Job Description

As a central hub in the Metro Vancouver area, the City of New Westminster delivers a broad spectrum of urban services to over 92,000 residents. New Westminster is rich in history with a viable and thriving economy and has a population representative of the diversity of the region. The City is staffed by talented and dedicated employees who work together to achieve its strategic vision. We have earned a proud reputation for civic leadership, service delivery, and outstanding employee relations.

The City of New Westminster is currently seeking a qualified Arborist to join our Urban Forestry Operations Division. This full-time job opportunity will allow you to apply your varied work experience and skills to meet the challenges of managing and growing the city’s urban forest. Under the direction of the Urban Forestry Superintendent, you will be responsible for carrying out skilled arboricultural work including tree planting, cultivation, pruning and tree removal; pest and disease control; climbing trees of considerable height to either prune or perform tree removal; and operating an aerial lift truck.

If you have the following characteristics and attributes, we want to meet with you!

oCompletion of Grade 12, supplemented by formal training and/or completion of an arboricultural apprenticeship program.

oA minimum three (3) years of experience performing a variety of arboricultural work tasks as part of a crew (i.e. tree worker or utility arborist).

oExperience leading arboriculture crews of up to four members.

oArborist certification (International Society of Arboriculture) and Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).

oCan work independently, as well as in a team environment.

oHas superior public relations, interpersonal, communication, organizational, multi-tasking and leadership skills.

oHas comprehensive knowledge and experience demonstrating best practices used in tree planting, pruning, removing, relocating, climbing and mitigating risks related to trees; and can assist in identifying and monitoring tree pests, diseases, and potential hazards.

oHas knowledge of tree biology for a range of tree species, varieties, and related growth and cultural requirements to support healthy specimens.

oHas proficiency in safe tree climbing techniques (MRS and/or SRS) and aerial lift operation.

oHas experience in pruning trees per ISA Best Management Practices.

oCan assist with routine site inspections, and with tree bylaw compliance investigations as required.

oMust have a valid Class 5 BC driver’s license (with air brake endorsement) with safe driving history.

oMust be able to successfully pass and maintain a clear Police Information Check

oThe following certifications are considered assets:

§Traffic Control Person (TCP) Training;

§Utility Specialist certification;

§Completion of additional post-secondary education in arboriculture, landscape technology or related field; and,

§ITA Climbing Arborist or Arborist Technician certification.