Lead Arborist-PW-Service Ops/Forestry Division (Closes 11/22/2026)

The City of Bismarck is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For details and to apply online: www.bismarcknd.gov/jobs

Description: This position is responsible for planning, supervising and participating in the care and maintenance of city trees. The Lead Arborist performs skilled and manual, often hazardous tasks such as pruning, planting and tree removal along City streets.

Examples of Duties

Coordinates the work of full-time and seasonal staff; plans and assigns daily work. Trains new employees.

Prunes trees with the use of a bucket truck, knuckle boom, wood chipper or other specialized equipment. Pruning can be structural, rotational, clean up of storm related damage or other hazards.

Removes dead, dying or hazardous trees with the use of bucket truck, log loader, knuckle boom, wood chipper or other specialized equipment.

Removes stumps with the use of a stump router. Repairs irrigation lines if damaged during stump removal.

Tree planting using proper tree planting specifications.

Assists with snow removal operations as needed. May operate a sander, loader, or motor grader.

Conducts daily vehicle and equipment inspections.

Diagnoses and treats trees for pests. Participates in annual elm firewood inspections.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in forestry related work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions and the ability to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with three years or more of experience or service, with five years or more preferred.

Possession of or ability to obtain a valid commercial (CDL) drivers license issued by the State of North Dakota for the type of vehicle or equipment operated, obtained within six months of employment.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain Arborist Certification with the International Society of Arboriculture is required within one year of hire date.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain a ND Pesticide Applicators License is required within one year of hire date.