ARBORIST

CLASS DEFINITION:

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

To care and promote the health of trees and shrubs through selective pruning, shearing, trimming, cultivating, spraying and irrigating; to work at great heights, utilizing ladders, hydraulic lift equipment, ropes and climbing equipment; to identify and eradicate noxious insects and plant diseases, and to apply herbicides in the control of weeds' and to do related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general supervision of a superior, with latitude for independent judgment; work is periodically reviewed while in process and/or upon completion.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED:

Usually none; may direct the work of assigned grounds personnel.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

To apply herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and similar chemicals to trees, shrubs and grounds.

To identify and care for specimen plants in a large state university arboretum.

To selectively prune, shape, thin, cable, stake, bolt and repair trees damaged by storms, vandalism or other catastrophe.

To plant, transplant and recommend trees for planting and/or replacement.

To remove vines and noxious plants and weeds.

To remove litter and debris from building roofs, decks and gutters.

To maintain and operate power equipment, hand tools and climbing equipment used in the performance of duties.

To maintain records, charts and schedules of chemical application(s) and of inventory of materials and products used.

To provide training to other employees and student groups.

To conduct tours and describe the characteristics and culture of shrubs and trees located in a university arboretum to students, civic groups and other visitors.

During the off season, to engage in such activities as snow removal and de-icing operations.

To perform the work of a groundskeeper when required.

To do related work as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPACITIES:

A working knowledge of the practices, materials and methods used in tree felling, tree spraying, tree trimming and tree surgery;  a working knowledge of the planting, cultivating, transplanting, pruning and shearing of trees and shrubs; the ability to climb and to work at considerable height under dangerous conditions; related capacities and abilities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

EDUCATION:

High school diploma required; minimum of four (4) completed college-level horticultural courses, including one on plant identification, strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Such as may have been gained through employment involving nursery, arborist, or landscape work at a supervisory or inspector's level, or at a level requiring a high degree of judgment and responsibility.

Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

A current valid RI Arborist's license, a RI Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License, a RI Commercial Drivers license, and a RI Hoisting Operator's License.