Arborist

Arborist

Location: Sechelt, BC
Salary: $34.57 – $38.41 per hour, plus 9.8% of straight-time pay

Nature of the Position

Reporting to the Manager of Community Services and under the general direction of the Parks Foreman, the Arborist performs skilled arboricultural practices for district parks, streetscapes and green spaces. Additionally, the Arborist provides direction to employees and implements work programs/goals, supervises staff as assigned, recommends, plans and organizes while providing technical support to the Parks Foreman.

The successful applicant will supervise, schedule and organize arboriculture functions. These activities include supervising parks staff as assigned as well as independent contractors, providing relevant input into the parks department operating and capital and managing arboriculture administrative duties related to inventory, purchasing, budget preparation and various contracted and in-house projects. The successful applicant will coordinate and monitor operational and capital projects, ensuring completion according to plans and budgetary restrictions as well as set standards for trees in parks, streetscapes and green spaces, and develops internal standards for design and installation. The position collaborates with the Planning and Development department to provide input into development applications and recommends changes, if necessary.

Other activities include the inspection of street tree plantings in completed development applications and recommends release of bonds as well as preparing project cost estimates and monitors spending within parks operation and capital budgets relating to trees. The successful applicant will plan, research and review arboriculture issues to produce reports and provide advice on projects as well as assess park needs relating to trees and recommend projects.

Essential Competencies

• Grade 12 diploma (or equivalent)
• Valid Class 5 Drivers License with clean abstract
• Minimum of two years work experience as an Arborist
• ISA certified arborist credential
• Completion of a chainsaw safety course
• Proficient with computers and mobile devices, specifically Microsoft Office, and other core applications including CityWorks and other GIS applications
• Knowledge and experience operating several tools included but not limited to; chain saws, pole saws, hedgers and leaf blowers
• Knowledge of horticultural principles, practices, standards, and tools
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision with demonstrated initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively as an effective member of a team
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to think critically and find solutions to problems
• Effective written, verbal and interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy
• Demonstrated customer service skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills

Preferred Competencies

• ISA Tree Risk Assessor credential
• Knowledge of municipal government operations
• Experience performing work at heights that may require fall arrest
• Completion of a diploma in horticulture or arboriculture, or a related apprenticeship program.
• Certified in occupational first aid level 1
• Experience working in a supervisory capacity

Working Conditions

This opportunity is for a temporary backfill of a full-time unionized position within the BCGEU and the duration of employment will be based on the return of an incumbent on leave.  Wage for the position is set at Grid Level 9, $34.57 – $38.41 per hour, plus 9.8% of straight-time pay in lieu of scheduled vacations, paid holidays, health and welfare benefits and other paid leave. Hours of work are 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday. The District supports employment equity in accordance with the Human Rights Code of B.C.

Qualified applicants are invited to apply online at or

submit a current resume and covering letter to Julia Wood, Human Resources Advisor

Send by email to: