Arborist at City of Gulfport

Department: Leisure Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly Salary: $23.10

Position Overview

This position answers to the Department of Leisure Services Administration. Performs specialized arboricultural work, including inspecting trees, shrubs, and landscaped areas to assess the need for trimming, pruning, chemical treatments, and other appropriate maintenance activities. Ensures the health, safety, and aesthetic condition of trees and woody plants through light and corrective pruning, oversight of chemical applications, cabling and bracing, fertilization, watering, and the removal of dead, diseased, or hazardous vegetation. The Arborist reviews development plans and tree removal permit applications to ensure compliance with the City’s Tree Ordinance. Conducts field inspections of construction sites to monitor adherence to tree protection standards and investigates reports of potential ordinance violations, recommending corrective actions as necessary. This position is classified with a non-essential personnel classification for Emergency Response purposes. This means that, during an emergency, the position is not considered immediately necessary for emergency response or critical continuity operations.

Essential Job Functions

Essential job duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following:

• Performs arboriculture maintenance activities, including pruning, cabling, fertilizing, and repairing trees and other woody plants; removes dead, diseased, or declining vegetation as necessary.
• Inspects and diagnoses potentially hazardous trees and other tree-related issues within City rights-of-way and public properties; initiates appropriate work orders and reports to ensure public safety.
• Identifies tree and plant health concerns, including disease and insect infestations, and applies appropriate treatment methods.
• Develops and administers a holistic, environmentally responsible pest management program that incorporates effective monitoring, suppression, and population management strategies.
• Provides technical guidance and training to division personnel regarding pesticide use and arboricultural procedures to support safe and efficient operations.
• Executes the City’s Urban Forestry Program, including maintaining Tree City USA status, coordinating Arbor Day events, administering the Memorial Tree Program, monitoring utility line clearance, and coordinating tree management activities with Public Works.
• Collaborates with commercial property owners and contractors to verify compliance with established City standards and ordinances; issues corrective action requirements when necessary.
• Maintains and updates a comprehensive inventory of street trees and trees located in parks, municipal facilities, and other improved City property using specialized software; conducts inspections and determines appropriate actions.
• Provides arboricultural expertise and recommendations to City departments as requested.
• Serves as the City’s Tree Protection Advisor, ensuring compliance with tree protection ordinances and standards.
• Supports general maintenance operations, as needed, to assist departmental functions.
• Maintains detailed documentation and reporting for the Urban Forestry Program.
• Participates in outreach and educational efforts, including meetings and presentations with community groups, garden clubs, and civic organizations to share information on tree-related issues..
• All other duties as assigned by your direct supervisor, manager, director or mayor.
  
  

Knowledge Skills And Abilities

Must possess the 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.

• Possesses thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of modern arboriculture and tree maintenance.
• Demonstrates knowledge of landscape design, installation, and maintenance standards.
• Exhibits thorough knowledge of pesticides, integrated pest management techniques, and proper chemical application procedures.
• Possesses knowledge of horticultural methods and materials related to the cultivation and care of trees and other woody plants.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify hazardous or structurally compromised trees and determine appropriate mitigation actions.
• Requires strong knowledge of industry safety standards and proper safety precautions associated with tree care operations.
• Exhibits proven skill in the safe and effective use of arboricultural tools, equipment, and power machinery.
• Demonstrates the ability to accurately identify tree species, common pests, and plant diseases.
• Requires the ability to plan, schedule, and lay out job tasks to ensure efficient operations.
• Possesses skill in operating assigned vehicles and equipment safely in both normal and inclement weather conditions.
• Demonstrates the ability to review, analyze, and revise site plans, subdivision plans, and right-of-way permits to ensure compliance with vegetative protection standards.
• Exhibits the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, developers, City staff, civic groups, and the general public.
• Demonstrates strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing.
• Possesses proven computer skills, preferably within a PC, Windows-based operating environment and relevant software applications..
  
  

Education And Experience

Any combination of education beyond the high school level and experience equivalent to four to five years in forestry, urban forestry, arboriculture, horticulture, or natural resource management is required, with experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position. Designation as a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is required at the time of hire, or the selected candidate must possess the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment.

Licenses of Certifications

Designation as a Certified Arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is preferred, or the ability to obtain certification within six (6) months of employment is required. A Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is also preferred, or the ability to obtain the qualification within one (1) year of employment is required.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical requirements include medium to heavy physical work, including frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, lifting, digging, pushing, and raising objects. The role routinely involves exerting up to 50 pounds of force. Work is performed in outdoor environments and may include exposure to bright or low light, dust, pollen, extreme temperatures, wet or humid conditions, loud noise, wildlife, vibration, fumes, odors, traffic, moving machinery, electrical hazards, hazardous chemicals, and work at heights. The position requires normal visual acuity, a full field of vision, hearing, speaking ability, depth perception, and accurate color distinction to safely and effectively perform job functions.