MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 5206
ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 23

CLASS SPECIFICATION

ARBORIST

DEFINITION OF CLASS:

This is skilled work of a non-supervisory nature primarily involved in maintenance of the urban forest ecosystem located with County-maintained rights-of-way. The work involves tree maintenance, diagnosing and prescribing treatment for tree problems, and providing recommendations about plans which depict the location, size and type of trees to be planted in selected areas of the County. Contacts include tree maintenance employees to provide treatment/corrective action instructions and answer their questions, as well as representatives of other government agencies and utility companies to obtain permits, and provide technical advice and recommendations. The employee has regular, frequent contact with citizens to respond to requests for tree service, answer inquiries about tree work completion, and recommend treatment to protect/restore tree health. .

An employee in this class is responsible for identifying potential hazards, planning and prioritizing work, and carrying out the appropriate responses once trees are identified as having structural defects and/or insect and disease problems. Completed work is not reviewed in detail, but for appropriateness of actions taken in compliance with County policies, procedures and regulations. Guidelines for carrying out normal work assignments are available and are to be followed; even so, guidelines do not cover all of the technical aspects of an employee's work, e.g., choosing among several methods or treatment procedures concerning a diseased tree. The complexity of this class of work is marked by the range of tree species, disorders and disease, and available treatment alternatives appropriate to the various species. Treatment plans are developed following examination of the presenting problem. The impact of work performed by an employee in this class is realized through identifying the proper care and maintenance methods of trees in selected areas of the County, and responding to citizens' inquiries and complaints concerning trees in the County right-of-way. The majority of an employee's work is performed outside and requires considerable daily driving between work sites. This class is subject to some light physical effort. This includes walking over rough and uneven terrain while working in the field and inspecting trees in wooded areas.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: (Illustrative Only)

Inspects and diagnoses trees for disease, damage, safety hazards, and aesthetic effect; recommends treatment which is prioritized by the severity of the danger and/or disease present.

Provides recommendations regarding location, size and kind of trees to be planted in newly constructed or renovated areas.

Provides information to supervisors/management concerning the condition of the County's tree population and workload.

Updates the computerized tree management inventory with inspection results and accomplishments.

Meets with representatives of other County and State agencies and public utility companies concerning either moving, removing or trimming trees.

Responds to citizen inquiries about trees by correspondence, phone and in person, explaining corrective measures which the County Government may take.

Meets with community groups to discuss County Government's tree maintenance and care programs; prepares educational material for public consumption.

Participates in seminars and conferences for commercial and public sector arborists.

Surveys trees in selected geographical areas, the results of which are used to prepare requests for contractual bids.

Prepares permit requests to Maryland State Forest Service to remove diseased trees from public property.

Performs other related duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience: Some (one year) experience diagnosing and prescribing treatment for tree problems/diseases

Education: Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in horticulture, forestry, plant pathology, entomology, or related field.

Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the classification and structure of trees and their root systems, common tree diseases and infestations, and of the proper methods of treatment.

Knowledge of entomology, plant pathology, and the physiology for trees, shrubs and flowering plants.

Knowledge of Arboricultural and Horticultural principles and theories.

Knowledge of local, State, and Federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Knowledge of general forest management practices.

Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing with the public and outside agencies.

Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.

Ability to read and understand plats and maps.

Ability to use office equipment and computers.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and the public.

Ability to independently perform field investigations in all types of environmental conditions.

LICENSE:

Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Certification as an Arborist with the International Society of Arboriculture.

Tree Expert License, issued by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, obtained prior to hire or within the probationary period.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL: Limited Core Exam

Class Established: July, 1980
Revised: May, 1992(M)
Abolished: October, 1996
Re-established: October, 1997
Revised: November, 2003