Under direction, ensures the proper care and maintenance of City-owned trees; assists in the development of tree maintenance schedules and prioritizes and schedules daily work activities of field staff; operates a variety of tree maintenance tools and equipment in the performance of assigned duties; leads and oversees the work of tree maintenance staff as necessary; trains staff on proper tree maintenance practices, procedures and equipment operation; and enforces safety requirements.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.



Ensure the proper care and maintenance of City-owned trees as it relates to tree preservation, tree protection, and public safety.



Assist in the development and implementation of tree planting and maintenance schedules; assign and direct appropriate work crews to perform tree preservation, pruning, removal and related functions; train assigned employees according to established American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z133 practices and City policies and procedures; acquire and distribute necessary equipment used for tree maintenance.



Recommend the planting and procurement of appropriate species of trees and plants; assess environmental and site specific planting requirements and various site limitation aspects.



Inspect the condition of City trees, shrubs and plants; schedule tree removal, planting, and pruning functions; operate and maintain equipment associated with tree and park maintenance work as needed.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, other departments and outside agencies regarding City trees; assess and discuss problems and concerns with property owners and determine appropriate action.



In the absence of an Urban Forester, review landscape plans regarding impacts on public properties, traffic safety, plant selection and placement; submit written comments as required.



Maintain accurate record of tree maintenance work schedules, inspections and completed activities using computerized inventory system; prepare monthly analytical and statistical reports on operations and activities.



Review daily Underground Services Alerts (USA's) to determine impacts on publicly owned trees and park properties; inform necessary park staff of alerts that may affect park properties and services.



Respond to emergency situations involving trees that may pose an immediate threat to public safety; assess the situation and take appropriate actions to eliminate or reduce threat to an acceptable level.



Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of urban forestry.



Perform related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.



Knowledge of:

Basic operations, services and activities of an urban forestry program.

Occupational hazards, safety standards and practices relating to arboricultural industry.

Various species and maintenance requirements of trees, shrubs and vegetation.

Principles and practices of arboriculture.

Safe operating procedures of various tree climbing and maintenance tools and equipment.

Principles and practices of safe traffic control.

Methods and techniques of customer service.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Principles of lead supervision and training.

Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to protection of City trees.



Ability to:

Ensure the proper care and maintenance of street and park trees.

Assign, oversee, and review the work of tree maintenance staff.

Implement a safety training program and conduct routine, on site safety inspections of crew operations and activities.

Document both safe and unsafe activities.

Develop and adhere to tree planting and maintenance schedules.

Conduct inspections of trees and vegetation, identify and prioritize hazardous conditions.

Enforce applicable City codes and regulations regarding protection of trees and vegetation.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Operate and maintain all equipment associated with tree and park maintenance.

Operate standard office equipment including computers and standard software applications.

Train assigned employees in tree maintenance functions.

Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

Prepare clear and concise reports.

Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.



Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:



Education/Training:

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in forestry, environmental science, or a related field.



Experience:

Three years of urban forestry or arboriculture experience.



License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL A) with appropriate endorsements.

Possession of certification as a "Certified Arborist" or "Tree Worker/Climber Specialist" issued by the International Society of Arboriculture.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.



Environment: Office and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, noxious odors, gases, potentially hazardous chemicals, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; exposure to hazardous traffic conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; work at heights; extensive public contact.



Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office and field environment; to walk, stand, and sit for prolonged periods of time; to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, climb with both legs and arms, reach, twist, grasp, and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; to work at unusual heights using aerial lift devices or climbing using rope and saddle; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate to heavy amounts of weight; to operate assigned equipment and vehicles; extensive use of computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Local 39 Non-Supervisory

G25

Last Update: 8/2019

JD 11/2018