Forestry Specialist Assistant (Hourly)

General Description

The City of Madison Streets Division is hiring four (4) seasonal Forestry Specialist Assistants. This technical work is performed in the field and office of the Forestry Section of the City Streets Division. This work primarily involves performing all related tasks involved in the chemical treatment process for Emerald Ash Borer injections. The work may also involve performing a wide variety of projects and assists with construction inspection activities to ensure compliance with contract specifications near City-owned trees and other requirements. This work is normally performed under the general direction of a forestry supervisor and forestry specialist and involves independence of action and technical judgment.

Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 3:00 pm.

It is anticipated that these positions will work from mid-March through late October. College and university students are encouraged to apply - the Forestry Division is able to accommodate scheduling around academic calendars.
 

APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL THE CLOSING DATE.  HOWEVER, THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BEGIN PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE BASED UPON THE NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT.

Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, trans, nonbinary, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We value the unique blend of lived experiences and diverse perspectives that comes from non-traditional education pathways and the variety of transferrable skills each candidate brings to the table. We value diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Even if every item on the job posting doesn’t match your experience perfectly, we encourage you to apply and share how your skills and experience can best serve our community.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with chemical injections of ash trees in preparation for the emerald ash borer (EAB).
• Set up and calibrate specialized injection equipment. Inject pesticides into trees using specific injection protocol. Clean and maintain injection equipment.
• Assist arborists with tree maintenance operations. Prune trees using handsaws, pole saws, or other equipment. Cut and remove decayed and diseased tree parts.
• Monitor for compliance of Department of Public Works specifications for construction near street and park trees.
• Document tree damage.
• Conduct field inventory of trees on project site.
• Collect field data for reports, plans, billings, and specifications. Inventory existing street or park trees.
• Monitor for compliance of Department of Public Works specifications for contract planting.
• Inspect nursery stock and provide written reports.
• Monitor trees for insect or disease issues.
• Take measurements in the field and maintain accurate records.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of work experience involving such activities as landscaping; pest and disease control; or planting, removal, and pruning.

-OR-

• Enrollment in, or completion of, related coursework towards a degree in urban forestry, landscape architecture, botany, horticulture, or a related field.

-OR-

• Enrollment in, or completion of, a conservation and land management program (Operation Fresh Start Conservation Academy or similar).

-OR-

• Demonstrated familiarity with the theories, principles, and practices relating to urban forestry and related arboricultural disciplines, especially in the area of tree physiology, tree risk, and tree protection methods.

The City of Madison strives to provide exceptional customer service to all its residents and visitors. Therefore successful candidates will have demonstrated ability to effectively work with multicultural communities.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid driver's license.

State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification (Category 3.0-Turf and Landscape) required by start date.

State of Wisconsin Commercial Pesticide Applicator License required by start date.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift/carry objects weighing up to 20 pounds. 

This position requires work outdoors in all types of weather and at various heights above the ground, as well as crawling and/or crouching in small places.

Employees may be expected to sit/stand for extended periods of time working at a computer terminal.