General Duty Statement

Saint Paul Parks and Recreation is a nationally accredited and gold medal award-winning organization that manages 182 parks and open spaces, 26 city-operated recreation centers, more than 120 miles of trails and a vibrant urban forest.

The Forestry section of the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for the care, maintenance, preservation and vitality of street and parkland trees in Saint Paul and we are currently looking for three certified and one temporary Forestry Arborist’s to join our team! The City of Saint Paul offers an excellent benefits package including low-premium health insurance, retirement contributions and generous paid time off throughout the year.

Information about this position:

This division is located at 1100 Hamline Avenue North, Saint Paul, MN 55108. Forestry typically operates on a Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm schedule, however, staff are expected to respond to emergencies and be available for scheduled weekend work as necessary.

Employees, especially those who hold ISA certifications, are encouraged to take advantage of training opportunities both internally and outside of the city. New employees who do not currently possess a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) will be provided assistance with obtaining training and testing for the CDL within six months of hire.

Here is what you can expect in the role:

Performs manual and skilled forestry work involving the planting, maintenance, or removal of trees, stumps, and debris. Drives trucks and operates equipment in a tree maintenance operation. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities: (does not include all possible work duties)

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  Performs a variety of technical tasks in the maintenance, preservation, and removal of the City's boulevard and park trees.
• Properly ties knots and hitches commonly used in arboriculture for climbing and rigging. Works from ladders and is proficient in the use of climbing ropes, harness and equipment for climbing operations.
• Properly and safely operates and maintains hand and power tools, motor vehicles, small engine equipment and other equipment and tools in the performance of their assignments.
• Recognizes and identifies trees, tree diseases, and pests; completes visual inspections of trees and their canopy.
• Maintains grounds and buildings; maintains work areas in a neat, orderly, and quality manner; responsible for site clean-up.
• Completes required documentation either manually or electronically including forms, records, and daily reports that are complete, accurate, clear and timely.
• Operates in sometimes difficult, hazardous and/or unpredictable work conditions, including responding to emergencies such as storm clean up or snow removal.
• Wears ear, eye and head protection, safety shoes and other protective apparel as required. Supports the safety of one another.
• Follows, guides, and orients others in established Department and City rules and policies, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards, and safety practices as set forth in the American National Standard for Arboriculture Operations: Safety Requirements (ANSI Z133.1).

Essential Functions are the functions that the individual holding the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation. The Essential Functions for this position are identified in the Supplemental Information section of the Forestry Arborist Job Description.

The City of Saint Paul’s mission is to integrate equity and inclusion into how we approach all our work. Our vision is to be committed to building an equitable and inclusive city that will shift culture in city processes and policies, eliminate structural inequities, and ensure timely and relevant access to services, resources, support, and opportunity to every person in Saint Paul.

Requirements

One year of experience with a tree maintenance company or a municipal forestry operation where the duties included maintenance and removal of trees utilizing rope and harness and/or aerial techniques.

Must complete and successfully pass an initial ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Tree Care Operations and Incidental Line Clearance training provided by the City of Saint Paul within one year of appointment. Must complete and pass an annual ANSI Z133 Safety Standard for Tree Care Operations and Incidental Line Clearance recertification training provided by the City of Saint Paul.

Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Class B or Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with no restriction for airbrakes. The CDL must have no suspensions or revocations for driving-related offenses during the two-year period prior to the date of appointment. Suspensions for parking-related offenses are excluded.

**Candidates may be hired without a CDL, however, must possess a Minnesota, or equivalent out of state, Class B or Class A Commercial Driver's License with no restrictions for airbrakes within 6 months from date of hire.

By Closing Date, you MUST

• Submit a City of Saint Paul online application, including answers to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Please ensure your experience working with a tree maintenance company or municipal forestry operation is fully documented in your application.
• Upload or submit the following required document via the online application system, mail, in person, email, or fax. (Zip files and web links will not be accepted. Each uploaded attachment is limited to 10MB.)
  • A legible copy (front and back) of your valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL), if applicable
  • A resume (optional)

First time applying online? Read our How to Apply Online Guide.

Selection Process Information

Assessment Process: Practical and Written Assessments

A multiple component assessment designed to evaluate your ability to perform duties of the position. Applicants will be required to successfully perform functions similar to those routinely performed in this position. The assessment components include:

Practical Assessment (65% of final score)

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  Chain Saw Operation
• Chain Saw Maintenance
• Work Zone/Traffic Control Set-up

Written Assessment (35% of final score)

• Tree Identification
• Tree Pruning and Trimming
• Knots Identification and Tying
• Workplace Safety

Calculation of final score is as follows:
(Practical Assessment *.65) + (Written Assessment *.35)

Assessment Time and Location:
The assessment is scheduled to take place the week of June 15. Eligible candidates will be emailed additional information regarding their testing schedule, including date and time. The assessment will be held at Newell Park, 900 North Fairview Avenue in Saint Paul.

The assessment will take approximately 75 minutes. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to check-in.

• You must bring a valid Driver's License or CDL for verification purposes.
• You must bring wear appropriate footwear.
• You may not bring any references or materials such as textbooks, manuals, computers, or electronic devices, including a cell phone to any session of the assessment process.

If you have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity, you may be eligible for an accommodation in the assessment process. Please contact Kate Moen at (651) 266-6530 or kate.moen@ci.stpaul.mn.us to request a testing accommodation.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Open Job Posting: This posting is open to anyone who meets the position requirements.

Eligible Lists: Eligible lists typically are created from a pass/fail assessment. Those who pass the assessment will be placed on an eligible list for approximately six months. Hiring Managers may interview/hire anyone from the list.

Final Selection Process: You must receive a score of 75% or higher to pass the assessment and be considered for the position. Those who pass will be placed on an eligible list and all will be notified of their status. A Hiring Manager will consider those applicants eligible for hire. You will be notified if you are invited to participate in the final selection process which may include an interview, job simulation, work sample submission, or other evaluation method.

Condition of Employment: This position requires a medical examination, driver’s license check, drug test, and a background check which may include criminal history, and employment history as a condition of employment. The City of Saint Paul encourages individuals to apply for positions regardless of criminal history.

Human Resources Contact Information:
Kate Moen at (651) 266-6530
200 City Hall Annex
25 West Fourth Street
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Fax: 651-266-6490
E-mail: jobs@stpaul.gov

To refer to this information, we recommend you print this job posting before you apply. For technical assistance regarding the online application, please call 1-855-524-5627 during regular business hours. Additionally, City of Saint Paul staff are available for application assistance between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 651-266-6500.

Veteran’s Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to receive Veteran’s preference in accordance with MN Statute 197.455, you must submit a photocopy of your DD214 preferably at time of application. Click here for more information.

The City of Saint Paul is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Health Insurance
• Vacation/Holidays
• Sick Leave
• Life Insurance
• Subsidized Metro Bus Pass
• Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Program

• Dental
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Disability Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Long Term Care Insurance