Telecommut
Here, your work means something — where you can see the impact, feel the pride, and know you’re a part of something bigger. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that shows up for each other. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay you can count on, great benefits, and a pension that helps you plan ahead — you’ve got more than a job. You’ve got the space to grow, the balance you need, and a place that gets it.
It feels different — because it is.
It’s a place that works for you.
About The Role
In this role, you will be responsible for pruning and/or removing diseased, dying, or overgrown trees to support safety and overall tree health. Working under the functional leadership of the Arborist II, and the Supervisor III – Forestry, you may also be required to perform duties in close proximity to electrical apparatus while following established safety procedures.
What You'll Be Doing
- Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying or overgrown trees according to current policies and procedures and generally accepted arboricultural practice(s).
- Ability to prune trees in an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing manner.
- Operate brush chippers with or without hydraulic winch lines.
- Operate dielectric and arborist tools to clear limbs and suckers from hydro wires, traffic signs, sidewalks and other structures and assets as required.
- Use ropes, saddles, climbing equipment and/or rigging to safely prune or remove trees.
- Operate aerial truck with hydraulic lifting device; inspect the site for access and positioning of the truck. Assist other departments and agencies as required.
- Perform tree surgery, by cabling, bracing, bark tracing and cavity filling, as required.
- Develop and implement a traffic protection plan in accordance with Ministry of Transportation of Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7: Temporary Conditions.
- Ensure proper clean-up of job site.
- Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes and specifications.
- Ensure all equipment is properly maintained & safely operated, check on a daily basis and perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs.
- Provide functional leadership as required to accomplish the goals of the department.
- Operate equipment in a safe and efficient manner according to all relevant legislation, policies and procedures.
- Ensure trucks and equipment is safely and securely stored.
- Complete paperwork as required, i.e. statistic sheets, time sheets and accident reports.
- Provide excellent customer service; respond to needs of all customers and staff as required.
- Perform other similar and related duties as required.
- Graduation from a two-year community college program in Arboriculture or Forestry and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Possession of a valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for the trade of Arborist (444A) is required. Utility Arborist certification would be considered an asset.
- Documented Chainsaw Operator's training required.
- Possession of a valid half-day Utility Work Protection Code Overview certificate.
- Valid - Standard First Aid / CPR C Certification as recognized through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
- Valid, unrestricted Class “DZ” driver’s licence held in good standing with proven capability in the operation of large GVW vehicles.
- Working knowledge of, and experience with, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, particularly as it relates to maintenance and construction activities (e.g. personal protective equipment (PPE), fall arrest).
- Demonstrated knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual, with emphasis on Book 7, is preferred. Ability to safely set up and maintain traffic control in temporary work zones during roadway, utility, and maintenance operations.
- Minimum three (3) years of tree climbing experience, with demonstrated knowledge of tree pruning and removal techniques, including experience using cranes for tree removal operations.
- Recent experience in tree surgery is required.
- Ability to safely work at heights and perform climbing work in trees and from ladders. Proficient in the operation of aerial bucket trucks and capable of meeting the physical demands of the position, as outlined in the Physical Demands Analysis (PDA).
- Must successfully complete City-provided training in Traffic Control – Temporary Work Zones.
- Must successfully complete a one-day Fall Arrest training course through IHSA or an approved equivalent provider.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
- Willingness to work overtime and respond to after-hours emergency call-outs, as required.
- Willingness to be trained in, and operate, snow removal equipment when required.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills, with the ability to interact professionally and courteously with the public, residents, and community groups.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision, while also contributing effectively in a team environment.
- Ability to coordinate, prioritize, and plan work activities effectively.
- Basic computer skills are required; experience with Microsoft Office Suite would be considered an asset.
Job ID: 2026-29
Pay Rate: $35.79
Hours: 40 per week
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Location: St. Catharines, ON
Work Mode: In Person
Employee Group: CUPE Local 150
Position Type: Permanent, Full-time
Duration: N/A
Vacancy Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Jobs with an application deadline will close at 11:59 PM on that date. Jobs listed as ‘open until filled’ may close at any time.
Other Requirements
Other Position Requirements include: Class DZ Driver’s Licence
Candidates selected for the position will be required to complete the Ministry of Labour’s Worker Health and Safety Awareness training and provide proof of the educational credentials listed on their resume and job application.
What's In It For You
Curious what it’s like to work for the City of St. Catharines? Watch the video and Hear from Our Team.
Here’s what you can expect when you join us:
- Great People: Be part of a team that supports you, celebrates your wins, and helps you succeed.
- Make Your Mark: Bring your ideas, drive meaningful change, and leave a lasting impact on our community.
- Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds to take your skills to the next level.
- Competitive Pay: Competitive pay from a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.
- Secure Future: Join the OMERS pension plan with employer-matched contributions.
- Balance & Benefits: Flexible hybrid work options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of St. Catharines is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and respectful work environment. We celebrate the uniqueness of every individual. Our community is enriched by people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences—a value reflected in our 2023–2027 Strategic Plan.
Don’t Meet Every Requirement?
We encourage individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and education levels to apply. While specific qualifications may be required for certain roles, we assess each applicant’s overall suitability. Please note that unionized roles are subject to collective agreement requirements.
Accommodation
We are an equal opportunity employer and provide accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation at any stage, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].
Application Process
To ensure transparency and fairness, all applications must be submitted online through our application portal. Please keep your contact information up to date and regularly check your spam and junk email folders, as important communications may be directed there.
Interviews and Assessments
Depending on the role, interviews may be conducted via video conferencing or in person. Various tests and/or assessments may be administered as part of the selection process.
Use of AI
The City of St. Catharines does not use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in any part of the recruitment process.
