Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31908: Arborist I
- Union: CUPE Local 5167
- Job Description ID #: 705
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city
by 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 29th, 2026 at 4pm.
- Duration: 18 months
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reports to the Supervisor, Urban of Forestry. Directs and works with a crew to perform Urban Forestry operations.
GENERAL DUTIES
Direct and work with a crew to trim, remove and reinforce trees. Clean site of debris.
Climb trees; wear climbing gear.
Drive, operate and inspect various equipment including trucks and tractor, aerial tower, power saws, pruners, brush chipper, tree stumper and other associated equipment and hand tools.
Set up signs and cones for traffic control, direct traffic in association with the work site.
Inspect trees, record condition and problems; recommend action.
Receive and investigate complaints.
Complete various inspection, maintenance and daily work sheets. Complete truck and daily work sheets.
Perform preventative maintenance on vehicles, equipment and tools such as greasing, sharpening and adjusting, wax boom.
Spray trees with pesticides. Remove nests such as bees and wasps.
Receive and answer inquiries at job site from public, utilities and staff.
Plant and transplant trees by both mechanical and hand methods.
Perform forestry operations in adverse weather conditions by working at various heights, including work in proximity to energized conductors. Perform tree maintenance and tree removal using aerial device and/or manual climbing using approved climbing and safety equipment and techniques.
Assist in the training and development of forestry staff.
Ensure that employees are provided with and use the appropriate equipment, material and/or procedures required to perform the assigned duties. Ensure that all employees perform work in accordance with applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures. Ensure that appropriate action is recommended for those employees who do not work in compliance with legislation, policies and procedures.
Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to the major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Forestry trade related training and experience related to the duties listed above normally acquired by a combination of education and work experience.
2. Candidates are required to have a Diploma in Arboriculture (two semester program) or equivalent and preference will be given if those who possess a MTCU/MTSO Certified Utility Arborist 444B designation. Must have a good working knowledge of tree morphology, physiology and dendrology of those trees common to the Hamilton area.
3. Must have a good working knowledge of tree morphology, physiology and dendrology of those trees common to the Hamilton area.
4. Technical knowledge required. Must be able to understand and follow detailed procedures in performing Urban Forestry trade type work
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively direct other employees in operations setting.
6. Demonstrated ability to safely operate urban forestry equipment including, but not limited to, chain saws, brush chippers, 8 ton crane, stumping machine and aerial devices.
7. Demonstrated ability to climb trees with rope and saddle, working at various heights including work in the vicinity of energized conductors.
8. Ability to perform aerial rescue.
9. Must have "Safe Operations and Maintenance of a Chainsaw" course.
10. Must possess a valid First Aid/CPR Certificate.
11. Must possess a Class "D" Licence with a "Z" endorsement.
12. Must be able to lift a minimum of 23kgs daily with an occasional requirement to lift to 45kgs.
13. Must have completed working at heights training
14. Must possess Electrical Line Clearing Safety and Awareness Training through IHSA and must be able to obtain a Utility Line Clearing Technician Proficiency certificate within one year.
15. A Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) would be considered an asset.
16. Demonstrated knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
17. Preference will be given to those applicants with a current Safety In Line Clearing Operations Certificate.
18. Knowledge of relevant legislation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations including W.H.M.I.S legislation and Book 7 Traffic Control and applicable regulations as it relates to the position.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES A VALID CLASS "DZ" DRIVER'S LICENCE AND PROOF THEREOF IS REQUIRED AFTER HIRE.
SALARY: Salary Grade I
HOURS: 40 per week
THE INCUMBENT SHALL COMPLY WITH ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR THIS POSITION AND THE WORKPLACE.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
