Montpelier City Arborist

Job Overview

This position is integral to the 4-person Parks & Trees Department for the City of Montpelier and will be engaged year-round with this small team to serve the community caring for Montpelier’s Parks & Trees. The Montpelier City Arborist’s primary area of leadership is to care for Montpelier’s urban street trees and forested parks. The Arborist also plays a supporting role for other park-related tasks. The duties of this position fall into 4 main categories:

1. Tree Program: The City Arborist will be primarily responsible for leading crews to remove, prune, and plant trees. They will accomplish these tasks individually, in coordination with other city staff, and by leading groups of volunteers. The City Arborist will also work with Parks & Trees Director to coordinate management of forested city land including Hubbard Park, the North Branch Park, and all other parks under the care of the City of Montpelier. This includes all aspects of forest management including tree care, invasive species management, land use planning, recreational trail management, etc. The tree program includes managing Montpelier’s Street Tree Inventory, Tree Nursery, and our firewood/milling program. The City Arborist also takes a lead role in training other staff, Americorps members, and volunteers in tree care.

2. Parks Tasks: As a member of the Parks & Trees team, the City Arborist will frequently engage in Park-related tasks that are not tree-related. Examples might include buildings and grounds maintenance, leading volunteer groups, working on events, leading trail projects, writing grants, grooming ski trails, and other assorted tasks. Our work is organized seasonally, with some seasons geared mostly towards tree work and some geared mostly towards Parks.

3. Emerald Ash Borer: The City Arborist will be the point person for Montpelier’s efforts to address the Emerald Ash Borer infestation. This will involve engaging with the public, treating city Ash Trees with insecticide, planning and executing removals, and generally following the guidelines set forth in Montpelier’s Emerald Ash Borer Management Plan. This work will include close collaboration with the Tree Board, City communications staff, and volunteers.

4. Tree Board: The City Arborist is the primary staff contact for the Montpelier Tree Board. This involves attending the monthly Tree Board meeting (1st Thursday 5:30-6:30pm), assisting with Tree Board projects, and coordinating with the Tree Board for maintenance of Montpelier’s Tree Nursery.

Reports To
This position works under the supervision of the Parks & Trees Director/Tree Warden.

Pay & Benefits
The pay of this position is $25.38-$26.67/hr depending on experience.
The City of Montpelier offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care, dental care, retirement, life insurance, and others.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties

● Oversee the operations of Montpelier’s Tree Program in conjunction with the Parks Director/Tree Warden.
● Work with staff and volunteers on Park maintenance, events, and other related tasks.
● Coordinate Montpelier’s response to the Emerald Ash Borer infestation, working closely with the Tree Board and relevant stage agencies. ● Work with other staff, AmeriCorps members, job trainees and volunteers of varying skills and abilities to teach them skills in the field of tree work.
● Work together with the Parks & Trees Director to manage Montpelier’s forested lands including tree work, invasives species removal, recreational trail maintenance, forestry planning, etc.
● Maintain Parks & Trees equipment.
● Maintain Montpelier’s Urban Tree Inventory, using it as a tool for creating short term and long-term work plans.
● Oversee the Parks & Trees firewood and milling program.
● Assist the Parks & Trees Director to acquire funding for tree-related projects and equipment.
● Attend Tree Board meetings and support their work.
● Supervise Youth Conservation Corps crews.
● Other related tasks as required.

Desired Qualifications
● ISA Certified Arborist OR willing to work toward certification
● Experience supervising a Tree Crew
● 2-4 years of experience in tree management programs, forestry, park operations or related areas
● Ability to communicate effectively and maintain a safe work environment
● Ability to work collaboratively on a team
● Experience operating heavy equipment
● Grant writing experience and experience facilitating community service/support projects
● Ability to engage with the public with strategic diplomacy
● Ability to draft reports and proposals
● Ability to offer educational and interpretive experiences
● Basic mechanical ability

Environmental Factors Duties are performed indoors and outdoors in all types of weather, and may require heavy lifting and the operation of heavy machinery. The position requires considerable public contact, occasionally under stressful conditions and may require occasional overtime hours during peak seasons. Park and tree management activities also occur occasionally during weekends and evenings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to Parks Director Alec Ellsworth at aellsworth@montpelier-vt.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.38 - $26.67 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location