Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Plan, prioritize, and review the work of staff assigned to a variety of tree maintenance programs.

Develop schedules and methods to accomplish assignments ensuring work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Participate in evaluating the activities of staff, recommending improvements, and modifications.

Provide and coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.

Using an aerial lift to trim and prune trees to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, buildings, signs, and lights as well as to ensure the continued health of the tree.

Perform ground trimming using pole saws and hydraulic loppers.

Remove standing and fallen trees, stumps, limbs and related debris.

Plant, stake and maintain trees on City-owned property and in the public right-of-way.

Operate tree trimming and maintenance equipment such as aerial boom trucks, chippers, stump grinders, dump trucks, and power tools such as chain saws and hydraulic loppers.

Climb trees using ropes and gaffs, to maintain trees.

Spray and inject pesticides; bolt and cable tree limbs.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Identify equipment needs for each assigned project.

Utilize proper safety precautions related to all work performed.

Perform the most complex tree trimming activities.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of technical and functional supervision and training.

Methods and techniques used in the tree trimming and maintenance.

Uses and purposes of tools and equipment related to tree trimming and maintenance.

Uses and purposes of knots and ropes.

Safe work practices.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

Provide technical and functional supervision over assigned staff; effectively train staff.

Perform the most complex tree trimming and related maintenance duties

On a continuous basis, know and understand maintenance activities and observe safety rules.

Interpret work orders and explain jobs to other employees.

Operate a variety of vehicular and stationary mechanical equipment ln a safe and effective manner.

Climb trees with the aid of ropes and gaffs, to maintain trees.

Use and operate hand tools, mechanical equipment, and power tools and equipment required for the work in a safe and efficient manner.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of responsible journey experience equivalent to a Tree Trimmer in the City of Modesto.

Training:

High School diploma or GED equivalency.

License or Certificate:

Possession of a valid Class B Commercial California driver’s license with specific endorsements is required within sixty (60) days of appointment.

International Society of Arborist (ISA) Certification is required by end of probationary period.

Tree Risk Assessment Qualification is desirable once ISA Arborist Certification is acquired.

Possession of Pesticide Applicator’s Certificate is desirable.

Possession of a Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate is desirable.

**Failure to obtain any of the required licenses/certificates within the prescribed time may result in release from probation or termination.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to street or field noise and year round weather conditions. Work requires exposure to loud equipment and machinery. Work occurs at varying locations. Positions may require occasional overtime and weekend work and travel is rare.