Arborist II - Climbing Arborist and Field Trainer/Mentor

Job Number: 54320

Protecting and maintaining the magnificent canopy of Edmonton's river valley, extensive urban parks, and boulevards is a core mission of the City. With over 4000,000 city owned open space and boulevard trees requiring tree maintenance, it is important that Urban Forestry has a strong team of Arborists to ensure the health and vitality of the Urban Forest. We are looking for an experienced, ISA-Certified Climbing Arborist to join our team as a Field Trainer and Production Arborist to help ensure that our team is trained and competent in arboriculture tasks - ensuring quality, safety and productivity of the team. This role will provide hands-on training and mentorship to ISA Certified Arborists, Developmental Arborists, and labourers. If you are a passionate and skilled Arborist with advanced climbing skills, a passion for mentoring and sharing knowledge, this is your chance to directly cultivate a skilled and competent workforce, ensuring the urban forest remains resilient and safe for all Edmontonians.

This position blends production and climbing work with a formal training and mentorship program. You will be working alongside team members to observe, provide practical, in-field training and coaching on techniques like pruning, structural pruning, ground work, tree removals and rigging. With a focus on safe work practices, promoting continual improvement and maintaining high standards of quality and production, you will formally observe, evaluate, and track the skills and competencies of team members and provide constructive feedback and progress updates with leaders.

What will you do?

Lead by example as an ambassador for quality of work, production and safety, and be an advocate for continual improvement
Provide hands-on, practical training and mentorship in all aspects of arboriculture, building confidence and technical skills in the team
Work closely with Crew Leader to prioritize training and mentoring assignments
While working with team members contribute to production when possible
Conduct evaluations and competency testing as needed, ensuring proper record-keeping and sharing tracking and feedback with the Crew Leader
Provide constructive feedback, both verbally and written, to team members. Demonstrate and train on proper techniques for safe equipment operation, climbing, tool care, and Best Management Practices for arboriculture
Perform complex tree removals, specialized rigging, pruning, and structural pruning as a climber, on an aerial unit or from the ground, as needed
Perform storm-related work or hazard mitigation assignments
Work as a production arborist performing climbing or special assignments like girdling trees, cabling, and bracing, as needed
Help coordinate challenging sites, including checking for set-up requirements and equipment needs as needed
Assist with setting up no parking signs, coordinating challenging sites like bike lanes and LRT, and helping to coordinate OSCAMS as needed
Assist with and provide Orientation to team annually and for new staff as hired
Review and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and Hazard Assessments (HAs) annually and deliver to team as needed
Assist with coordinating external competency testing and training as directed by the supervisor
Qualifications:
Grade 12 required, Certificates or Diplomas in Arboriculture would be considered an asset
A minimum of 4 years as an ISA Certified Arborist and deemed competent as a climbing arborist
ISA Certified Tree Climber will be considered an asset
Experience with GIS tree inventory or Davey Tree Keeper
Fall Protection
Chainsaw Training and competency
Experience mentoring or training
Certifications:

Note - If missing certifications candidates will be required to get missing certifications within agreed upon timelines

Tree Risk Assessment Qualifier (TRAQ)
Chainsaw Train the Trainer
D permit and Q endorsement
Aerial Lift Operations competency
Aerial Excavation competency
Rigging Fundamentals competency
Advanced Technical Rigging
Skills required for success:

Strong communication skills, both written and oral, for mentoring, training, and providing leadership
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Ability to assess and address tree-related issues in real-time, making quick decisions to solve complex challenges in a safe and efficient manner
Ability to evaluate the skill set of team members without bias, develop training strategies for improvement, and decide on necessary training for each individual
Excellent time management skills to effectively balance the mentorship role with the demands of production tree maintenance
Working closely with the Crew Leader to communicate where there are gaps with training and competencies and potential performance concerns
Strong customer skills when interacting with engagement participants and interested and/or affected parties
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
Applicants may be tested
Conditions of Employment:

Candidates are required to hold a valid Alberta Class 3 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
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
The work is physically demanding, classified as Considerable/Heavy Effort, including lifting up to 50lbs and the need for significant physical strength, agility, and endurance, especially when climbing and pulling body weight up and around the tree
This position is required to climb trees as needed
Must be able to work outdoors year-round in all challenging weather conditions, from extreme heat to cold, rain, and snow
Work is performed at heights, requiring awareness of the potential to fall or be injured and potential to be struck by branches or debris
One position is based in south Ellerslie 2415-101 Street SW and one position is based in at North Westwood 12304-107 Street NW
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 permanent full-time position

Hours of Work: 40 hours per week

Salary Range: $36.804 (Hourly); $76,846.750 (Annually)

Recruitment Consultant: PO/SO

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

IND123


Classification Title: Arborist II
Posting Date: May 4, 2026
Closing Date: May 18, 2026 11:59:00 PM (MDT)
Number of Openings (up to): 1 - Permanent Full-time
Union : CUPE Local 30
Department: Parks and Roads Services
Work Location(s): Various Locations Edmonton (City Wide)