Senior Arborists working in the Merit System supervise and oversee crews of one to four employees involved in tree care operations such as planting, trimming, insect and disease control, and removal of tree limbs and debris. Senior Arborists also ensure the safety of the crew, equipment, public and private property. An employee in this job class plans and carries out successive steps and resolves problems and deviations in accordance with instructions, policies, and accepted practice. Senior Arborists receive work orders verbally and by standard work orders from their supervisor. Senior Arborists are responsible for meeting deadlines on work assignments and are called upon to assist other employees with unusual situations that do not have clear precedents. Their completed work is reviewed for technical conformance and consistency with practice and policy. Work is also reviewed through reports and onsite inspections by the supervisor.
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES: Contributes to the community by planting trees using various hand tools, providing education to local schools, and preparing information about the importance of planting trees to pass on knowledge and importance of trees. Guides a crew of workers in the removal of trees and limbs by making recommendations for how to approach each job and overseeing work in order to ensure safety regulations are followed. Examines and maintains all equipment by visually inspecting saws, ropes, climbing gear, and trucks for damage and performing general maintenance such as cleaning, sharpening, and checking fluid levels to ensure that the equipment is ready and safe for use. Conducts tree removal and trimming at city or county property in a safe manner using a bucket truck, climbing gear, and various saws in order to clear roads and sidewalks that may be blocked by fallen trees, or to prevent hazardous or dead trees from falling and damaging property. Prioritizes the work to be done for the day by examining work orders, estimating the time requirements to complete the work, planning the route to be taken, and driving to each job site as well as adjusting the workload due to factors such as manpower changes, and special/urgent work orders that may arrive. Directs the worksite cleanup when a job is complete or before leaving the site by removing debris from work site or piling debris to be removed from the work site using hand tools and knuckle boom loader in order to clear roadways and sidewalks and eliminate danger to the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications that are required for employment consideration for this position: Must have experience using chainsaws to trim/remove trees. Experience operating an aerial lift (bucket truck) in order to cut/trim trees. Class A Commercial Driver's License. Must obtain an Arborist Certification from the International Society of Arboriculture within one year of employment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: The following are job-related qualifications deemed desirable by Merit System agencies. These qualifications may be considered by a hiring agency when reviewing applications and inviting candidates to participate in subsequent steps in the selection processes. Completed coursework in Horticulture or Urban Forestry. Experience supervising tree crews, debris removal crews, stump grinding crews, etc.
Competencies
Adaptability & Flexibility; Planning & Organizing; Physical Abilities; Oral Communication & Comprehension; Mathematical & Statistical Skills; Written Communication & Comprehension; Training & Facilitation; Technical Skills; Technical & Job Specific Knowledge; Teamwork & Interpersonal; Leadership & Management; Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use; Small Tool & Equipment Use; Sensory Abilities; Self-Management & Initiative; Reviewing, Inspecting & Auditing; Researching & Referencing; Psychomotor Abilities; Professionalism & Integrity; Problem Solving & Decision Making
Performance Appraisal Competencies
Problem Solving & Decision Making; Planning & Organizing; Oral Communication & Comprehension; Technical & Job Specific Knowledge; Heavy Equipment & Vehicle Use; Teamwork & Interpersonal; Adaptability & Flexibility; Small Tool & Equipment Use
Compensable Factors:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. and four years of experience in tree climbing and tree trimming or related area.
Critical Knowledges:
Knowledge of basic preventive maintenance (e.g., check fuels, fluids, oil levels) for heavy duty trucks, vehicles, and equipment (i.e., fire apparatus, tractors and backhoes).
Knowledge of proper planting techniques (e.g., spacing, depth).
Knowledge of safety precautions applicable to tree climbing, including safely using and maintaining climbing gear (e.g., American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards applicable to climbing).
Knowledge of safety standards applicable to tree pruning/trimming and tree removal, including knowledge of proper cutting techniques (e.g., American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards applicable to tree trimming and tree removal).
Knowledge of tree and plant sanitation practices, such as removal of diseased or insect filled limbs, to prevent plant disease and lessen the chance of insect problems.
Knowledge of tree biology including growth patterns, diseases, and properties of wood (e.g., soft woods vs. hard woods, weight/density of limbs, compression/tension, etc).
Knowledge of various plant types and growth patterns including the appropriate methods for planting various plant types.
Physical Demands:
Job involves significant and concerted physical exertion required for regular prolonged periods of carrying, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, or walking. Involves lifting of items or objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Work Environment:
Work is performed primarily outdoors in all types of weather. Work involves operating heavy equipment used in the removal of trees. Work is conducted at heights up to 75 feet.
Disclaimer:
This job description is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required to do the job and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.