County Arborist

Full Job Description

Pay Schedule VI, Grade 26, Regular Schedule: 35 hours per week

A vacancy exists in the Department of Public Works, Bureau of Highways and Equipment Maintenance.

A list of eligible applicants will be established based on the examination as outlined below.

Current and future vacancies occurring in this class may be filled from the list of eligible applicants.

This job announcement may close at any time with little or no notice. Applicants are advised to apply promptly.

All interested transfer and promotional candidates must apply at this time.

List all promotions and changes in job duties due to reclassification as separate work experience on your application. Applicants must include the dates of the promotions and reclassifications.

Note: Failure to complete all fields of the "Work Experience" section of the application will result in your application not being considered. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications for a position. Applicants selected for an interview may provide a resume at that time.

You MUST attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

Failure to submit proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education will result in your application not being considered. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Requirements

Job Purpose
Under general supervision, plans, directs and administers the Baltimore County tree program including planting, scaling, trimming and removal of trees. Supervises and coordinates the county forces tree crew and tree service contractors.

Essential Job Duties

• Plans, directs and administers the Baltimore County tree program.
• Administers the tree services contract including planning and directing work performed, listing contract items, ensuring work performed is in accordance with contractual specifications, and approving invoices for payment.
• Plans, directs and coordinates work performed by the county forces tree crew and others engaged in various tree service activities.
• Directly supervises the Highways Crew Chief in charge of the county forces tree crew.
• Responsible for the inspection of trees to determine which trees require service.
• Provides advice and consultation to crews regarding appropriate procedures and techniques for tree service.
• Serves as liaison with the Maryland Forest Service and other governmental and private agencies regarding tree service issues.
• Performs estimates of time and materials required, keeps records, and submits work status reports.

Examples of Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture, horticulture, forestry or closely related field

Plus

Four years experience in forestry programs for tree care, plant growth and tree disease, and insect controls, one year of which was in a supervisory capacity.

(Additional experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (Entry Level)

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of tree service.
• Knowledge of tree species and their growing patterns and characteristics.
• Ability to administer contracts.
• Ability to communicate with other agencies and citizens. Ability to prepare written reports.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid driver’s license equivalent to a non-commercial Class C Maryland license and a Maryland State Tree Expert License is required at the time of appointment. A Herbicide Applicator License must be obtained within one year of hire, and an ISA Certified Arborist credential must be obtained within two years of hire.

Proof of Licenses, Certifications and Education
Applicants are required to submit proof of licenses, certifications and education beyond high school to meet the required and preferred qualifications of the position. Diplomas or transcripts must show the applicant's major field of study. Copies and unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Proof of licenses, certifications, and/or education must be submitted with each application.

Proof of Degree Equivalency
Applicants who have obtained a degree from outside the United States of America are required to submit degree equivalence documentation from World Education Services, Inc. (www.WES.org).

Mail or deliver documents to:
ATTN: County Arborist
Office of Human Resources
Baltimore County Government
308 Allegheny Ave.
Towson, MD 21204

You MUST attach your transcript(s)/degree(s) and license(s)/certification(s) to your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable.

EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Applicants will be qualified based on an evaluation of their training and experience, as stated on their application, which includes answers to the supplemental questions. Applicants must state the dates and duties of past and present experience clearly and completely for evaluation purposes.

Additional Information

Physical and Environmental Conditions
The work of this classification includes field work and travel between work sites throughout the county.

Conditions of Employment
Employees in this classification are designated as Emergency/Essential and may be required to work overtime with little or no advance notice. Employee is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to emergencies such as violent storms, vandalism and motor vehicle accidents.

Employment Background Investigation
Applicants selected for employment with Baltimore County must successfully complete an employment investigation, including, but not limited to criminal background, education, and fingerprinting checks.