The Hamilton Conservation Authority currently has a Contract opportunity (18 months) for an
Arborist
Reporting to the Forestry Coordinator or designate, the Arborist is part of the forestry operations team that undertakes the delivery of the hazard tree policy and management program at the Hamilton Conservation Authority (HCA). The applicant will be responsible for executing work orders by felling, climbing, and rigging trees for pruning or removal. Performs maintenance on chainsaws, chip truck, chipper, and other forestry equipment. The applicant will also be required to perform tree risk assessments and inspections across HCA’s 11,694 acres of land. Safety talks/documents, and data collection are also aspects of this position.
The applicant is expected to collaborate with Conservation Area (CA) staff if the Forestry Technician, and/or Forestry Coordinator is absent. The applicant will interact with the public frequently and will be expected to represent the HCA in a professional and respectful manner at all times.
Responsibilities
- Inspections/Risk Assessments
- Inspect and provide detailed hazard tree assessments when required
- Identification of hazardous trees on HCA properties
- Tree Maintenance
- Carries out pruning, thinning and the removal of dead, dying, or diseased trees or tree parts
- Mitigate Hazard Trees
- Perform all aspects of tree pruning and removal services safely and skillfully which includes; felling, rigging, and climbing
- Perform tree work by pruning and removing trees from the ground, by climbing, and by the operation of an aerial device
- Perform ground support operations as needed such as; brush management, chipping, and wood disposal
- Equipment Maintenance
- Properly maintain, prepare, and operate all tools and equipment, including; chainsaws, pole saws, brush saws, chippers, stump grinders, tractors, and winches
- Other Duties as Assigned
- Identifies opportunities for process improvements
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- College diploma in arboriculture, forestry, or recognized equivalency
- Minimum of 2 years in arboriculture or forestry, including tree climbing experience
- Demonstrate strong tree identification skills and able to recognize defects, and
recommend appropriate actions - Excellent communication skills, with the ability to perform effectively and courteously
with both staff and the general public - Creative, flexible, and adept at solving problems related to forestry and equipment
- Experience in equipment maintenance, MS Office, GPS, and GIS applications
- Ability to work at heights, lift heavy objects up to 50lbs, and operate various forestry
equipment - Willingness to work on remote sites and work in diverse outdoor conditions
- Capable of working independently
- Basic skills in climbing, rigging, felling, and knot tying
- Must have a valid driver’s license with the ability to tow and reverse trailers
- Ability to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays, work overtime and provide on-call support when required
Certifications:
- Chainsaw certificate
- ISA Certified Arborist certification
Working Conditions
This position will be based at the Dundas Valley Conservation Area works yard, 800 Mineral Springs Road, Ancaster. Additionally, the work location may change to any of HCA’s conservation or managed areas through the year depending on business needs to assist on either a short- or long-term basis or at special events. Work hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, 40 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekend shifts during the year as required.
Salary
The position offers a salary range of $52,630 to $61,013, commensurate with experience and education. Progression will be based on merit and is reviewed annually. Additionally, yearly cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) may be considered.
Benefits
This position provides benefits designed to support your well-being. Benefits include health, dental coverage, and a health spending account after three months of employment along with five sick days and three personal needs days. After a year, you will be eligible for our matched defined contribution pension plan.
Application Process
Interested applicants, please submit your cover letter and resume in PDF or MS Word format via email, quoting the job title in the email subject line, by 4 PM, on Friday, April 25, 2025, to: jobs@conservationhamilton.ca
Although we appreciate the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process; applicants are asked to inform Human Resources for any disability required accommodations in advance.
