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ARBORIST II (Open)

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ARBORIST II (Open)

Salary

$52,624.00 - $63,252.80 Annually

Location

Ohio 45202, OH

Job Type

Full-time Classified

Job Number

25-01570 (O)

Department

Parks

Opening Date

05/16/2025

Closing Date

6/9/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

General Statement of Duties

Under direct oversight, the Arborist II performs skilled arboricultural work amongst a team of experienced arborists, within City of Cincinnati rights-of-way, parks, and other public properties. In this Role, the Arborist II will climb or utilize an aerial lift, to remove dead and dangerous trees, and regularly perform structural pruning to uphold the long-term integrity of public trees. In addition, the scope of work includes stump removal, tree planting, pest/disease management, emergency response during and after storms to remove trees and hazards, and other maintenance of public trees. The Arborist II will also perform general maintenance of equipment and vehicles, and other job-related duties as required.

Additional Information:

Cincinnati Parks is seeking a n experienced tree care worker to apply to our A rborist I I position. Th e Arborist I I will work as part of a team of experienced arborist s under the guidance of the Lead Arborist perform ing general tree care operations within the City of Cincinnati along rights-of-way, within parks, and other public properties. T he Arborist II will be expected to work aloft, either with rope and saddle or utilizing an aerial lift, to remove dead and dangerous trees, and regularly perform structural pruning to uphold the long-term integrity of public trees. Additional ly, they may work on the ground in support of other arborists on larger removals, assisting with t raffic control, or in rigging operations. Additional tree care activities covered by this position include planting, pest/disease management, risk inspections, and stump grinding. T his position will also include opportunities for continued skill development and a focus om continuing education in the field of arboriculture. Other job-related duties may be assigned as required .

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs)

(Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.)

Knowledge of:

Tree climbing techniques include single/double rope, limb walking, redirects, and proficient use of harness, throw lines and ropes. Climbing and rigging knots used in tree care operations.

Modern climbing and rigging equipment utilized for safe and efficient tree care operations. Aerial rescue techniques. Tools and power equipment used in tree maintenance (i.e., chainsaws, hand tools, chippers, stump grinders, etc.), as well as their proper usage/maintenance, safety procedures, and corresponding personal protective equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.) as defined within the ANSI A300 industry standards.

Tree maintenance techniques and best practices employed to safely manage the physics and dynamics of tree/branch loads and felling operations. Proper pruning practices to maintain a healthy structure, shape, and clearance to ensure tree health and long-term development.

Basic mathematics (adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division) sufficient to mix pesticides, fertilizers, and other materials.

Basic physics calculations are needed to safely manage dynamic weight loads of tree parts in relation to rope strength, equipment used (pulleys, etc.), angle of fall, and distance to the ground. Tree inventory methods and basic data collection.

Tree identification techniques and detailed knowledge of species both native to the Cincinnati region and those commonly in the local nursery industry, including their wet and dry weights per diameter inch and length, best use in an urban environment, common issues, and characteristics to inform best management practices in tree care operations and placement in the landscape.

Plant healthcare related to trees, including a basic understanding of common diseases, insects and nutrient deficiencies and their corresponding treatments. Usage and purpose of liquid and granular fertilizers. Tree maintenance safety procedures and how to use safety equipment (i.e., helmets, earmuffs, goggles, gloves, etc.

Skill to:

Perform all tree maintenance (pruning, removal, planting, and stump grinding) to International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and ANSI A300 industry standards. Climb proficiently at considerable heights using single and/or double rope techniques and redirects as needed to reach all points of a tree safely, efficiently, and securely.

Efficiently and safely manage ropes during all tree care operations Tie, dress, and secure knots used in arboriculture to safely perform rigging, pruning and tree removal operations. Perform aerial rescue as needed to ensure the safety of fellow arborist.

Safely and proficiently operate power equipment (chipper, aerial lift, loader/skid steer, chain saw, stump grinder, drill, metal grinder, etc.), hand tools (hand saws, loppers, pickaxe, sledgehammer, shovel, hoe, etc.) and common arboriculture tools (ropes, harness, pulleys, wedges, rigging equipment, etc.) in accordance with ANSI A300 industry standards. Proficiently maintain all equipment prior to use.

Plant and maintain young trees in accordance with the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) best practices and standards.

Ability to:

Maintain a positive attitude, communicate effectively with fellow arborists, ground crew members, staff, and the public. Maintain a sharp focus and situational awareness at all times, especially when driving a truck with chipper, working aloft, communicating with crew members, and working within densely populated and/or high traffic areas.

Work collaboratively as a team member to ensure safe working conditions for fellow staff, team members working aloft in the practice of tree care, and the public. Communicate respectfully and effectively with fellow arborists and ground crew to ensure safe and efficient tree operations and site conditions (e.g., Vehicular, and pedestrian traffic).

Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.

Make logical and safety focused decisions both in the care of public trees and to maintain a safe working environment for staff and the public. Perform aerial rescue of fellow arborist working aloft. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to Arborist I and support staff. Drive a truck with a trailer or chipper attached. Operate aerial lift and climb at considerable heights Understand and communicate oral and written instructions.

Perform all tree maintenance tasks safely. Determine safe working weight loads for all equipment (ropes, pulleys, rigging devices, etc.) during tree care operations. Read, comprehend and draft written reports at a level sufficient to understand instructions, guide daily workload, record work/maintenance records and ensure proper utilization of pesticide, herbicide, and equipment.

Collect tree inventory data (e.g., tree species, current condition, and site details) utilizing a graphic information system (GIS) cloud-based platform to geospatially locate individual trees managed by the department.

Work irregular hours and/or be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards Perform emergency response duties during and after storms to manage down trees and branches impacting the flow of traffic and/or threatening the safety of pedestrians.

Required Education and Experience

Promotional Qualification are provided for informational purposes only. This is an "Open" job posting.

PROMOTIONAL:

Each applicant must have a minimum of one year of experience as an Arborist I.

OPEN:

Each applicant must have a minimum of two years of climbing experience with a tree service company or similar organization performing all aspects of tree maintenance.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must have and maintain ISA Certified Arborist credentials and an Ohio State Pesticide license, category 6a (Ornamental Plant Pest Control) and 4a (General Forest Pest Control).

Applicants must have or successfully acquire the following within the twelve (12) month probationary period:

•ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ)

• Class-B Ohio Commercial Driver License

Must have the ability and willingness to work irregular hours and be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards. Must maintain all required certifications during length of employment

MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION

Military education and experience may be substituted for college-level coursework at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations

Working and Physical Conditions

Environmental Conditions:

Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computer screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; work around moving vehicles; operate heavy equipment tools and machinery; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to pesticides, automobile exhaust, noise; exposure to poison ivy; work at high elevations regularly.

Physical Conditions:

Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for tree climbing, sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; must be able to do general heavy manual labor; must be able to distinguish colors and make visual assessments; must be able to operate assigned vehicle and equipment.

Note: Passing a Civil Service examination is required as part of the selection process for this position. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will receive instructions on how to complete the exam.

The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting.

The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units.

The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws.

Holidays

The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include:

New Year's Day

Martin Luther King Day

President's Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Day

Day after Thanksgiving

Christmas

Health Insurance

The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan.

Eligible dependents include:

Legal Spouse or Equal Partner

Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order")

Step-child

Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian

Basic Life Insurance

A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group.

Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance

Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors.

Flexible Benefits Plans

Healthcare Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members.

Dependent Care Flex Spending Account

City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses.

Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account

City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount.

Healthy Lifestyles Program

City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)

This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan.

Retirement Plan

The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees.

Deferred Compensation

As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts.

01

How many years of experience do you have in horticulture, tree care, forestry, or another related field?

+ No Experience

+ Less than 1 year

+ 2 years to less than 3 years

+ 3 years to less than 4 years

+ 4 years to less than 5 years

+ 5 years or more

02

How many years of experience do you have of climbing with a tree service company or similar organization, performing all aspects of tree maintenance?

+ No experience

+ Less than 1 year

+ 2 to less than 3 years

+ 3 to less than 4 years

+ 4 to less than 5 years

+ 5 or more years

03

Do you have an ISA Certified Arborist credential and an Ohio State Pesticide license, category 6a (Ornamental Plant Pest Control) and 4a (General Forest Pest Control) to qualify for this position? (A copy must be attached or your application will be rejected.)

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you understand you must successfully pass the exam to receive an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and Class-B Ohio Commercial Driver License within the probationary period? Failure to obtain an ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and a Class-B Ohio Commercial Driver License in the probationary period will result in termination of employment. (The Cincinnati Park Board provides training and resources to support employees in obtaining these required certifications.)

+ Yes, I understand agree.

05

Are you willing to work irregular hours?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have experience conducting Tree Risk Assessments?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Describe your experience using programs such as the Microsoft suite of products, GIS/GPS systems such as ESRI, and workflow management systems.

08

List the equipment/heavy machinery you are proficient in operating.

09

Do you understand that passing a Civil Service examination is required as part of the selection process for this position? Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will receive instructions on how to complete the exam.

+ Yes, I understand and agree.

Required Question

Employer

City of Cincinnati

Address

805 Central Avenue Suite 200

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202

Phone

513-352-2400

Website

http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cincinnati/default.cfm