Arborist

NATURE OF POSITION

Perform arboricultural duties in order to sustain, develop and protect the urban forest in the City of Walla Walla. Perform tree planting, pruning, maintenance, pest and disease control, and removal projects for all trees in public parks and right of way locations; prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned work. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision is provided by the Park Maintenance Supervisor; general direction and oversight are provided by the Grounds Maintenance Worker III – Lead.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Employees of the City of Walla Walla are expected to model and foster the City’s core values: Service – Integrity – Collaboration – Equity – Leadership – Community
2. Provide exemplary customer service to all individuals; actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.
3. Perform skilled landscape and ballfield design and construction duties in a wide variety of park and cemetery locations; including but not limited to soil grading and preparation; irrigation installation; plant material installation, seed and sow grasses and flowers, and lay sod; place ground cover and rock; cut and install pavers.
4. Perform technical work in the design, maintenance and improvement of the City’s urban forest; select varieties and placement of new trees according to established procedures; prune trees as appropriate; evaluate trees for hazards, recommends, and perform hazardous trees removals. 
5. Responsible for managing and maintaining all City park and street trees.
6. Maintain accurate Geographic Information Systems (GIS) records of City-owned trees. Update and maintain the City’s urban forest database to reflect current tree conditions.
7. Train and provide directions to assigned temporary and seasonal employees.
8. Provide for the safe and efficient operation of landscape construction and maintenance tools and equipment as assigned, including but not limited to: aerial lift, chipper, stump grinder, excavator, backhoe, tractor, dump truck, snowplow, rototiller, aerator, sod cutter, chain saw, chipper, snow blower, casket hoist, and small hand and power tools. May operate heavy equipment requiring CDL. 
9. Proficient excavation equipment operator capable to safely and effectively excavate around utilities and underground infrastructure.
10. Prioritize multiple work assignments from various sources.
11. Order supplies and materials according to established procedures; prepare and receive bids for projects; prepare cost estimates; coordinate the delivery of materials and supplies. 
12. Schedule and coordinate tree planting projects. Determine personnel requirements and obtain necessary equipment.
13. Plan for the replacement of aging trees and make long term recommendations related to the planting of replacement trees. 
14. Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned work, including site plans, and blueprints; submit to appropriate department and personnel as required.
15. Provide training to City personnel related to safety, maintenance, and operation procedures as directed; serve as a technical resource on an on-call basis as necessary.
16. Inspect, evaluate, and recommend approval/denial of street tree permit applications. 
17. Evaluate and direct certified tree pruning, fertilization, installation, and establishment practices; diagnose and treat variety of tree problems; cable, brace, climb and perform other maintenance functions that directly relate to arboriculture services. Review and recommend approval of tree care specialist certifications. 
18. Recommend long-term urban forestry policies and procedures to the Director for presentation to the Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Advisory Board (PRUFAB).
19. Recommend educational literature, programs, and services to promote the community’s urban forest. 
20. Review and recommend landscaping plans through the City Site Plan Review Committee (SPRC) as requested. Provide tree planting recommendations for public and private projects. 
21. Monitor and repair irrigation systems; assist in seasonal maintenance, and startup and winterizing of irrigation systems as directed.
22. Clean and sanitize park restrooms and rental facilities; pick up litter and empty trash receptacles for City grounds, cemetery and parks areas; blow sidewalks clear of debris; move picnic tables as required; inspect and notify appropriate personnel of safety hazards and repair needs.
23. Operate heavy equipment requiring CDL.
24. Apply chemicals assuring proper health and safety precautions. Maintain detailed and accurate records of all chemical and pesticide applications according to, and in compliance with Washington State and Federal regulations.
25. Conduct and evaluate soil tests and recommend fertilization of turf according to established procedures; apply fertilizers and provide for proper seeding, chemical applications, weeding and mowing; perform other assigned turf management duties.
26. Maintain records of work performed and prepare reports, including current and long-range planning issues, inventories, spray records, inspections, equipment usage, preventive maintenance and needed repairs; assure appropriate materials and supply levels are maintained.
27. Maintain small equipment in a safe operating condition; maintain hand tool inventory according to established procedures.
28. Perform seasonal grounds maintenance activities, including ice and snow removal and other projects.
29. Perform first aid and CPR according to established guidelines.
30. Safely dispose of needles and drug paraphernalia; dispose of human feces and potentially infectious materials within established guidelines.
31. Employees with CDL endorsement may provide back-up services for the Public Works Department and operate snow plowing equipment to remove snow; apply chemicals, salt, and sand to control ice.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Demonstrate punctual, regular, and reliable attendance which is essential for successful job performance.
2. Present a positive, professional image; maintain cooperative and effective working relationships; assure excellent customer service with internal and external customers.
3. Execute assignments, projects and job responsibilities efficiently and within defined timeframes; work independently and effectively with little direction.
4. Demonstrate good judgment and employ critical thinking to execute duties, identify issues, seek solutions, and recommend improvements in support of departmental goals.
5. Provide assistance to staff and higher-level management; participate in resolving operational or interpersonal concerns; participate in training, meetings, and on committees as assigned.
6. Respect the value of diversity in the workplace and the community.
7. Perform other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Methods of identifying and caring for horticultural specimens under a variety of conditions.
• Plant biology and common and botanical names of trees.
• Insects, parasites, diseases and weeds and the composition and uses of insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides.
• Proper tree pruning, fertilization, installation, and establishment; diagnosis and treatment of tree problems; cabling, bracing, climbing and other services that directly relate to arboriculture.
• Techniques and methods of landscape design and construction.
• Industry safety policies, procedures, and practices; related OSHA and WISHA regulations. 
• Comply with the State of Washington and Federal regulations on all chemical applications.
• Safely apply fertilizer and chemicals.
• Operation and maintenance of tools and equipment used in grounds maintenance, including heavy grounds equipment. 
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Operate a computer terminal. 
• Effectively work in a team environment, contribute openly, respectfully disagree, understand the ideas of others, listen well and work for consensus.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Operate and utilize a variety of machinery and equipment including, but not limited to aerial lift, chipper, backhoe, tractor, dump truck, snowplow, bucket truck, chain saws, pruners, clippers, shears, weed eaters, sprayers and push and riding mowers, and small hand and power tools. Computer terminal utilizing Microsoft Word and Excel, GPS, MUNIS payroll and other software or office functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Seeing, hearing and speaking to exchange information; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of specialized grounds equipment and power and hand tools; reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; stand and sit for extended periods of time; walk over rough or uneven surfaces; bend at the waist; kneel or crouch; perform heavy physical labor such as digging; carrying, pushing, lifting heavy objects and pulling equipment. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Outdoor environment in City parks, cemetery and golf course; working in adverse weather conditions; regular exposure to dirt, dust, pollen and fumes; subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work; exposure to falling limbs and trees, working around and with machinery having moving parts.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma, or GED equivalent, plus any combination equivalent to an Associate's degree in Horticulture, Arboriculture or a related field, and two (2) years experience in horticulture, greenhouse or landscaping work involving responsibility for the propagation and care of outdoor plants, flowers, shrubs and trees. Consideration may be given to a combination of applicable coursework, years of experience and certification as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist. Certified as an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Arborist or the ability to obtain within one (1) year from hire date. Valid Driver’s License, First Aid and CPR certificate or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire date. Possess or the ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s license within one (1) year of hire. Valid State Class B commercial vehicle endorsement within one (1) year of hire.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Previous experience as an arborist, horticulture specialist, grounds maintenance worker, or related field. Bilingual in Spanish.