The City of Burlingame's Park's & Recreation Department is accepting applications for the position of Tree Worker
DEFINITION
To perform a variety of skilled work involving the trimming, removal, installation, and general maintenance of trees; to operate and maintain all tree maintenance equipment; and to perform related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the journey level class in the Tree Maintenance class series. Positions in this class perform duties requiring greater skill and experience. All positions assigned to the class require the ability to exercise judgment and initiative, and to direct the activities of lower-level staff in tree maintenance operations.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Parks Supervisor. Lead supervision is also provided by the Tree Lead Worker.
Exercises technical or functional supervision over lower level and less experienced personnel.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)
· Climbs trees using ladders and climbing equipment or works from bucket of an aerial lift truck boom to perform tree maintenance tasks, pruning, limb removal, or line clearing.
· Establishes safe work zones and adheres to safe work practices including the use of personal protective equipment.
· Directs the work of the immediate support crew in a safe and effective manner.
· Operates all types of tree maintenance equipment such as aerial lift trucks, chainsaws, brush chippers, sprayers, stump grinders, or other tools and equipment.
· Keeps records of work performed, including damage to property.
· Assists in the training and supervision of lower-level staff.
· Maintains tree maintenance equipment.
· Responds to inquiries from the general public regarding tree maintenance work and explains City tree policies.
· Confers with Tree Lead Worker to plan, review work projects, and make suggestions to better implement the work program.
· Performs the duties of the Tree Lead Worker in his/her absence.
· Responds to emergency calls outside of normal work hours as required.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are representative sample of the KAS’s necessary to perform essential duties of the position)
Knowledge of: Materials, equipment and methods used in care, trimming and removal of trees; tree planting, and maintenance methods; pruning standards of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Principles of training. Safety measures relating to the pruning, removal and general maintenance of trees in populated areas.
Ability to: Direct activities of immediate subordinates; perform manual labor; monitor supplies and materials; analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action; set up safe work sites in traffic, learn the geography of the city; work cooperatively with other City crews; establish and sustain work routines. Perform aerial rescues. Perform high climbing and pruning work in City trees. Pass annual training and perform First Aid and CPR.
Skills: Ability to safely and efficiently operate aerial lifts, brush chippers, tractors and implements, spray rigs, front end loader, blower, chain saws, stumpers and cutters, gas pole saw, hydraulic tools, shop tools, limb lowering devices. Rig trees for safe and efficient high climbing.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)
Education and/or Experience: Sufficient education and experience to perform the above duties efficiently. Typically, this is obtained through achievement of Certified Tree Worker status, and equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training in tree care work.
License/Certificates: Possession of valid 'Class C' California Motor Vehicle Operators License; Certified Tree Worker Certificate (ISA) and Certified Line Clearance certificate within one year of appointment; and First aid and CPR certificate within one year of appointment.
PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:
Ability to: Perform manual labor, including bending, crouching, stooping, squatting, standing and walking for long periods of time; climb into confined spaces; climb ladders; lift up to 55 pounds, twist upper body; remain calm in emergency situations; respond to emergencies after normal working hours; work outdoors during extreme weather conditions; read and understand English, including the ability to communicate instructions to employees and answer questions from citizens; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and sufficient vision, hearing and stamina to perform the above job duties; enter and exit large and tall vehicles.
