Overview

At the City of St. Catharines, you’ll find more than just a job — you’ll find a place that fits. You’ll be trusted to do your job, backed by people who care, and part of a team that supports one another. There’s flexibility when it counts, and a real understanding that life doesn’t stop when the workday starts. With pay, great benefits, and a pension, you’ve got space to grow and the balance you need.

About The Role

In this role, you will prune and/or remove diseased, dying, or overgrown trees to support safety and overall tree health. Working under the Arborist II and the Supervisor III – Forestry, you may also perform duties near electrical equipment following established safety procedures.

What You’ll Be Doing

Prune or remove damaged, diseased, dying or overgrown trees according to policies, procedures, and accepted arboricultural practice.

Prune trees in an appropriate and aesthetically pleasing manner.

Operate brush chippers with or without hydraulic winch lines.

Operate dielectric and arborist tools to transparent limbs and suckers from hydro wires, signs, sidewalks, and other assets.

Use ropes, saddles, climbing equipment and/or rigging to safely prune or remove trees.

Operate aerial truck with hydraulic lifting device; inspect site access and positioning. Assist other departments as required.

Perform tree surgery, including cabling, bracing, bark tracing and cavity filling as needed.

Develop and implement a traffic protection plan per Ontario Traffic Manual, Book 7.

Ensure proper cleanup of the job site and compliance with codes and specifications.

Maintain and safely operate equipment; perform routine maintenance and minor repairs.

Provide functional leadership to help the department achieve goals.





Operate equipment safely and in accordance with legislation, policies, and procedures.

Store trucks and equipment securely.

Complete paperwork as required (statistic sheets, time sheets, accident reports).

Provide excellent customer service and respond to the needs of customers and staff.

Perform other similar and related duties as required.

What’s Required

Graduation from a two-year college program in Arboriculture or Forestry or equivalent experience.

Valid Ontario Certificate of Qualification for Arborist (444A); Utility Arborist certification considered an asset.

Documented Chainsaw Operator’s training.

Valid half-day Utility Work Protection Code Overview certificate.

Standard First Aid / CPR C certification.

Valid unrestricted Class “DZ” driver’s licence with ability to operate large GVW vehicles.

Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act related to maintenance and construction activities (PPE, fall arrest).

Knowledge of the Ontario Traffic Manual (Book 7) preferred; ability to set up traffic control in temporary work zones.

Minimum three (3) years of tree climbing experience with pruning and removal techniques; crane experience preferred.

Recent experience in tree surgery.

Ability to work at heights; proficient with aerial bucket trucks; able to meet physical demands (PDA).

Completion of City training in Traffic Control and Fall Arrest training (IHSA or equivalent).





Ability to work outdoors in varying weather; willingness to work overtime and after-hours emergencies.

Willingness to be trained in, and operate, snow removal equipment when required.

Robust interpersonal, communication, and customer-service skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team; ability to prioritize and plan work.

Basic computer skills; Microsoft Office experience is an asset.

Job Details

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

What’s In It For You

Great People: Be part of a supportive team.

Make Your Mark: Drive meaningful change in the community.

Learn & Grow: Access training and development funds.

Competitive Pay: From a certified Ontario Living Wage Employer.

Secure Future: OMERS pension plan with employer match.

Balance & Benefits: Flexible options plus health, dental, and vision benefits for eligible positions.

Other Information

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City is committed to an inclusive and accessible work environment.

Accommodation: We provide accommodations during the recruitment process per regulations. Contact HR for assistance.

Application Process: Online submissions only through the portal; keep contact information up to date.

Interviews and Assessments: May include video or in-person interviews and tests.

Use of AI: The City does not use AI in the recruitment process.

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📌 Arborist I (Ontario)
🏢 City of St. Catharines
📍 Ontario