree plan and specifications, having regard to the needs of the residents of the City for safety, the presentation of aesthetic values, noise and pollution control, recreation and protection of wildlife, water and soil. Consider existing and future structures, utilities, and environmental factors when recommending a species for any public land, and generally when carrying out his or her duties pursuant to this Regulation, and may designate species as suitable or unsuitable on the basis of these conditions. Issue permits as provided in this Regulation. Supervise or inspect, or shall delegate persons who shall supervise or inspect, all work done under any permit issued pursuant to this Regulation. Designate individual trees or groups of trees as outstanding trees on the basis of species, age, size, historic importance or any combination of these factors. With the owner's consent, the Arborist may identify such trees by a plaque or other suitable method and should make every effort to provide them with full care and protection. Determine the monetary value of any tree according to the current Shade Tree Evaluation Procedure of the International Society of Arboriculture for any purpose of this Regulation, or where another evaluation is more suited to local needs by that formula. Supervise the carrying out of any agreement made pursuant to Section 5 of the St. John's Tree Regulations. Ensure that all public trees are maintained and all work is done in accordance with the provisions of the St. John's Tree Regulations and the tree program, and in a manner which will encourage the development and retention of a healthy, attractive and safe place for public trees. Review and comment on, prior to final approval, all permits, plans and programs for sewers, lighting, water supply and other utilities, paving, subdivision of land, and any other permits, plans or programs that may result in injury to or removal of trees.

The Arborist and the officers and employees of other Municipal departments, boards, or agencies including the authorities responsible for public works, planning, roads and transportation, street lighting and parks shall cooperate in planning for the present and future amenities of the City when the activities of such authorities may affect public trees.
With the consent, in writing, of Council, the Arborist may delegate in writing any of his/her power or duties under this Regulation to any officer or employee or any class thereof in the Department.

The Arborist may inspect any construction, demolition, excavation or grading site for which there is any term or condition in a subdivision agreement or building permit relating to trees. The Arborist shall report violations of the agreement or permit to the Director of Building & Property Management and the Tree Committee. 

Description disclaimer
The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job. 

Qualifications
Education: Graduation from High School supplemented by the successful completion of A College Degree, or its equivalent, in Arboriculture, Ornamental or Landscape Horticulture, or another closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years' experience in the Urban Forestry field and be trained and skilled in the theory and practice of Municipal Arboriculture.

Other: Must hold a Pesticide Applicator's License, valid from the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Must hold a valid Class 5 Driver's License and provide his/her own vehicle. 

Bargaining Unit Statement:
Applicants must be members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Local 1289, or should be prepared to join the Union immediately upon appointment. 

Hours of Work
Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm ( 40 hours per week) 

Equal Opportunity Statement
This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the 
employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity. 

Closing Information
We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date. 

---