Tree Care Technician

TITLE:  Tree Care Technician                                                                                         

REPORTS TO: Arborist

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:  Parks/Forestry

CIVIL SERVICES STATUS: Classified

JOB STATUS: Full-Time

EXEMPT STATUS: Non-exempt

CLASSIFICATION FEATURES: The work in this class is manual labor of more than ordinary difficulty that often involves the use of acquired skill and calls for the use of some skills acquired by experience or on-the-job training. Under the general direction of the Arborist, the employee in this classification performs substantial arboricultural work consisting of tree maintenance, corrective pruning, mulching, chipping, fertilization and treatment, sucker removal, watering of trees, planting of trees and snow removal.  Working aloft will be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Perform corrective pruning to properly train young trees to grow and develop into structurally strong trees.

Remove water sprouts along trunk and base of trees.

Assist in tree removal and planting of trees.

Mulch, fertilize, treat, and water trees.

Identify tree species to aid in maintaining and updating computerized tree inventory.

Operate a skid-steer, chipper, chainsaws, bucket truck, and pruning tools.

Sharpens chain saws, axes, sickles and other tools.

Assists in daily maintenance of vehicles and equipment.

Assist other departments such as the Cemetery and Parks departments with mowing, edging, weed-whacking, mulching, leaf clean-up and digging.

Maintains regular and consistent attendance.

Fills in for and assists the Arborist as needed or required

Other duties as assigned

Maintains regular and consistent attendance

Lift at least 60 pounds on a regular basis

Able to perform the physical duties that include but are not limited to working outside in all-weather situations, being able to stand or walk most of the scheduled shift, with having the strength and agility sufficient to lift and maneuver trees and equipment as required and to climb into and onto to operate vehicles and equipment, along with the ability to stand, bend, stoop, crawl, squat, lift, kneel, climb scaffolding and ladders, twist, reach and work on irregular surfaces and in the open on moving vehicles throughout the day

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma or GED preferred

Willingness to learn how to climb trees safely and efficiently.

Line Clearance Arborist or Line Clearance Arborist Trainee preferred

CPR and First Aid certification

At least two (2) years of tree care experience preferred

International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist preferred

License:

Valid driver’s license (CDL preferred) issued by the State of Ohio and must remain insurable under the City of Medina’s vehicle insurance plan.

QUALIFICATIONS:

            Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of forestry including the care of trees, corrective pruning, fertilization and treatment, planting, removal, equipment operation, and working aloft climbing and/or using an aerial device;
• Occupational hazards and required safety precautions involved with the operation of forestry equipment according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• American National Standard (A300) for Tree Care Operations and the American National Standard (Z133) Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations

            Skilled in:

• Operating equipment and machinery;
• Preparing records and reports; and
• Communicating effectively

            Ability to:

• Communicate effectively in writing or orally with co-workers, supervisors and the general public in person or over a telephone or radio; and
• Pass a pre-employment drug test, physical examination, background check and Department of Motor Vehicle report;
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:

This position requires the employee to spend most of each day outside in the field. It also involves working outside in all types of weather situations and occupational exposure to interaction with citizens.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Maybe required to work outside normal business hours including weekends, evenings and holidays.

EQUIPMENT USED: Chipper, skid-steer, bucket truck, dump truck, backhoe, snow plow, chainsaws

and other equipment and vehicles as assigned.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  Employee understands that conditions may require the City to modify this Job Description and that the City reserves the right to exercise its discretion to make such changes.