Arborist III (Parks & Recreation Department)

Job Description:

Arborist III (Parks & Recreation Department)

Description

Minimum Qualifications
Education and/or Equivalent Experience:

• High School diploma or GED , plus three (3) years of forestry related experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• Possess a valid Texas Class “C” Driver’s License
• Must obtain Texas class “A” or “B” Commercial Driver’s License within three (3) months of employment.
• Possess current/valid ISA Arborist Certification.
• Obtain ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification within one (1) year of hire.

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 III position functions as a working crew lead for a tree planting and watering crew and possess the ability to work effectively in a team environment. This position will provide leadership, direction, and technical support to a crew responsible for tree planting and watering in City of Austin Parks.

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 Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to acquire by your hire date. 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:

• 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
$24.08 - $27.93 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, and holidays.
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.

Job Close Date 05/26/2025 Type of Posting External Department Parks and Recreation Regular/Temporary Regular Grant Funded or Pooled Position Not Applicable Category Technical Location Central Maintenance Complex, 2525 S. Lakeshore Blvd. Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with maintaining, operating, and installing irrigation systems.
• Experience performing tree planting according to ANSI standards.
• Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
• Experience leading a crew.
• Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corp, Texas Conservation Corp, or Park Ranger Cadets.

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
• Skilled at collaborating within work teams and engaging confidently with customers.
• Skilled at utilizing MS Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel).

Preferred Certification/License:

• Current TCEQ Landscape Irrigator License or the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.

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.


Provide leadership, guidance and technical support to Arborist I and Arborist II positions, plan and oversee daily on-site work logistics. Inspect trees to evaluate pruning or removal needs to ensure public safety, aesthetics, and tree health. Document tree and vegetation pruning requirements and specifications, prepare work orders and time estimates, implement work orders, or oversee contractors performing tree and/or vegetation maintenance, updates tree inventory data and communicates management decisions to the public. Read and interpret work plans, assign job duties as a working crew leader, ensure work is performed safely and inspects completed work to ensure compliance with required specifications and/or tree maintenance contracts; act as supervisor as needed. Climb trees according to industry standards, working at height to perform tree pruning and tree removal activities. Utilize advanced rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, tree trunks and storm debris for public safety and protection of infrastructure. Operate Water Truck, Dump Truck, Aerial Lift truck, Grapple Brush truck and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including performing vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintain vehicle records. Provide a leadership role for rotating on-call and in-person emergency response to City-wide weather events, during and after normal work hours. Lead in the training of employees and volunteers, lead and supervise event volunteers and contract vendors. Apply a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies. Remain informed of laws, policies, regulations, and lead crew members in the proper application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to crew members and contract vendors.

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 Best Management Practices in the Tree Care Industry.
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300 Standards.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
• Knowledge of GPS and GIS systems.
• Skill in tree climbing and/or working at heights from an aerial lift.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in data collection and problem solving.
• 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 train others.
• 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 a High School diploma or GED, plus three (3) years of forestry related experience. Do you meet these minimum qualifications?

• Yes
• No

* 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

* Do you possess a current/valid ISA Arborist Certification?

• Yes
• No

* Do you possess a current/valid TCEQ Licensed Irrigator License?

• Yes
• No

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

• Yes
• No

* This position requires a valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL). Do you have a valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL) or if selected for this position, do you have the ability to acquire a valid Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License (CDL) with endorsements within 90 days of employment?

• 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

* Do you have the ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish?

• 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.

* Do you have the ability to travel to more than one work location?

• 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 Cover Letter Resume Optional Documents