Arboricultural Specialist

The Corporation of the Town of Ajax is seeking an experienced Arborist to join their team in maintaining the health and beauty of the town's trees.

Reporting to the Supervisor of Forestry and Horticulture, this position is responsible for the maintenance of all municipally owned trees within the Town of Ajax. This includes trees located on boulevards, in parks, facilities, and woodlots on town-managed properties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintenance of over 43,000 trees in parks, woodlots, municipal boulevards, and around town facilities within the Town.
• Perform maintenance based on knowledge of tree species, pest/pathogens, pruning/removing trees, soil conditions, identifying and pruning hazardous limbs, stump removal, plant health care, and trouble shooting of potential problems.
• Implement the Town's plant healthcare program on municipal trees when required.
• Assist with providing direction to full/part-time, seasonal, and summer staff as required.
• Meet with the public to inform them of problems related to trees on public and private property, maintaining a positive image of Environmental Services by dealing in a professional manner and conveying accurate information.
• Work with and inspect the work of contractors to ensure tree planting and related work is completed to meet Town standards.
• Follow all applicable legislation as it relates to arboriculture work, including working at heights.
• Accurately maintain the Town's database as it relates to work orders and tree inventory.
• During winter control (November 15th – April 15th), be available for winter call-out purposes, in accordance with the collective agreement.
• Assist with snow clearing operations as required manually or with equipment, to ensure public safety.

Qualifications:

• 2-year College diploma in arboriculture or a related field, combined with 3 years' experience, or equivalent combination of training and experience with demonstrated knowledge, skills, and ability.
• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist in good standing.
• Ability to complete continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain ISA Certified Arborist certification.
• Familiarity and proficiency with Microsoft 365, Outlook programs, and various computer software.
• Extensive knowledge of Health and Safety and other applicable Provincial Legislation and Acts.
• Good understanding and knowledge of a wide range of arboriculture skills, including planting, pruning, removing, stump removal, identifying hazardous trees/limbs, plant identification, plant biology, pathology, and entomology.
• Good organization, time management, and planning skills.
• Class D driver's license with Z endorsement and a satisfactory driver's abstract.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to provide a current Criminal Reference Check that is satisfactory to the Town of Ajax, upon being hired.

Nice to Have:

• Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Landscape Exterminator License.
• Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
• 2 years of municipal winter control experience operating medium-sized snow clearing equipment.

What We Offer:

• Rate of Pay: $37.75 - $40.34 per hour ($78,520 - $83,907 per year).
• Hours of Work: This is a unionized position that works a 40-hour work week, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in accordance with Schedule A of the Collective Agreement.
• Benefits: The Town offers a comprehensive benefit package with paid sick and vacation leave, Employee & Family Service Program, Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre membership, and a defined benefits pension (OMERS pension).