LEAD ARBORIST (NONCOMPETITIVE) Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cincinnati/jobs/newprint/4698972) Apply  LEAD ARBORIST (NONCOMPETITIVE) Salary $56,560.11 - $76,012.05 Annually Location Ohio 45202, OH Job Type Full-time Classified Job Number 24-00101 (NC) Department Parks Opening Date 11/04/2024 Closing Date 11/18/2024 11:59 PM Eastern + Description + Benefits + Questions General Statement of Duties The Lead Arborist performs skilled arboriculture work, leading a team of arborists and support staff as the field supervisor and subject matter expert. Charged with managing a safe and efficient tree care operation within the City of Cincinnati rights-of-way, Parks, and/or other public properties, general duties include regularly performing tree care (tree pruning, removals, and stump grinding); Coordination, management, and oversight of a team of arborist performing tree maintenance, ensuring tree issues are addressed in a timely manner based upon the hazard; conducting tree health and hazard assessments to determine maintenance needs within a geospatial inventory and work order management system; coordination and review of work performed by city tree maintenance and/or utility contractors. Other job-related duties may be performed as assigned. Details About the Role: Cincinnati Parks is hiring a Lead Arborist to supervise the field crew and manage tree care operations across city rights-of-way, parks, and public properties. This role includes overseeing tree health assessments, and hazard evaluations, and coordinating maintenance efforts with a team of arborists. The Lead Arborist will also train staff on arboriculture equipment, provide daily guidance, track work using a geospatial inventory system, and handle other duties as needed. Minimum Qualifications (KSAs) (Illustrative only. Any one position may not require all the listed KSAs nor do the listed examples include all the KSAs which may be required.) Knowledge of: International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), OSHA, and ANSI A300 best practices, regulations, standards, and training techniques. Tree climbing, rigging, and aerial rescue techniques, including the appropriate application of various ropes, knots, and equipment used to safely perform and manage tree care operations. Basic physics calculations regarding specific tree species’ wet and dry weights per diameter inch and length, to safely manage dynamic weight loads of tree parts in relation to rope strength, equipment used (pulleys, etc.), angle of fall, and distance to ground. Proper pruning practices to maintain long-term health, development and structure of trees. Tree species native to the Cincinnati region and those commonly used in the nursery industry, including their best placement in the landscape, common issues, and characteristics. Tree identification, inventory methods, data collection, and work order management system management. Plant healthcare applications, including an expert level understanding of common diseases, insects and nutrient deficiencies and their corresponding treatments. Usage and purpose of liquid and granular fertilizers. Basic mathematics (adding, subtracting, multiplication, and division) to determine proper mixing of pesticides and fertilizers for various applications. Risk assessment methods and management practices employed to minimize tree risk. Proper usage, maintenance, safety and training techniques for common tools, power equipment and heavy equipment used in tree care operations (i.e., aerial lift, skid steer/attachments, chain/pole saws, hand tools, chippers, stump grinders, etc.). Supplies and equipment inventory methods needed to maintain efficient tree care operations City, department and division rules, regulations and policies, and grievance procedures. Safety policies and procedures, to enforce and update Employee Safety Instruction Manual and applicable agency requirements as needed. Skill to: Perform and train crews in the performance of expert level tree maintenance (pruning, removal, planting, and stump grinding). Perform and train crews to climb proficiently at considerable heights using single and/or double rope techniques and redirects as needed to reach all points of a tree safely, efficiently, and securely. Perform and train crews to manage ropes efficiently and safely during all tree care operations Perform and train crews to tie, dress, and safely secure knots used in tree climbing, rigging, pruning, and tree removal operations Perform and train crews in aerial rescue to ensure the safety of fellow arborists. Operate and train crews to operate power equipment safely and proficiently in accordance with ANSI A300 industry standards. (Equipment includes - chipper, aerial lift, loader/skid steer, chain saw, stump grinder, drill, metal grinder, etc; Hand tools - hand saws, loppers, pickaxe, sledgehammer, shovel, hoe, etc.; and Common arboriculture tools - ropes, harness, pulleys, wedges, rigging equipment, etc. Perform and train crews to proficiently maintain all equipment prior to and during use. Perform and train crews to plant and maintain young trees to ISA standards. Drive a large truck with air brakes, a trailer and/or chipper attached and position it properly for tree operations. Ability to: Manage and supervise field crew operations and workload to ensure work is being properly performed according to industry standards and that division, department, and City rules, regulations, and policies are being followed. Ensure crew members and contractors perform all tree maintenance safely, efficiently, and to specification. Provide training, guidance, and mentorship to motivate Arborist I, Arborist II and support staff. Regularly make decisions independent of immediate supervision. Independently manage workload of crew and contractors. Maintain and promote a positive and safety focused attitude amongst fellow arborists, ground crew members, support staff and the public. Work collaboratively as a leader and team member to ensure safe working conditions for fellow staff, team members working aloft, and the public. Maintain a sharp focus, dedicated situational awareness, and consistent communication with crewmembers to ensure a cooperative and safe working environment, especially when setting up work sites, driving truck with chipper, operating equipment, managing ropes within the work site, working aloft and within densely populated and/or high traffic areas. Make logical and safety focused decisions that are regularly communicated to fellow team members to adequate manage tree care operations in diverse urban settings Perform and train crews to perform job hazard analysis prior to each job, addressing site conditions of concern, equipment set up, maintaining a safe and clear work zone, and management vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Communicate both written and oral instructions to fellow arborists, ground crews, and support staff in a clear, concise, and respectful manner that is easily understood. Efficiently determine and communicate tree maintenance techniques that are most appropriate to safely and effectively complete work orders, based on site conditions, time constraints, and weather conditions. Distribute work assignments to ensure adequate coverage of all work areas. Keep accurate records of work accomplished in the format expected by supervisor Maintain regular daily communication with direct supervisor to report on staffing needs, accomplishments, and issues. Perform and train crews to collect tree inventory data (e.g., tree species, current condition, and site details) utilizing a graphic information system (GIS) cloud-based platform to geospatially locate individual trees managed by the department. Work irregular hours and/or be on rotating call to respond to emergency tree hazards. Perform emergency response duties during and after storms to manage down trees and branches impacting the flow of traffic and/or threatening the safety of pedestrians. Required Education and Experience LICENSE/CERTIFICATIONS MUST BE ATTACHED OR YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE REJECTED. Each applicant must have a minimum of three years of climbing experience with a tree service company or similar organization performing all aspects of tree maintenance. Must have a minimum of two years of experience leading the activities of workers engaged in tree care maintenance. Must have and maintain the following credentials: • Internation Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist • Class - B Ohio Commercial Driver License. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Must have a valid Driver's License. Must successfully acquire the following within the twelve (12) month probationary period: • Ohio State Pesticide License including Category (6a) Ornamental Plant Pest Control and Category (4a) General Forest Pest Control • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) • Class - A Ohio Commercial Driver License. • Line Clearance Certification (if the scope of work includes street tree maintenance) Failure to obtain these requirements during the probationary period will result in termination of employment. Must have the ability and willingness to work irregular hours and be on call to respond to emergency tree hazards. Must have the initiative, mechanical aptitude, skillset, self-confidence, and willingness to serve as the subject matter expert for the supervision of the tree crew’s daily workload, and train team members to perform expert public arboriculture with an emphasis on teamwork and safety. Must maintain a positive attitude and the flexibility to address hazard conditions as they arise, accept responsibility for decisions made, and maintain the physical agility to perform all tree maintenance tasks. Must be comfortable climbing trees at considerable heights, whether using ropes, ladder, or an aerial lift to move from limb to limb. MILITARY EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE EVALUATION Military education and experience may be substituted for college level course work at the lower and upper division baccalaureate and graduate levels and apprenticeship training at the vocational certificate level on a case-by-case basis based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide recommendations. Working and Physical Conditions Environmental Conditions: Indoor and outdoor environments; exposure to office computers screens; exposure to extremes in weather conditions; work around moving vehicles; operate heavy equipment tools and machinery; work on slippery or uneven surfaces; exposure to pesticides, automobile exhaust, noise; exposure to poison oak/ivy; work at high elevations regularly. Physical Conditions: Duties require maintaining physical condition necessary for tree climbing, sitting, standing, and walking for extended periods of time; moderate and heavy lifting and carrying; must be able to do general heavy manual labor; must be able to distinguish colors and make visual assessments; must be able to operate assigned vehicles and equipment. The below information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available and is subject to change. Not all benefits listed are available for every position. Benefits can vary depending on applicable labor agreements and/or salary plan. For specific questions, contact the HR Contact indicated on the Job Posting. The City of Cincinnati offers its employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package designed to actively attract and retain quality employees' to add additional value to the City of Cincinnati's workforce. A summary of these benefits for full-time employment is listed below. This is a general listing of benefits for all employees and is not intended to be a comprehensive listing for all bargaining units. The City offers a variety of training programs, ranging from job-specific skills such as computer and equipment instruction, to helping supervisors improve their management techniques. Equal Employment Opportunity The City of Cincinnati is dedicated to providing equal employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability status, marital status, sexual orientation or transgendered status, or ethnic, national or Appalachian origin, or on the basis of any other category protected under federal, state and local laws. Holidays The City of Cincinnati has 11 paid holidays annually that include: New Year's Day Martin Luther King Day President's Day Memorial Day Juneteenth Independence Day Labor Day Veterans' Day Thanksgiving Day Day after Thanksgiving Christmas Health Insurance The City of Cincinnati 80/20 offers 3 medical plans to all full time City of Cincinnati employees and eligible dependents: the 80/20 PPO medical plan, the HDHP medical plan with an HSA contribution, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement for those enrolled on another non-city eligible group plan. Eligible dependents include: Legal Spouse or Equal Partner Child (natural child, adopted child, and/or child who the group has determined is covered under a "Qualified Medical Child Support Order") Step-child Child for whom the employee or employee's spouse/equal partner is a legal guardian Basic Life Insurance A $50,000 Basic Life Insurance policy is paid for by the City for certain eligible employees. Full time employees not eligible for the City-paid basic life insurance policy are generally provided a similar benefit through their union group. Supplemental Life, Long Term Disability, Accident & Critical Illness Insurance Most full time City employees are eligible to participate in a supplemental life insurance program, a long term disability plan, and accident and critical illness insurance programs at their own expense. Premiums are determined by age, amount of coverage, and various additional factors. Flexible Benefits Plans Healthcare Flex Spending Account City employees can participate in the Healthcare Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay out-of-pocket medical, prescription, dental, and vision care expenses for employees and family members. Dependent Care Flex Spending Account City employees can participate in a Dependent Care Flex Spending Account that can be used to pay work-related dependent care expenses. Participants can set aside money each year through pre-tax payroll deductions to pay for these expenses. Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account City employees can participate in a Transportation Expense Reimbursement Account (TERA) that can be used to reimburse expenses related to traveling to and from work. Participants can set-up a pre-tax payroll deduction up to an IRS regulated amount. Healthy Lifestyles Program City employees can voluntarily participate in a wellness incentive program that encourages and rewards employees and their spouses/equal partners for making positive choices for better health. The City of Cincinnati will contribute up to $300/year to a Health Reimbursement Account for each the employee and their spouse/equal partner for meeting specified program goals. These dollars can be used to offset qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. Integrated Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) This is a voluntary program that serves as an alternative healthcare option to traditional medical plans. If you have alternate group health coverage available to you through a spouse, equal partner, another job, or a non-city retirement plan, you may be eligible for this plan which reimburses you for the difference in premiums between the plans and your covered out of pocket expenses on the other plan. Retirement Plan The City provides a defined benefit pension plan for part-time and full-timeemployees. New hires and re-hired employees are required to participate in the City of Cincinnati's Retirement System (CRS), regardless of previous participation in an Ohio State pension system or any another state or federal pension system. CRS is funded by employer and employee contributions, and investment returns from plan assets. CRS provides retirement and health care benefits subject to eligibility requirements. The following groups are excluded from participation in CRS: Mayor and Members of City Council; Sworn Police & Fire; Police Recruits; and Rehired Ohio Police & Fire Retirees. Deferred Compensation As an Ohio government employer, the City offers employees the ability to participate in a 457(b) tax-deferred retirement savings plan. The City makes an annual match to your 457(b) of up to $750, or as otherwise specified in applicable regulations and union contracts. 01 This is a Noncompetitive position that includes an evaluation of the applications to determine if the applicants meet the minimum requirements as outlined in the "Required Education and Experience" section. A Noncompetitive process may also consist of other components, such as a qualifying test, to determine if the applicant is able to perform the duties of the position. Applications that meet the minimum requirements will be forwarded to the hiring department for consideration. Please review the "Required Education and Experience" section for additional information. + I have read and understand the above statement. 02 Are you a current City of Cincinnati Employee? + Yes + No 03 How many years of experience do you have climbing with a tree service company or similar organization performing all aspects of tree maintenance? + Less than one (1) year of experience. + Once (1) to two (2) years of experience. + Two (2) to three (3) years of experience. + Three (3) to four (4) years of experience. + Four (4) or more years of experience. 04 How many years of experience do you have leading the activities of workers engaged in tree care maintenance? + Less than 1 (one) year of experience. + One (1) to two (2) years of experience. + Two (2) to three (3) years of experience. + Three (3) or more years of experience. 05 Do you have any of the following credentials: • Internation Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist • Ohio State Pesticide License Category o Category (6a) - Ornamental Plant Pest Control o Category (4a) - General Forest Pest Control • ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) • Class-A Ohio Commercial Driver License. + Yes + No 06 If you answered yes to the previous question, please provide a list of your credentials. 07 Do you understand you must attach a copy of all credentials, or your application may be rejected? + Yes, I understand and agree. 08 Please describe your background in overseeing crews conducting tree care including the number of crew members you were responsible for, the type of tree care provided - street trees vs residential/park landscape trees, equipment management/maintenance and training development/implementation experience. 09 Describe your experience working on trees in the right of way, including traffic management, conducting tree care near utility lines, storm response, and managing for hazards within work zones. 10 Describe the arboricultural equipment you are proficient in operating, maintaining and training others in the use of and include the years of experience for each. 11 Describe your experience with tree risk assessments, identifying maintenance needs, prioritizing crew tasks, and leading job hazard briefings. 12 briefings (not sure if this is the correct terminology. What is your experience with GIS or GIS-based applications? 13 Do you understand notifications regarding this position will be sent via email? Therefore, it is your responsibility to check your personal email, GovernmentJobs mailbox, SPAM, JUNK, and CLUTTER FOLDERS for any and all communication sent regarding this position. + Yes + No 14 I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, email address, and telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in me not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in me not receiving further consideration for this employment opportunity. To update this information, visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts. For technical difficulties, contact NEOGOV support at 855-524-5627. Please indicate you have read and agree with this information. + Yes, I understand and agree. Required Question Agency City of Cincinnati Address 805 Central Avenue Suite 200 Cincinnati, Ohio, 45202 Phone 513-352-2400 Website http://agency.governmentjobs.com/cincinnati/default.cfm