Listing Summary

POSITION SUMMARY     

Under general supervision of the Community Development Division Director, the arborist will be responsible for the overall implementation of a City-wide Tree Ordinance and Parks and Recreation Programs including tree planting, maintenance, related landscaped areas, and enforcement of tree related policies and the implementation of the Botanical Gardens. Responsibilities also include plan review for all developments in the City.

The Arborist shall be committed to the mission, vision and values of the City and demonstrate such through ethical conduct, community stewardship, individual initiative, and responsive service. The Arborist shall demonstrate leadership, management and technical skills through effective communication and collaboration, proper use of team resources, progressive decision-making, personal accountability, and responsibility.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

• Assists with landscape management, restoration, beautification, and design efforts.
• Develops and implements strategies for the tree ordinance, soil improvement, such as composting, mulching, and applying fertilizers.
• Selects suitable plants and flowers, arranges them in aesthetically pleasing patterns, and considers factors like color, texture, and seasonal interest.
• Assist with the design, management and implementation of the city's botanical gardens.
• Installs and cultivates functional and ornamental plants.
• Assist with the transplanting and pruning of shrubs and small trees.
• Monitors plant health and growth, identify issues, and implements appropriate solutions to ensure optimal plant development.
• Maintains the tree ordinance and guidelines and an accurate tree inventory database which provides accurate data to committees, commissions, and management. Monitors and evaluate tree inventory for trees that are at riskAssists the Parks and Recreation Director with the creation of a Tree Advisory Commission in developing a comprehensive city-wide approved tree planting program.

• Facilitates quarterly Tree Advisory Commission meetings as required by the Community Development Director.
• Oversee tree-related sidewalk landscaping, including correspondence with property owners.
• Review landscaping (construction) plans for developments.
• Engages with homeowners, businesses, or government entities, to provide expert advice on plant selection, landscaping, and maintenance.
• Provide support to the Community Development and Parks and Recreation Departments through the following:
• Identifying trees and limbs encroaching electric lines and coordinate with power company.
• Escorting/Auditing Vegetation Management contractors performing work on City Facilities
• Monitoring the clearance of vines and vegetation at ground level and/or on secondary poles
• Recommends the replacement of trees along right of way and easements with low growing varieties
• Assist in clearing brush, chipping material, and sectioning trunks.
• Performs related work as required by the Community Development Director.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in forestry, environmental science, horticulture, or related field. Three (3) or more years of experience as an arborist and horticulture, forestry, or related work, preferable within state, local and county government. A comparable amount of education, training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Possession and retention of a valid Georgia motor vehicle operator’s license. Possession of an American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) Certification or the ability to be certified within one year of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• ANSI 300 practices and procedures.
• Essential elements of a comprehensive urban forestry program, state, and local government.
• Current practices and procedures of an arborist/horticulturist include tree planting recommendations, flower/tree species selection, maintenance, and tree pruning.
• Tree protection measures for construction sites and other heavily traversed public areas.
• Communication - Oral and written communication.
• Use and operation of heavy equipment, hand power tools, including maintenance practices of such equipment and tools.
• Read landscape plans, maps, utility prints, and familiarity with tree protection measures on construction sites.
• Safely lift and frequently move up to 60 pounds.
• Stand/walk for extended periods of time, including the ability to navigate uneven surfaces to perform assigned tasks in the field.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work effectively in precarious positions at considerable heights above the ground.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

May work an adjusted schedule for assisting in events occurring after 5:00 p.m. such as meetings, or planned events.

REQUIREMENTS INCLUDED IN THIS CLASS SPECIFICATION MAY BE SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION IN ORDER TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES WHO ARE OTHERWISE QUALIFIED TO PERFORM THE ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE JOB.