Arborist I (Planting and Watering/Parks and Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Arborist I (Planting and Watering/Parks and Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, which included the use of power tools or motorized equipment.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possess a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License.
• Must obtain Texas class “A” or “B” Commercial Driver’s License and any necessary endorsements within three (3) months of employment.

Notes to Applicants

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department ( PARD ) provides, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Arborist I position will be to drive and operate a 2000-gallon water truck to water trees daily through the summer and fall months, as well as tree planting, structural pruning, mulching and inventory updates during the planting season.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
• Virtual Interviews: PARD may conduct virtual interviews.
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “B” Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one within three (3) months of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: PARD reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: PARD work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any PARD work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.

Pay Range
$21.63 - $23.79 per hour
Hours
Work/Location Schedule Notes:

• Monday - Friday; 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• This position will require traveling to multiple sites throughout the workday.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 01/30/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location Central Maint. Complex 2525 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, 78741 Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Experience:

• Direct experience operating and maintaining commercial vehicles or heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
• Previous experience planting, watering and maintaining young trees.
• Previous experience installing or maintaining irrigation systems.
• Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corp., Texas Conservation Corp., or Park Ranger Cadets.

Preferred Licenses:

• Current/Valid International Society of Arboriculture ( ISA ) Certification as a Certified Arborist/Tree Worker, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.
• Current/Valid Texas Irrigation License, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment.

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.


Work in a crew setting to complete assigned work orders for tree planting and maintenance activities and communicate work order status to crew lead. Use basic rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, trunks and storm debris for public safety and infrastructure protection. Operate water truck, dump truck, aerial lift truck, grapple brush truck and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintaining vehicle records. Provide rotating City-wide emergency response to severe weather events, during and after normal work hours. Apply a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Remain informed of laws, policies, and regulations concerning the application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. Maintains and updates GIS tree inventory and work management systems.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Ability to work outdoors, in all types of weather.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with city employees and the public. Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.

Criminal Background Investigation This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation. EEO/ADA
The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual’s AIDS , AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
Information For City Employees: If you are an employee within the department, are in good standing and meet both the minimum and preferred qualifications, then you will receive an initial interview.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
* This position requires graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus one (1) year of outdoor experience in construction, landscaping, or tree care, which included the use of power tools or motorized equipment. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a valid Texas Class C Driver License. Do you have a valid Texas Class C Driver License or, if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas Class C Driver License by your hire date?

• Yes
• No

* The City of Austin Driver Eligibility Standards require that External New Hires meet the City’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite. To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months. Do you meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires that you obtain a Texas class “A” or "B" Commercial Driver's License and any necessary endorsements within three (3) months of employment. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires following Department of Transportation federal guidelines for commercial licensed drivers and the City of Austin’s Alcohol and Controlled Substance Testing rules for new hires and random drug testing for CDL employees. Are you willing to comply with the City of Austin Alcohol and Drug Policy for Drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles and Drug testing policy requirements?

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a criminal background investigation (CBI). By selecting the following, you are acknowledging that you understand if you are selected as a top candidate for this position, you will need a successful CBI to be hired.

• I acknowledge and understand this position requires a Criminal Background Investigation.

* Describe your knowledge, skill, and experience with equipment, methods, and materials used in proper tree care as it pertains to current industry standards and best management practices.
(Open Ended Question)
* Do you have experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corp., Texas Conservation Corp., or Park Ranger Cadets?

• Yes
• No

* Are you certified by the International Society of Arboriculture as a Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Worker, or other relevant certification, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have a valid Texas Landscape Irrigator's license, or the ability to obtain certification within 6 months of employment?

• Yes
• No

* Do you have the ability to travel to multiple sites as part of the regular job duties?

• Yes
• No

* Are you related to any person employed by the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department? If yes, please list the relative's name and relationship:
(Open Ended Question)


Optional & Required Documents

Required Documents Optional Documents Resume