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Forestry Groundsman (Arborist Apprentice)

Location: 4550 126th Avenue North, Clearwater, FL  

Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Considering a new opportunity? Join Pinellas County Public Works - Stormwater & Vegetation Division as an Arborist Apprentice and start building a rewarding career in urban forestry and tree care.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and learning a skilled trade, this entry-level position offers hands-on training alongside experienced arborists while helping maintain the safety, health, and beauty of Pinellas County's parks, roadways, and public spaces.

In this role, you'll gain experience with:

• Tree pruning, trimming, removal, and general tree care
• Operating chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, and other forestry equipment
• Supporting urban forestry operations in parks, preserves, rights-of-way, and other public spaces
• Learning safe work practices, traffic control, and equipment operation
• Developing the skills needed to identify tree hazards and assist with tree maintenance plans
• Working as part of a collaborative team while preparing for career advancement as an Arborist

As an Arborist Apprentice, you'll receive on-the-job training and mentorship from experienced Arborists while developing the knowledge, skills, and certifications needed for a long-term career in urban forestry.

What Would You Do?

• Assists in both ground and aerial operations, including climbing trees and using aerial lifts, employing powered cutting tools to remove branches that are broken, dead, or present a hazard.
• Supports in the development and implementation of tree care plans, including pruning and removal, especially in tight spaces and along busy roadways,.
• Contributes to the health and safety of the urban forest by trimming trees obstructing visibility or presenting danger and clearing brush from designated areas.
• Assists in operating a variety of heavy machinery, such as boom and bucket trucks, tractors, mechanical chippers, and stumpers, under supervision.
• Performs routine servicing and preventative maintenance work on power tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Performs general maintenance and landscaping work as required, contributing to the overall aesthetics and safety of public spaces.
• Assists in the identification of a wide range of tree-related issues and helps develop effective plans to solve them.
• Assists in the setup and break down of traffic control devices such as signs and cones. 
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

 What Do You Need To Have?

• One (1) year of experience in arboriculture, landscaping, grounds maintenance, or directly related occupation; OR
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules, including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Additional Requirements: 

• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida CDL Class B Commercial Driver's License within 6 months of months of hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Other highly desirable knowledge, skills, abilities, and credentials relevant to a position.
• Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) as a Certified Arborist.

• Candidate to demonstrate proficiency, competency, and satisfactory completion of regularly assigned work in an independent manner. Appointing Authority retains the discretion to employ an incumbent at this level or advance the incumbent non-competitively or competitively after a candidate meets the minimum qualifications to an in-line career ladder position within the same organization or department.

 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic Knowledge of standard methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in arboriculture operations, including the use of saws and other tools.
• Introductory understanding of tree biology, soils, fungi, pest identification, wood anatomy, wood decay, species identification, species profiles, and green log weights.
• Ability to work under the supervision and learn from the Arborist 1 and 2.
• Ability to assist in developing and implementing work plans for tree care, including pruning and removal.
• Ability to communicate effectively with citizens, explaining work objectives in a courteous, confident, and tactful manner.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

• Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options. 
• We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Want To Learn More?

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link. 

Arborist Apprentice