Job Postings
City of Portland, Maine - Job Opportunity - 2-3-2023
CITY ARBORIST
Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department
Full-Time, 37.5 hours/week, 8am-4:30pm. The City of Portland, Maine seeks a dynamic, experienced and passionate City
Arborist. This position is responsible for administrative and managerial work in planning, organizing, directing and supervising
the Forestry and Horticulture Sections of the City of Portland Parks, Recreation & Facilities Department. The program areas are
Forestry and Horticulture operations and maintenance of Portland’s 67 parks & open spaces and 20,000 street trees. The City
Arborist oversees and coordinates the Parks Division Winter Operations of city parking lots, fire stations and peninsula schools as
well as 100+ miles of sidewalks.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Plans, directs, manages and oversees, forestry and horticulture operations, maintenance
and work order scheduling. Coordinates, prioritizes and schedules forestry and horticulture operations and maintenance. Assists
in preparing, justifying, monitoring and representing the budget for Forestry and Horticulture Sections. Assists in the
development and implementation of the goals and objectives, policies and procedures and safety work standards for the
Forestry and Horticulture Sections. Communicates regularly with the Parks Division Director to keep the Director informed on
important developments, correspondence and meetings attended. Assists in developing and promoting Forestry and
Horticulture Sections marketing, public relations and customer service. Works collaboratively with departmental divisions and
community organizations. Establishes policies and procedures, inspects, trains staff and maintains records for safe operations.
Coordinates obtaining and maintaining pesticide licenses for Department Staff. Reviews and evaluates the work of employees;
makes program, services and area inspections to evaluate the quality of work being performed within the Forestry and
Horticulture Sections. Acts as public relations person on forestry and horticulture program issues and related complaints.
Designs, plans and oversees tree planting, forest management, weed control, turf maintenance, brush clearing, meadow
maintenance, landscape and horticulture operations. Prepares landscape designs and development plans for municipal grounds,
parks and facilities and supervises the landscaping of public grounds. Coordinates with state and federal agencies to proactively
manage invasive species and pests in city open spaces. Reviews and comments on landscaping designs and site development
plans submitted by private developers. Directs, supervises and oversees parks, forestry and construction projects as assigned.
Prepares or oversees preparation of specifications, contracts, documents, written, oral reports. Plans and coordinates park
operations as needed. Oversees and coordinates all Forestry and Horticulture section Winter Operations. Ensures prompt
clearing of city snow ban lots, fire station aprons, select school lots and all other areas as assigned. Oversees and coordinates
Winter Sidewalk Plowing Operations. Ensures prompt clearing of City sidewalk plow routes, as well as, regular salting and
sanding operations. Monitors existing plow routes and makes recommendations for changes to City routes. Promotes good
internal and external public relations through communication, assisting in creating reports, conducting studies and needs
assessments. Works with staff to ensure a high level of morale and productivity. Develops and fosters positive working
relationships among all staff. Ensures that discipline investigations are conducted in compliance with union and non-Union City
policy. Performs related work as required.
Requirements of Work: Graduation from a college or university with a baccalaureate degree in Parks Management, Forestry,
Arboriculture or Horticulture or related degree, or any equivalent combination of experience and training. Considerable
knowledge of the modern principles and practices of parks management including turf management, horticulture, and urban
forestry / arboriculture. Considerable knowledge and experience in managing and maintaining urban parks, open space and
facilities. Extensive knowledge of City of Portland parks, trails, athletic facilities and playgrounds. Proven experience prioritizing,
organizing, directing and coordinating the activities of parks programs, services and staff. Ability to analyze a variety of parks,
open space and facilities operational issues, to make recommendations for solutions and to implement those recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Department employees, school department personnel,
other governmental officials, and the general public. Excellent communication skills. Ability to organize and work with all types of
public events and other public functions. Experience in budget preparation and management. Working knowledge of trail
maintenance and construction. Experience with athletic facilities and pest management practices. Ability to keep records,
prepare reports, and make public presentations. Ability to be flexible with the seasonal and emergency requirements of parks,
open space and services. Working knowledge of computer software programs such as Google Workspace, City Works, ArcGIS,
and Microsoft Office.
