Do you care about trees? Are you as comfortable in the branches of a tree as you are on the ground? Do enjoy and spend a lot of time talking about trees? If this sounds like you, consider applying to be an Arborist with the City of Champaign Public Works Department.

Responsibilities of Position

Our Arborists are a highly knowledgeable and skilled team who are experts in the field of tree care and maintenance. They are responsible for the City’s 2,000+ trees and devote most of their time to pruning, planting, removal, pest control, fertilizing, watering, tree inventory and preservation, maintaining tree grates, and operating equipment (i.e., Aerial Lift truck, brush chipper, chainsaw, stump grinder, dump truck, end loader, and climbing equipment such as a rope and saddle). They also participate in the City's snow & ice removal efforts and respond to other emergencies and call-outs that may require working up to 16-hour shifts at all hours, with little to no advance notice, and also assist with the yard waste collection program.

The starting salary is $31.18 per hour, plus an excellent fringe benefits package. Applications must be submitted online no later than Sunday, September 22, 2024.

The City’s mission is to provide responsive, caring, cost-effective service in partnership with our community. The following values guide our work: Personal Integrity, Responsibility, Respect, Teamwork, Results. The City of Champaign is committed to promoting a work environment or community that values and supports diversity and inclusion.

Required Qualifications

Associate degree with coursework in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, or a closely related field.
Work experience in the field of Arboriculture involving pruning, fertilization, installation and establishment, diagnosis and treatment, cabling, or climbing.
Or an equivalent combination of work experience and education that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
Valid state issued driver's license and acceptable driving record.
A State of Illinois Class B CDL license with a tanker endorsement and without air brake restriction is required within a timeframe approved by the Forestry Supervisor.
Possess, or be able to obtain within a timeframe approved by the Forestry Supervisor, ISA Certified Arborist credential.
Ability to perform essential functions that require physical agility as noted in the job description, with or without accommodation.
Ability to perform duties effectively in extreme temperatures and adverse weather conditions.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Horticulture, Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation, or a closely related field or Certified Arborist credential issued by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Knowledge of safety procedures used in the Arboriculture field, such as the ANSI Z133 Safety Standard.

Drug screening, driving record review, and ongoing random drug testing will be required.

City of Champaign jobs

Arborist