Arborist III (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Job Description:

Arborist III (Austin Parks and Recreation)

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to Arborist I and Arborist II positions; plans and oversees daily on-site work logistics.
  
• Inspects trees to evaluate pruning or removal needs to ensure public safety, aesthetics, and tree health.
  
• Documents tree and vegetation pruning requirements and specifications, prepares work orders and time estimates, implements work orders, oversees contractors performing tree and/or vegetation maintenance, updates tree inventory data, and communicates management decisions to the public.
  
• Reads and interprets work plans, assigns job duties as a working crew leader, ensures work is performed safely, and inspects completed work to ensure compliance with required specifications and/or tree maintenance contracts; acts as supervisor as needed.
  
• Climbs trees according to industry standards, working at height to perform tree pruning and tree removal activities.
  
• Utilizes advanced rigging techniques to safely lower tree limbs, tree trunks, and storm debris for public safety and protection of infrastructure.
  
• Operates Water Truck, Dump Truck, Aerial Lift truck, Grapple Brush truck and other Forestry vehicles and equipment as needed, including performing vehicle inspections, basic maintenance and maintain vehicle records.
  
• Provides a leadership role for rotating on-call and in-person emergency response to City-wide weather events during and after normal work hours.
  
• Leads in the training of employees and volunteers, and leads and supervises event volunteers and contract vendors.
  
• Applies a wide range of chemicals and fertilizers to treat and control insects, plant diseases, and nutrient deficiencies.
  
• Remains informed of laws, policies, regulations, and leads crew members in the proper application of fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training and guidance to crew members and contract vendors.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of Best Management Practices in the Tree Care Industry.
  
• Knowledge of ANSI Z133 and ANSI A300 Standards.
  
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of GPS and GIS systems.
  
• Skill in tree climbing and/or working at heights from an aerial lift.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data collection and problem solving.
  
• Ability to work outdoors, in all types of weather.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to train others.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School diploma or GED, plus three (3) years of forestry related experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• Possess a valid Texas Class C Driver License
  
• Must obtain Texas Class A or B Commercial Driver License within three (3) months of employment.
  
• Possess current/valid ISA Arborist Certification.
  
• Obtain ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification within one (1) year of hire.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience climbing trees according to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards.
  
• Experience performing tree maintenance according to ANSI standards.
  
• Experience operating and maintaining heavy equipment used in the tree care industry.
  
• Experience leading a crew responsible for tree maintenance, including tree pruning and removal.
  
• Experience working with Austin Civilian Conservation Corp, Texas Conservation Corp, or Park Ranger Cadets.
  

Preferred Skills:

• Ability to fluently communicate (reading, writing, speaking) in English and Spanish.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
  

Other:

• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

The City of Austin Parks and Recreation (A PR ) provide, protects and preserves a park system that promotes quality recreational, cultural and outdoor experiences for the Austin community. Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more! Click HERE for more information.

The purpose of the Arborist III position functions as a working crew lead for a tree maintenance crew and possess the ability to work effectively in a team environment. This position will provide leadership, direction, and technical support to a crew responsible for tree assessment, maintenance, hazard mitigation and/or tree removal in City of Austin Parks.

Application Instructions/Job Requirements:

• Application: A detailed, complete application is required, and applicants must include on their Employment Record all experience (work and/or volunteer) related to this job posting - up to 10 years or more; this will be used to determine your base compensation. Employment Record dates must include month and year. Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application. Statements such as “See Resume” will not be accepted and a resume alone will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application.
  
• Skills Assessments: Skills assessment(s) may be required as part of the recruitment process.
  
• Virtual Interviews: APR may conduct virtual interviews.
  
• Military/Veteran: An applicant claiming Military/Veteran status must provide a copy of his or her DD-214(s), or valid comparable document, at the time of interview.
  
• Driving Requirement: This position requires a valid Texas Class “B” Commercial Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one within three (3) months of employment. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation ( DRE ) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  
• Physical Requirements: Tasks may involve bending, lifting, walking, carrying, or using a force equal to lifting up to thirty-five (35) pounds. Work environment includes inside, and outside environmental conditions, extreme temperatures, and hazards associated with equipment operation including fumes, oils, gases and mists. Must be physically and mentally able to communicate, respond and work with participant’s needs and safety issues.
  

Other Information:

• Posting Guidelines: APR reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs. This posting may be used to fill other vacancies in other divisions/work locations within the City of Austin Parks and Recreation. Decisions on assigned selection will be made at the time of hire based on the business needs of the department.
  
• Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• Tobacco and Vape-Free Workplace: APR work site locations are tobacco-free. Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any APR work site - including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicles located on the premises.
  

Work Location/Schedule:

Central Maintenance Complex, 2525 S Lakeshore Blvd

• Monday - Friday; 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  
• May be required to work during special events, evenings, weekends & holidays.
  
• Work schedule and location is subject to change based on department needs and programs.
  
• This position will require traveling to multiple sites throughout the workday.
  
• May be required to work during city emergencies such as extreme weather events.
  

Salary Range:

$24.40 - $28.42 per hour

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-04