Arborist

Job Description:

Arborist

Description

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Advance your career with our Arborist Apprenticeship Program!

Do you enjoy working outdoors? Care about making a positive impact on the environment? Want to build practical, hands-on technical skills? Our Arborist Apprenticeship Program offers a unique opportunity to launch a fulfilling career in arboriculture. No prior experience is required! We offer thorough on-the-job training and online courses designed to give you the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a Certified Arborist.

The principal function of an employee in this class is to perform tree care and maintenance of trees along streets, in parks, and on other municipal property. The work is performed under the general direction of the Forestry Section Chief and journeyman Arborist, but often works independently and with minimum supervision.

For applicants who are not a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture, this position provides the ability to participate in an apprenticeship program to become a skilled urban forestry professional, learning a variety of forestry tasks in order to become proficient.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Upon hire -

• Ability to learn needed skills to become a certified Arborist.
• Ability to read city maps including lot and block.
• Ability to maintain manual records and prepare accurate reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public, both orally and in writing, to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, associates, and the public.

Upon hire meeting all qualifications or Upon completion of the Apprenticeship Program -

• Extensive knowledge of safety and precautions of the work.
• Considerable knowledge of the techniques, procedures, materials, equipment, and tools necessary for the planting, maintenance pruning, removal, and replacement of trees.
• Considerable knowledge of ANSI A300 standards; tree planting site analysis; tree identification as it relates to urban forestry in this region.
• Considerable knowledge of ANSI Z133 safety standards relating to climbing and use of equipment in tree operations.
• Considerable knowledge of City and departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations governing the work.
• Some knowledge of hazard tree assessment and abatement methods.
• Ability to safely use and operate the standard tools and equipment of the job (e.g., ropes, chainsaw, saddle, stump grinder, bucket truck, etc.).
• Ability to climb trees and perform work at heights that may involve strenuous activity.
• Ability to inspect own work daily while in progress and upon completion to ensure quality of work and adherence to City and departmental policies, procedures, and safety standards

Required Special Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or GED; and
• Possess a valid Iowa Class B CDL allowing the operation of vehicles with airbrakes; and
• Be an Iowa Certified Pesticide Applicator in categories #2, #30T, or #6; and
• Complete the City of Des Moines’ tree climbing test within 2 years of hire; and
• Be a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture; and
• Successfully complete a post-employment offer background investigation, physical examination and drug screen.

OR

• Graduation from high school or GED; and
• Possession of a valid driver’s license at hire; and
• Successfully complete a post-employment offer background investigation, physical examination and drug screen.
• Arborist must*:
  • Possess a valid Iowa Class B CDL allowing the operation of vehicles with airbrakes within 6 months of hire; and
  • Be an Iowa Certified Pesticide Applicator in categories #2, #30T, or #6 within 1 year of hire; and
  • Complete the City of Des Moines’ tree climbing test within 2 years of hire; and
  • Progress satisfactorily throughout the Arborist Apprenticeship Program; and
  • Complete the Arborist Apprenticeship Program within 4 years of hire; and
  • Be a Certified Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture within 4 years of hire.

*Incumbents not meeting the above qualifications will be separated from employment as Arborist.

Please Note: If possession of an out-of-state Driver's License or any certifications, submittal of certified driving records and certifications are required. All records should be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org , by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1551 E MLK Jr Pkwy, Des Moines, IA 50317 by the application deadline date.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Inspects trees and shrubs for insects, diseases, split or weak branch attachments, and other abnormalities.
• Performs tree care maintenance such as pruning, removal, planting, mulching, staking, fertilizing, and watering.
• Operates heavy equipment (e.g., aerial portion of a bucket truck, chipper truck, chipper, etc.) utilized to prune and remove trees.
• Operates and maintains manual and motorized equipment (e.g., chain saws, power pruner, stump grinder, root pruner, hand tools, etc.) at ground level and at heights up to 70 ft.
• Trims trees using climbing ropes and saddle.
• Uses proper safety equipment, monitors working conditions, and reports problems to supervisor.
• Interacts with other City departments and the public to accomplish work.
• Provides feedback to supervisors to enhance operations.
• Keeps accurate records of time spent and equipment used on each job.
• May work evenings, weekends and holidays as necessary in response to emergencies (e.g. storms, tornadoes, floods, mudslides, etc.) related to public tree removal.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Click here for Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: 5/21/2025 4:00 PM Central

Salary:

$26.43 - $34.39 Hourly