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 clear 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.
- Strong 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:
- 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 Chance 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 (St. Catharines)
🏢 City of St. Catharines
📍 St. Catharines