Arborist

City of Elmhurst Employment Opportunity ARBORIST Position Summary This full-time position involves skilled work in the operation of equipment related to trees: pruning, trimming, maintenance and removal, as well as the maintenance of City grounds. The employee is responsible for the operation of a variety of medium to heavy construction tasks and equipment.

Work often requires heavy physical labor. The incumbent may serve as a lead worker in supervising semi-skilled and unskilled workers. Work is performed under the direction of the Superintendent of Forestry.

Essential Functions

Performs various tree maintenance tasks including climbing, trimming, pruning, planting and removing damaged or diseased trees. Applies pesticides as required using appropriate spraying techniques. Repairs damaged trees using cables and other appropriate techniques. Operates heavy tree-related equipment, including, but not limited to, saws, stump removers, hi-rangers, aerial lifts, climbing equipment, spraying equipment and grapple trucks.

Reports indications of mechanical problems with equipment. Performs manual labor related to equipment operation and maintenance activities. Operates snowplows, salt spreaders, other snow removal equipment, and hand shovels as needed. Completes routine reports on work performed and equipment used as requested. Assures the maintenance of safe work areas and equipment, promptly corrects work hazards, as necessary.

Investigates and reports all work related injuries immediately, complies with all safety rules and attends appropriate safety programs. Promotes and maintains responsive community relations. Availability for overtime, some of which may be mandatory for: occasional regular tree work, response to emergency weather/tree situations, the snow removal program, and miscellaneous additional work as required.

Participates in the Forestry Division Emergency call-out telephone responsibility on a rotational basis. Performs related duties and manual labor as assigned.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; minimum two years’ experience in an arboricultural field, minimum of one year experience in the operation of medium to heavy duty vehicles and maintenance equipment, minimum of one year experience in the proper use and handling of pesticides preferred; OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.

Valid driver’s license. Class A-CDL with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement required within one year of hire. Current position of State Pesticide Operator’s License, or the ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire. Certified Arborist License preferred. Required Knowledge and Skills Extensive customer service experience, including the ability to deal tactfully with the public on sensitive issues.

General knowledge of forestry work, including pesticides, tree diseases and pests, tools/equipment, and landscaping and maintenance of public grounds. Considerable knowledge of the proper methods/techniques used in tree maintenance activities. Knowledge of climbing equipment. Ability to operate, maintain, service, and make emergency repairs and adjustments to assigned equipment in an effective and safe manner.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this role. Salary and Benefits Salary Range: $32.45-$42.15/hour DOQ. FLSA Status: Non-Exempt.

Benefits

Includes union Local 150 health insurance benefits, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF). Application Instructions Interested, qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter at Elmhurst.org/jobs and employment offers are subject to the successful completion of a background check, drug screen, and physical.

Applications will be accepted through November 17, 2026. The City of Elmhurst is an Equal Opportunity Employer