Job Summary

Under supervision of the Parks Technician 14, this position performs a variety of routine to semi-skilled arboriculture tasks in the Urban Forestry Program. The position is required to take a working supervisory role in selecting planting sites, planting trees, watering and maintaining trees in various programs. 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists with developing and implementing tree planting, maintenance and reforestation schedules for park and boulevard trees.
• Assists with the supervision and training of assigned staff.
• Monitors newly planted trees and recommends appropriate maintenance.
• Assists with ordering, receiving, inspecting and maintaining purchased plant material.  Monitors and controls tree quality by providing maintenance related to diseases, weeds and pests, including removing poor quality trees and applying pesticides.
• Assists with nursery operations by loading and unloading trees.
• Operates all types of nursery and urban forestry equipment and instructs staff in proper operating and maintenance techniques.  Ensures safety standards are followed and pesticide and fertilizer products used in tree maintenance are properly calibrated and applied.
• Assists with maintaining accurate tree inventory.
• Assists with the coordination of staff and contractors.
• Supports and promotes a safe and positive workplace culture through a variety of initiatives and activities.
• Supports and promotes the health and safety of employees in accordance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act & Regulations in addition to the City of Saskatoon’s Administrative Occupational Health & Safety Policies and departmental procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 education.
• Successful completion of three recognized core courses from a recognized horticulture diploma program, e.g. Ontario Diploma of Horticulture.  
• Successful completion of one core course in the arboriculture option within six months after the date of hire.
• Three seasons of horticultural experience, including one season of tree planting experience.
• Possession of a valid Saskatchewan Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
• Current driver’s abstract from SGI demonstrating a safe driving record.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within three months after date of hire, the appropriate Saskatchewan Pesticide Applicator Permits.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, within one year after date of hire, a valid first aid certificate.
• Knowledge of trees and related growth characteristics, diseases, pests, weeds, maintenance and control requirements.
• Ability to understand and apply horticultural principles, practices and techniques.
• Ability to recognize, and to research and recommend programs to encourage successful tree establishment and to identify common diseases and insects that impact trees.
• Ability to operate all types of tree maintenance equipment.
• Ability to work with minimal direct supervision.
• Ability to direct and instruct staff.
• Ability to interact effectively with the public.
• Physical ability to perform the assigned duties in a variety of weather conditions.