Salary range for Arborist Technician is $57,006.96-$69,292.32 per the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement.  

Detailed information about the AFSCME 1386A Working Agreement including salary schedule and benefits can be found here: https://www.cityofportsmouth.com/hr/employment-contracts  

The City offers a generous compensation and benefits package that includes retirement, paid time off including vacation, holidays, medical & dental insurance, flexible spending account, professional development, career growth, longevity incentives, and more!

Please visit Work with us | City of Portsmouth for more information.

The purpose of this position is to perform tasks related to the maintenance of the City’s urban tree canopy. Duties include removing, pruning, planting, and preserving trees using industry standard practices and equipment with an emphasis on aerial-based tasks. This is labor-intensive work and requires strong communication skills to safely work and lead all crew members at various job sites across the City of Portsmouth.

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to, or extension of, the position.

• Is the field crew leader and directs permanent, seasonal, and intern staff while in the field; possesses the ability to understand tasks, devise and implement a work plan and effectively communicate with crew members.
• Must perform all duties of aerial-based tree care operations that include pruning and removing limbs or trees, establishing safety for self, coworkers, public, and property, oversight of ground workers and ground operations.
• Highly skilled in the use of industry specialty equipment to include aerial lift, chipper, grapple truck stump grinder, spray/watering truck, chain saw, and air spade. Rigging equipment includes arborist block, pulley, sling, carabiner, friction brake, GRCS, and mechanical advantage system. Climbing gear including rope and saddle, associated gear used with preferred climbing method, spurs, rigging equipment, etc., proficient with a variety of industry standard knots.
• Possess a thorough understanding of tree dynamics, physics, and rigging systems for tree removal operations; possess a thorough understanding of tree physiology and the proper techniques to maintain tree health through pruning, fertilizing, planting, and establishment.
• Strong understanding of work safety practices identified in ANSI Z.133 Safety Standard, and the ability to identify and correct unsafe work practices performed by self or others; demonstrates a commitment to safety in all work operations; proper use of worksite personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Use of tree preservation tools such as air spade, porous pave, compost tea brewing and application for trees afflicted by natural disaster and with biotic or abiotic stressors.
• Inspects City inventory for insect, disease, and plant health care issues and makes recommendations for plant health care treatments.
• Maintains all PPE, hand and power tools, vehicles, and equipment used in daily operations.
• Works on a variety of projects with an aerial lift such as traffic camera and antenna installation and assists with facility maintenance as required.
• Must respond to emergencies after normal business hours including all winter snow operations, severe weather events, and planned City events.
• Performs related duties as required.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS -

A candidate for this position should have a high school diploma or equivalent.  Minimum three (3) years of experience in arboriculture or forestry is required.  The candidate must be an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist or be able to obtain within six (6) months of hire. An incumbent must possess, or obtain in 12 months, a valid Commercials Driver’s License, Class B and have no offenses which would prohibit or restrict insurability by any insurance carrier providing coverage to the City.

Full job description:  https://nh-portsmouth.civicplushrms.com/CareerPortal/JobDetail.aspx?RequisitionId=118281&SourceId=6048