Drives and operates an aerial lift truck and uses it to prune and remove large trees often in close quarters near buildings, vehicles, and around voltage wires. Climbs trees using ropes and saddle without spikes for pruning and with spikes for removal.
Sets up work safety signs and cones and loads them at the end of each job.
Supervises crew in the absence of the supervisor.
Prunes trees to remove live and dead limbs, using chain saws, pole saws/pruners and hand pruners.
Works with Urban Forestry and Street Divisions to provide clearance on streets and sidewalks, at intersections, around traffic signals and signs, and around playground equipment and picnic shelters.
Logs trees for clearing operations.
Operates bush hog to clear rights-of-way.
Operates trailer-type brush, chipper to chop limbs and use chain saws to cut up wood for pruning and removal. Hauls brush and wood in dump bed or lift truck.
Plants trees and performs follow-up watering, mulch, fertilizing and treatment for insects and disease problems. Operates dump trucks and pump-oriented water tanks in the process.
Maintains tools and equipment (e.g. daily preventive maintenance on the aerial lift truck and brush chipper, greasing aerial lift and chipper blades).
Cooperates with other divisions and departments to operate aerial lift, chip brush, and cut wood from tree pruning and removal associated with public works construction and repairs.
Assists in use of stump grinder and track hoe.
Trains new employees on job duties such as aerial lift bucket, hazards, roping and rigging and truck set-up.
Responds to “after hours” emergency tree maintenance needs.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Considerable knowledge of traffic laws and regulations, of work zone safety applicable to equipment operations, of hazards associated with the use of tools and equipment operation and the use of appropriate safety operations.
Considerable knowledge of tree trimming and cutting techniques.
Skill in operating tree-cutting equipment.
Ability to understand the use of hand and power tools and other related equipment.
Ability to apply pesticides.
Ability to read, interpret and complete work orders and use maps to organize workflow of each job and record completed work daily.
Ability to understand and follow detailed verbal and written relationships.
Ability to operate and maintain forestry/arboriculture/electric utility heavy equipment and vehicles.
Ability to use chain saws, hand saws, pole saws, pole pruners, loppers and hand pruners.
Ability to learn to operate newly developed arboricultural equipment and machines.
Ability to work in adverse weather conditions while being exposed to loud equipment, engine noise and fumes.
Ability to work in close proximity to high voltage wires and other lines.
Ability to climb trees using ropes, hooks, and climbing gear.
Ability to train and supervise other employees.
Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to drive, climb, bend, lift, stand, sit, read, communicate, reach and manipulate objects, tools and controls. The position requires mobility. Most duties are physically demanding requiring the movement of materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Movement of materials weighing 25 pounds may consume up to 80% of the work period. Duties require operation of motorized vehicles, use of heavy, moderate and light equipment and tools. Activity and types of duties performed require moderate to heavy exertion, manual coordination and physical dexterity.
Desirable Education and Experience.
Graduation from high school and extensive experience in tree work.