Arborist II - South Planting Operations Job Listing at City of Edmonton in Edmonton, AB (Job ID 55056)

Description

The City of Edmonton is looking for a dedicated and skilled Arborist II - Planting to join our Open Space Operations team. In this role, you will play a vital part in nurturing our Urban Forest by leading field crews in essential tree planting and maintenance activities. You will be at the forefront of enhancing Edmonton's green canopy, ensuring that new trees are planted with precision and care. You will take on a lead role in the training/mentoring of Labourers in order to ensure the proper skills and abilities are developed to meet the requirements and standards of the City. Your expertise will help manage our natural assets, from initial site inspections to long-term tree health assessments. If you are passionate about arboriculture and enjoy leading a team in the great outdoors, we invite you to help grow our vibrant city.

What will you do?

• Review tree vacancies and determine routing sites for the planting of trees and using appropriate species of trees for specific locations/size restraints
• Field lead planting daily operations—including on-site supervision and site inspections. Direction will encompass the planting of trees, placement of soil and wood chips as well as the placement of stakes, braces, guys, and similar supports as required
• Guide the compliments of equipment—such as the tree spade, the loader, the tandem dump truck, and 2 to 5 Ton trucks and trailers
• Coordinate stake pulling/tie wire
• Track hired equipment and sign off on work completed
• Coordinate with a nursery for soil and planting material, including loading
• Coordinate with Forestry crews for mulch delivery
• Where required, repair turf and ground damage caused by operations
• Visit sites before planting to verify stumps have been removed and underground utilities are located/daylighted
• Plan and coordinate laydown/staging areas adjacent to work sites. This includes cleanup of sites and moving between sites
• Provide updated planting information for inventory updates, including updating data in a Geographical Information System
• Track and update stake locations, nursery information, and watering details for coordination of tree work in suitable formats, through Davey Tree Keeper, Google Sheets
• Maintain planting schedules
• When required, performs tasks (or directs the tasks) associated with tree maintenance and labourer activities
• Inspect and assess trees for pests and diseases, injuries, or growth forms and prescribe treatments to address issues
• Conduct structural risk assessments
• Assist in the preparation of written responses communicate directly to inquiries from the public and attend to work generated by requests/complaints
• Operation and maintenance of arboricultural equipment such as trucks and trailers, power saws, stump cutters, chippers, augers, pole pruners, handsaws, and pole saws
• Perform other related duties associated with arboriculture as required

Qualifications

• Grade 12 required
• Current ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) certification
• 4 years of related experience with a specific focus on tree planting, pruning, maintenance, and removal; plus arboriculture and silviculture work

Assets:

• Experience in urban forestry with Planting, Tree Pest and Disease Management, Pruning, Barricading, Flagman, and Electrical Awareness. Rigging, loader, and skid steer experience.
• Experience coordinating daily work plan
• The ability and willingness to operate or be trained on aerial bucket trucks and other related forestry tasks as required

Skills required for Success:

• Experience and knowledge in large tree care, plant identification, and tree pest identification
• Ability to use computer programs and familiar with using and creating spreadsheets
• Ability and experience using GIS-based software (i.e. ArcGIS, Davey TreeKeeper, Geomedia)
• Ability to complete task cards, work records, and interpret work assignments
• Effectively evaluate and prioritize 311 notifications and unplanned work requests
• Strong customer skills when interacting with engagement participants and interested and/or affected parties, ensuring they understand prioritization decisions and service levels
• Make decisions in complex urban environments, matching specific work assignments to the right crews and equipment while staying within City policies
• Provide calm and organized logistical support during Storm Response scenarios to protect the community
• perform Tree Risk Assessments for live removals and the foresight to coordinate safety measures like wildlife sweeps, utility clearances , and OSCAM setups
• Utilize systems like Davey Tree Keeper and SAP to assign work, track KPIs, and ensure that all site data and photos are accurately stored
• Deliver toolbox talks, assisting with orientation for new or returning staff, and helping coordinate competency testing
• Demonstrate high attention to detail when inspecting time sheets, recording daily work accomplishments, and assisting clerical teams with data inquiries
• Experience with Google Suite, including Google Sheets
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion

Conditions of Employment:

• Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 5 driver's licence (or provincial equivalent). Obtaining and maintaining a City Driver's permit is a requirement of this position
• Successful candidates are able to be fit for a respirator, and compliance with the City of Edmonton's Code of Practice for Respiratory Protective Equipment, including medical monitoring, is a requirement of this position
• Compliance with the City of Edmonton's safety standards for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as wearing steel-toe boots, gloves, goggles, sunscreen and coveralls
• Possession of current Standard First Aid, CPR-C and AED certifications
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• Exposure to environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures, inclement weather, dust, noise, light variation, vibrations, chemicals, and exposure to mechanical and electrical hazards may occur
• This role requires completion of repetitive and strenuous tasks such as standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, crouching, pushing, pulling, reaching, using feet/hand controls requiring physical stamina and resilience
• Must be able to work outdoors year-round in all challenging weather conditions, from extreme heat to cold, rain, and snow
• Work hours are 7:00am- 3:00pm Monday to Friday

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact employment@edmonton.ca. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work:  40 hours per week

Salary Range: $37.804 (Hourly); $78,934.75 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/SO

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Classification Title: Arborist II
Posting Date: Apr 17, 2026
Closing Date: May 1, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Temporary Full-time
Union: CUPE Local 30
Department: City Operations
Work Location(s): Ambleside Yard SW, 14320 Ellerslie Road Edmonton T6W 1A3

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