Experience and Training Desired: Certified Parks and Recreation Professional. ISA Arborist Certification. Accredited Organic Land
Care Professional (AOLCP). Maine Certified Landscape Professional (MELNA). ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist. Tree Risk
Assessment Qualification (TRAQ).
Necessary Special Requirements: Valid Maine Class C driver’s license. Must possess and maintain a good driving record.
Possession of Maine Arborist License. Possession of Master’s Level Maine Pesticide Applicator’s. Offers of employment are
contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory criminal background check.
Pro-Tech Union position – Grade 9 – Salary range: $64,291.76 - $81,451.76/year, based on relevant years of experience.
Applications will be accepted until the vacancy is filled.
To APPLY for this position, please click here:
TY%20ARBORIST
City Benefits
Permanent employees receive a generous benefits package that includes paid holidays; employee health insurance; sick and
vacation leave; optional life, dental, vision and income protection insurances; choice of retirement plans; and tuition reduction
program with the University of Southern Maine and Thomas College.
The City of Portland is strongly committed to diversity in its workforce.
Women and Minorities are encouraged to apply.
We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
***COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate*** For the safety of our employees and our constituents, the City of Portland requires that
new employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to the start of employment. Candidates may request an
accommodation for medical reasons or sincerely held religious beliefs at the conditional offer stage.
For questions contact Human Resources by email at jobs@portlandmaine.gov or 207-874-8624.
City Job Opportunities Website: www.portlandmaine.gov/Jobs.
Job Posting
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Class Title: Arborist Date: November 2022
FLSA: Union, Non-Exempt
Arborist
Parks Division
SUMMARY:
The city’s arborist is responsible for the daily and routine maintenance of city parks, school grounds,
athletic facilities, municipal grounds, municipal recreation facilities/buildings, and the urban forest
(under the guidance of the City Tree Warden). The work performed requires considerable knowledge
and experience in arboriculture and landscape practices.
The Parks Division is responsible for the maintenance of more than 600 acres of parks, athletic fields,
school grounds, and conservation land, with more than 140 acres being maintained daily; and more
than 10,000 street trees, 20,000 plus trees on city property, and other vegetation on public property.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Direct supervision is received from the Parks & Recreation Parks Foreman. Considerable independent
judgment is exercised while completing daily assignments.
COMPETENCIES:
Customer Service Problem Solving Skills
Independent Communication
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of tree maintenance and arboriculture to
include but not limited to pesticide/herbicide applications, tree removals & pruning, and hazard
tree assessment.
2. Ability to climb trees, use of arboriculture knots, identify trees, landscape plants, insect pests and
plant diseases.
3. Develops and maintains tree inventory list to include hazard trees for removals and pruning.
4. Monitors tree contractor progress, accuracy, and quality of work.
5. Works with Administrative Staff to develop, administer, and supervise the urban forest
management plan.
6. Supervise and coordinate the maintenance and inspection, replacement, planting, fertilization,
pruning and pest control for City trees within the parks, urban forest, and street trees.
7. Plants and trims lawns, trees, bushes, hedges, and shrubs using commercial equipment, hand, and
power tools.
8. Landscapes new ground areas, repairs damaged ground areas, replaces bushes, hedges, shrubs,
and trees.
9. Is responsible for daily and routine cleaning and maintenance of equipment, including vehicles,
commercial mowing equipment, tractors, trailers, snowplows, and minor equipment.
10. Care for landscaped and athletic field areas by watering, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, routine
maintenance, and controlling weeds.
11. Participates in the City-wide emergency response programs; the incumbent must be available in
the event of emergencies situations to assist in coordinating restoration of services and clean-up
activities.
12. Perform seasonal grounds keeping and recreational support duties as required.
13. The work schedule for this position is routinely a standard work week but can include a flexible
schedule to include weekend and evening hours.
14. Maintains knowledge of current trends, maintenance procedures, and equipment for the further
development and upkeep of the parks, urban forest and facilities.
15. Supervises employees and volunteers under the Parks Division of the department performing
routine tasks.
