About This Role
Performing skilled and manual, often hazardous tasks such as trimming, pruning, spraying, planting, and removing trees along City streets, on City property, and in some park areas is the core of this Arborist role. The incumbent will draw upon training and experience to determine the most appropriate manner to perform operations and may serve as a lead worker over seasonal/temporary staff.
Responsibilities
- Prune trees with the use of an aerial lift unit or rope and saddle and log loader, to remove damaged or diseased limbs, safety hazards, and appropriately preserve their health
- Determine how and what to prune on individual trees
- Contact supervisor when trees need to be removed rather than pruned
- Leave a note for the homeowner or discuss with the property/homeowner prior to removal, when possible
- Remove trees and stumps as directed, using an aerial lift unit, pole saw, chain saws, and stump-removal equipment either by one limb at a time or by felling the tree to ensure the most safe and efficient manner is followed
- Dispose of tree branches and other debris resulting from tree and stump removal by loading pieces into a chipping machine or log loader
- Participate in the planting and/or transplanting of trees by unloading materials, removing wire and burlap from trees, operating various equipment, adding mulch, watering, and staking trees as necessary
- Perform a variety of tree maintenance duties including spraying chemicals, applying fertilizer, mulching, watering, and reinforcing trees with braces and cables
- Inspect equipment on a daily basis, prior to operation, to ensure proper fuel levels, tire pressure, and overall condition are conducive to safe operation
- Inspect engine, welds, and look for cracks, leaks, etc.
- Perform safety checks of specialized Forestry equipment
- Report broken parts and malfunctioning equipment to supervisor as needed
- Provide assistance to other departments
- Operate a grader, sander, and/or loader
- Serve as a team leader, assigning particular work to seasonal/temporary employees using informed and independent judgment when making these assignments and ensuring employees know and follow department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices
- Provide training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish job objectives and avoid injury or loss
- Communicate courteously and professionally and maintain working relationships with others in carrying out job functions
- Communicate with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work-related needs
