Job Description

Arborist

Posting Id 3337 Department Community Services Division Public Works Operations Section Urban Forestry Natural Environment Horticulture Shift Monday to Friday, 7:30 am - 4:00 pm Rate of Pay $38.12 - $39.92 Hourly Contract Length One year Job Type Temporary Full Time Replacement/New Position Replacement for Existing Vacancy Posting Type Internal and External Posting Date 05/19/2026 Application Deadline 06/02/2026

Reporting to the Supervisor, Urban Forestry, the Arborist will assist the Urban Forestry team in performing various arboricultural tasks in a municipal setting, while keeping staff and public safety a top priority.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain, prune, plant and remove municipal trees in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act, City policies and procedures and industry Arboriculture best practices
• Identify various woody plants, knowledgeable of the basic principles of plant function, arboricultural science, techniques and plant health care
• Understand and document work orders while delivering excellent customer service
• Participate in winter standby to assist with snow removal and help other sections, as required
• May be requested to respond to emergency situations after normal working hours
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Diploma in Arboriculture, Urban Forestry or related discipline is required
• IHSA Line Clearing Safety Awareness Certificate is required
• Commercial Land Exterminator License with Industrial, Forestry and Landscape designations is required
• International Society of Arboriculture Tree Climber Certification is an asset
• Minimum 2 years’ urban forestry experience

Required Skills/Knowledge

• Competent tree climbing skills
• Able to operate urban forestry equipment
• Demonstrated ability to safely work and oversee staff in aloft using both mechanical and rope and saddle techniques
• Working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Physically able to perform the physical demands of this position under adverse weather and site conditions
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with coworkers and the public and work well with minimum supervision
• Good communication skills
• Ontario Class "DZ" Driver’s License in good standing and must provide a satisfactory current Drivers Abstract from the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO)
• Requires satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Demonstrates good judgment and makes sound decisions
• Shows commitment to personal growth, development, and leadership opportunities
• Shares new ideas and challenges the status quo
• Proven written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with honesty, openness, respect, and trust
• Takes initiative to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing
• Contributes to building and being a part of a positive culture
• Demonstrate the City’s corporate values of care, collaboration, courage and service

Leadership Competencies

• Demonstrates personal leadership
• Builds people and culture
• Cultivates open communication
• Shapes the future
• Navigates and leads through complexity and change

Attention Internal Candidates: All current City of Richmond Hill employees are required to apply via the ‘ View Jobs for Current Employees’ link on the City’s Careers Page

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

The City of Richmond Hill is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. If contacted to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise Human Resources if you require an accommodation.