16. Responsible for winter snow removal of city streets, parking lots, sidewalks, and winter recreation
areas.
17. Various building and facility maintenance tasks to include light construction projects.
18. Assists in the set up/take down of equipment for special events.
19. Maintains, repairs and constructs outdoor areas, i.e. cement, fences, light carpentry, playgrounds.
20. Prepares athletic fields and parks for games and events.
21. Performs related work as required for the effective operation of the department.
OTHER DUTIES:
This job description is not a complete listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required
of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or
without notice.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
1. Ability to operate and maintain equipment including, but not limited to vehicles, commercial turf
mowers, tractors, bucket truck and chain saws.
2. Possess knowledge in the management of an urban forest to recognize and diagnose possible
problems.
3. Considerable knowledge and methods of tree care practices and commercial landscaping.
4. Considerable knowledge of use and care of motorized equipment and hand/power tools used in the
tree industry.
5. Considerable knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions applicable to tree and
maintenance work.
6. Considerable knowledge of cultivation, weed control, seeding, and planting of trees, shrubs, and
flower beds.
7. Ability to recognize and diagnose common tree and plant diseases and insect pests.
8. Detail oriented, with considerable attention to order and potential hazards in public landscapes.
9. Ability to lead, instruct and train others in the work, including the operation and proper use of
equipment.
10. Ability to use a computer.
11. Ability to follow oral instructions and read written instructions.
12. Ability to use hand tools, including electronic equipment, and operate motorized equipment and
vehicles such as cars, trucks or tractors and implements.
13. Requires speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes issuing and
receiving assignments, instructions, and/or directions.
14. Good interpersonal skills: the ability to deal effectively with the public, children of various ages, as
well as coworkers and other municipal employees.
15. The ability to complete several tasks in decentralized areas.
16. The ability to recognize need for equipment repairs.
17. The ability to follow manufactures guidelines in working with hazardous chemicals in a safe manner.
18. Must Possess a Maine Arborist License both landscape & utility.
19. Must have 18 and a valid State of Maine Class B CDL with air brake endorsement.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited four-year high school, trade school or GED. Must have a minimum of
three (3) years’ experience performing commercial parks, or tree care maintenance activities with at least
two (2) of those years in a supervisory capacity.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED:
Equipment operated includes but not limited to power and hand tools, chain saws, various landscape,
turf management and tree care equipment, compact utility tractor with loader, backhoe and implements,
truck with boom bucket, and snow removal equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee
to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be
made to enable individuals with limitations to perform the essential functions. The employee must
frequently lift and/or move up to 80lbs. This position requires full range of body motion, to include
bending at waist and full use of all extremities and back muscles.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee
encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may
be made to enable individuals with limitations to perform the essential functions. The noise level in
the work environment can be extremely noisy when park’s equipment is being used. Additional
occupational risks may be present as related to chemicals from supplies, operation of equipment,
and completing maintenance activities in commercial parks, athletic turf management, and tree
care.
SELECTION GUIDELINES:
Employment application, letter of intent, and a resume are required for all external applicants.
Candidates will be interviewed as applicable, subject to a reference checking process and evaluated
according to education, experience, job knowledge, and skills as related to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee
and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job
change.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
A complete application will include the completed employment application, letter of intent, resume, and
references. Please visit our website to apply: www.sacomaine.org/careers. You can drop off your application
at Saco City Hall at 300 Main Street, Saco, Maine 04072.
Please contact Ryan Sommer, Director of Parks and Recreation at RSommer@sacomaine.org or
(207)283-3139 with questions about the position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
The City of Saco is strongly committed to diversity in its work force. We are an equal employment
opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of ethnicity, nationality,
gender, veteran or disability status, religion, age, gender orientation or other protected status.
MAINE ARBORIST ASSOCIATION
Plant a Tree
At Maine Arborist Association, our duty is to protect trees and in so doing protect some of the most valuable assets to our landscapes and public places through distribution of resource options and professional development education. Learn more about the positive impact we have and join us in bringing about positive change. Please consider becoming a member today!
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