Roads Maintainer (Arborist)

The Role

Performs year-round care and maintenance activities for trees and woody plants, including climbing, pruning, and removing trees from the ground and aloft, and performing treatments to support optimal tree health. When conditions require, may perform snow plowing, ice control duties, and general road maintenance duties on roads, bridges, and roadsides. 

Duties/Responsibilities

• Organizes daily work per work orders and established schedule. 
• Operates utility vehicles with ancillary equipment/devices, and portable equipment for tree removal and maintenance (e.g., aerial devices, ropes, chainsaws, chippers, pole pruners) as part of a 4-5 person crew. 
• Performs removal and maintenance activities for trees and woody plants on regional properties and along the regional roadway (e.g., climbing, pruning, trimming). Plans, sets up, and secures work sites. Performs tree maintenance operations using acceptable and current arboriculture practices and methods. Follows all health and safety requirements and industry standards. 
• Assesses, inspects, and identifies tree species and condition. Provides treatments to support optimal tree health including to tree wounds/defects/diseases, control pests, and enhance soil (e.g., mulching, watering, aerating, fertilizing). Documents detailed tree condition assessments and treatments.
• Performs daily vehicle/equipment maintenance circle checks and completes inspection checklists. Performs preventive cleaning and maintenance (e.g., equipment), and troubleshoots and performs minor repairs/ replacements, as required. Refers other servicing needs to lead hand and corporate Fleet, and repairs to supervisor.
• Loads and unloads equipment and supplies manually, including with help from others or with assistive devices. Cuts wood and removes, loads, and unloads wood pieces, branches, and debris from sites.
• Records work orders, timesheets, hours of service, and other documentation in computerized systems.
• Requisitions day-to-day supplies through stockroom. Has a p-card, as needed. Notifies lead hand or supervisor regarding other equipment and material needs. 
• Selects traffic protection plans and performs traffic control per Ministry standards and regulations.
• Maintains shop, storage areas, equipment, vehicles, hand and power tools in a safe, clean, orderly manner, per policies and procedures. Reports unsafe or damaged equipment to supervisor immediately. 
• Provides feedback for the development of new equipment specifications as it relates to field suitability and fine-tuning equipment for effective, safe operation. 
• Exchanges information with contractors supplying equipment and other staff. 
• Responds to general questions from the public. 
• Backs up Lead Hand positions, as required.
• When conditions require, may perform snow plowing, ice control duties, and general road maintenance duties on roads, bridges, and roadsides. 
• Performs related duties, including in other work units in the Section, as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and skill in arboriculture practices, including tree identification, care, techniques, and specialized equipment, acquired through a grade 12 education plus Journeyperson status as an Arborist (444A), plus 3 years of related experience. 
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered, such as certification (or eligibility for certification) as an Arborist from an accredited organization plus 3 years of practical experience climbing, pruning, and removing trees from the ground and aloft. Applicants that are not certified may apply but must be eligible to write a certification test and show proof of eligibility pre-hire. Applicants must attain certification within probationary period. 
• Knowledge of and ability to comply with policies, procedures, standards; field and traffic manuals; CVOR requirements; related by-laws and legislation (e.g., Highway Traffic Act, Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7 traffic control plans, health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, minimum maintenance standards), and on-the-job training.  
• Communication skills to understand instructions; interact professionally with others; provide general information to the public; use proper terminology with others; give directions and suggestions related to field fit and emergency situations; and participate as an effective team member.
• Ability to read, understand, and apply plans, blueprints, manuals, notices, documentation, and traffic protection plans. Ability to convert imperial measurements to metric. 
• Ability to complete CVOR requirements (e.g., checklists, hours log, reports), purchase requisitions, work orders, locate books, written communications using technical language, and technical recommendations (e.g., products, work methods).
• Computer skills with ability to use software such as a work/asset management system, Microsoft Office (Outlook), weather monitoring systems, hours of service software, and time and attendance systems. 
• Ability to function effectively and safely in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Must have a valid Class D drivers licence with Z airbrake endorsement, acceptable drivers abstract, and valid transportation of dangerous goods certification to operate corporate equipment, or, must have a valid G driver’s license and acceptable driving record upon hire, and attain a valid class D driver's license with Z-air brake endorsement within probationary period.
• Must demonstrate successful completion of a physical demands test (pre-hire). Must also demonstrate appropriate tree climbing and maintenance techniques and competency. 
• The maximum physical weight of the incumbent cannot exceed 250 pounds to ensure the combined weight of the incumbent, equipment, and tools does not exceed the 350 lbs capacity of the aerial device.
• Ability to work variable hours and shifts, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and nights, as assigned. Ability to work shifts lasting up to 14 hours as required.
• Participates in a regular on-call rotation to respond to after-hours emergencies and urgent matters, including evenings and weekends. 
• Ability to support and demonstrate the Region’s values.

Additional Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Internal 1656 applicants are required to submit a document with their name on it (or an optional resume).  1656 staff are encouraged to internally apply with an updated resume, especially for those job opportunities that are a promotional opportunity, so that their qualifications are appropriately captured during the screening phase.