State of Connecticut Executive Branch

University Arborist (37.5 Hour) (8924TC)

$30.41-$39.20 Hourly / $2,280.12-$2,939.97 BiWeekly /
$59,511.00-$76,733.00 Yearly

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

At the University of Connecticut this class is accountable for performing a variety of highly skilled technical duties in tree maintenance including planting, transplanting, pruning, structural support, preventing and/or diagnosing diseases and parasitism and tree removal.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of a Maintenance Supervisor 1 (Grounds) or other employee of higher grade.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May lead Landscape Technicians, Maintainers, students and lower level employees as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Performs technical duties in tree maintenance such as planting, transplanting, pruning, structural support, preventing and/or diagnosing diseases and parasitism and tree removal;
  • Conducts tree assessments for risks to tree health such as disease, defects and decay, storm damage, etc.;
  • Operates a variety of power and motorized equipment including but not limited to chain saws, pull saws, brush chippers, stump grinders, tractors, flatbed and aerial trucks to prune and/or remove trees;
  • Climbs trees for the purpose of pruning and removal;
  • Grinds tree stumps; 
  • Conducts tree inspections and assessments;
  • Applies pesticides, chemicals and fertilizers to trees and shrubs;
  • Sets up traffic control devices and directs traffic as required;
  • Maintains records;
  • May supervise the maintenance of existing trees and shrubs including labeling, layout for new planting and rearranged planting for certain featured areas;
  • May perform snow and ice duties;
  • Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

  • Considerable knowledge of
    • the cultivation and care of woody plants, particularly trees and shrubs used for decorative, shade, and ornamental purposes;
    • the tree growth process as it relates to plant requirements, climate, soil conditions and other external influences;
    • plant physiology, soil science, insects and diseases which affect woody plants;
    • chemicals or fertilizers, growth regulators, antibiotics, insecticides, fungicides and other chemical compounds applied to plants;
  • Skills
    • interpersonal skills;
    • oral and written communication skills;
  • Ability to utilize computer software;
  • Mechanical ability.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience as a licensed Arborist.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a State of Connecticut Arborist license.
  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a State of Connecticut Commercial Supervisory Certification for pesticide application.
  • Incumbents in this class must possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
  • Incumbents in this class must be available to work as needed for snow removal and emergency situations.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits and/or certifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class.
  • A physical examination may be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Incumbents in this class may be required to lift moderate to heavy weights; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, significant levels of dust and noise and heights and risk of injury from equipment.
  • Incumbents in this class may be required to wear personal protective equipment.

JOB CLASS DESIGNATION

Classified/Competitive (Non-Examined)

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP

(16)-Labor-Trades, Laundry

BARGAINING UNIT

(06)-SERVICE/MAINT (NP-2)

EEO

(7)-Skilled Craft Workers

SALARY INFORMATION

TC 18

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

CANCELLATION CLAUSE

This replaces the existing specification for the class of University Arborist (37.5 Hour) class in Salary Group TC 89 approved effective July 10, 2015. (Reviewed for content, revised to modernize format and add an Acknowledgement section) Final No. 24-033

EFFECTIVE DATE

02/28/2024

CLASS: 8924TC; EST: 7/10/2015; REV: 3/1/2024;