Arborist
City of Sun Prairie Parks, Recreation & Forestry

Job Description
As part of the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department, this position will play an integral role in a close-knit group that focuses on teamwork, encourages contribution and input from all aspects and promotes a healthy work-life balance. This skilled position will work closely with the City Forester and the Parks and Forestry Director to manage the 11,000 + publicly owned trees and natural areas throughout the City of Sun Prairie as well as assist with various operations in city parks.

To learn more visit the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Departmental goals and objectives page.This position will remain posted until filled with a first review date of applications on July 26, 2024.

Essential Job Functions

  • Perform work in all aspects of tree care, including but not limited to, planting, pruning, removals, stump grinding, and plant health care in accordance with the current ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards, Z133 Arboricultural Safety Standards and industry best management practices.
  • Assist in the management of city owned natural areas through various tasks including, but not limited to, invasive plant species identification and management, chemical control methods, wildlife identification and preservation, and prescribed burns.
  • Works closely with the parks maintenance crew to assist with the maintenance and operations at city park facilities which may include, but are not limited to, mowing, trimming, weeding, snow plowing, cross-country ski trail grooming, ice rink maintenance, planting, application of herbicides, maintenance of athletic fields, shelter cleaning, and event support.
  • Safely and efficiently operate varying types of heavy equipment and machinery relating to forestry, such as but not limited to, aerial lift trucks, rope and saddle, brush chipper, chainsaws, pole saws, handsaws, stump grinders, skid steers, toolcat, and tree injection systems.
  • Knowledge of, and ability to identify:
  • Varying species of trees and shrubs and common varieties/cultivars.
  • Varying pests and pathogens common to trees and shrubs found in this region.
  • Experience with GIS software and equipment, as well as data collection/analysis software, i.e. Microsoft Excel.
  • Perform work duties outside in all types of weather conditions with availability for occasional night and weekend work.
  • Assist other city departments with various tasks including, but not limited to, snow removal, event set up, mowing, aquatic center opening and closing procedures, shrub bed installation/maintenance, and other day to day operations.
  • Provide guidance and training for LTE staff in day-to-day operations.
Qualifications

Associate’s Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources or related fields and two years of work experience in above fields (a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry or a related Natural Resource field will equate to an Associate’s degree and two years of work experience).

Knowledge of:

  • Identify and differentiate between species of trees, tree disease/pathogens, and species of invasive plants.

Ability to:

  • Use and maintain a variety of forestry-related tools, equipment, and vehicles.
  • Perform work as part of a crew consisting of a diverse group of people, as well as independently, with little to no supervision.
  • Analyze data, identify problems, and implement solutions.
  • Exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.
  • Often use discretion in absence of specific policies and/or guidance from a supervisor, but some direct guidance is received from supervisors.

Skill in:

  • Plant identification, specifically trees, and invasive species.
  • Written and oral communications. Ability to tailor the message, context, and mode of communication to the audience.
  • Delivering exceptional customer service.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • Requires a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with air brake certification or ability to obtain within six months of employment.
  • ISA Certified Arborist, or ability to obtain certification within one year of hire.
  • Ability to operate automatic and standard transmissions.
  • Must pass pre-employment background check, driver’s license check, and physical.

Salary/Salary Range
Starting Salary: $62,828.69 Annually

Apply To
Apply Here

Closing Date
July 26, 2024

Date Posted
June 20, 2024