Arborist

Arborist

Job Status: Full -time Permanent (40 hours per week)

Division: Community Services

Department: Recreation and Parkland Planning

Union: CUPE 2713

Salary: $35.87 probationary rate. The successful candidate will progress to the full hourly rate of $36.30 once the probation is successfully completed.

Vacancies: 2

Closing Date: Open until vacancies are filled

About the City of Sarnia

Located at the mouth of the St. Clair River on the shores of Lake Huron, the community of Sarnia is known for its breathtaking waterfront, pristine beaches and beautiful parks system. Situated on the American border, just a short drive from London, Ontario, the community boasts a host of recreational opportunities, state-of-the-art healthcare, a vibrant cultural scene, and excellent education paired with a high standard of living and mild climate.

Ranked one of the most affordable medium-sized cities in Ontario, Sarnia, with its 72,000 residents, is home to over 1,000 acres of parkland and 40 km of trails in addition to 4 golf courses, 16 art galleries, 6 museums, and 3 theatres across the County.

The Role

In this role, you'll engage in a variety of tasks, including pruning, trimming, and removing trees to maintain their health and aesthetics. You'll diagnose and treat tree diseases and pest issues, ensuring our urban forest remains vibrant and resilient. Safety is paramount, and you'll operate with a strong emphasis on performing all tasks without incident. Your work will significantly impact the community by enhancing our city's green spaces and contributing to environmental sustainability and community well-being.

We're seeking someone with a genuine passion for trees and outdoor work, coupled with a strong commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in arboriculture and a deep understanding of tree care practices. Additionally, they will be a team player, able to work collaboratively with a dedicated team of forestry professionals.

Qualifications

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12) or equivalent
• Certified Arborist credential from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) or the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, with a minimum of two (2) years of full-time practical arboriculture experience
• Chainsaw Safety Training
• Wood Chipper Safety Training
• Valid Class DZ driver’s licence with a driver’s abstract acceptable to City guidelines

Candidates who do not possess a Certified Arborist credential may be considered with a minimum of five (5) years of full-time practical arboriculture experience.

Required within 12 months:

• Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) Line Clearing - Safety Awareness training
• Working at Heights training that meets the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Mobile Crane Operator 0-8 Tonn Training
• Utility Work Protection Code Program
• Ontario Traffic Council Book 7 Training
• Valid First Aid & CPR Certification

The Candidate
The successful candidate should possess the following experience, knowledge and competencies:

• Competent in Arboriculture practices including Aerial Device Operation, Tree Rigging, Tree Climbing, Tree Trimming, Chainsaw use aloft in a bucket, and Tree removal best practices from an aerial device
• Ability to liaise effectively with management, colleagues, staff, the public, user groups, and outside agencies to achieve collective goals while managing expectations within approved service levels
• Team building skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficiency with computer software applications
• Competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Extensive knowledge of the Ministry of Labour Regulations
• Able to operate urban forestry equipment, including chipper and stumper
• Physically able to perform the physical demands of this position under adverse weather and site conditions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities

Why Work With Us

It’s an opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment where your organizational skills, attention to detail, and professionalism will be highly valued.

Are you passionate about trees and their role in creating vibrant, green urban landscapes? Do you have a keen eye for safety and a love for working outdoors? Join our team and be a key player in transforming our city's green spaces!

The City offers competitive salaries alongside extended health, dental and travel benefits, life insurance coverage, access to our Employee & Family Assistance Plan (EFAP), and enrollment in the OMERS (Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System) pension plan.

We are an organization focused on the health and well-being of our employees, including a priority on work-life balance delivered through a unique earned-day-off package in addition to vacation time offerings.

We are an inclusive and equitable Corporation that encourages applications from qualified individuals of all genders, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Indigenous persons. Appropriate accommodations will be provided upon request throughout the hiring process as required by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Information received relating to accommodation and diversity will be addressed confidentially.

Personal information is being collected under the authority of the Municipal Act and will be used to determine the qualifications for employment with The Corporation of the City of Sarnia. Questions about this collection should be directed to the City Clerk, 255 Christina St. N., Sarnia, ON N7T 7N2, 519-332-0330 ext. 3366.

Please note this recruitment is for current vacancies.