Climber & Pruner

DEPT OF PARKS & RECREATION; New York (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Parks is seeking a skilled Climber and Pruner to perform tree maintenance and removal on city assets. Under supervision, you will plant, prune, brace, cut and fell trees and operate equipment such as bucket truck and chipper.

The role requires six months of relevant experience and a NY driver license with Class B CDL within one year of appointment. This civil service position offers competitive benefits and a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• Six months of full-time experience as a climber and pruner or arborist performing all types of tree work including climbing, pruning, bracing, cutting and felling.
• A NY driver license is required at appointment and a Class B CDL must be obtained within one year; license must be valid with no restrictions blocking duties.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform all types of work required for planting, maintenance and removal of trees and large shrubs.
• Climb, prune, brace, cut and fell trees and large shrubs.
• Operate bucket truck, aerial lift, cherry picker, chipper and similar equipment.
• Identify hazard defects of trees and ensure public safety.
• Perform tree inspections.
• Identify trees by species and inspect for pests and diseases including Asian Longhorned Beetle.
• Prepare and use composting sites.

Skills

Tree climbing

Tree pruning

Safety awareness

Tools

Bucket truck

Chipper

Chainsaw

Loader

Stump grinder

Job description

NYC Parks manages more than 30,000 acres, 14% of the city’s land, encompassing more than 5,000 individual properties. Our diverse set of assets includes recreational facilities, nature centers, historic buildings and structures, trees, forests, wetlands, golf courses, athletic fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, public pools, retaining walls and nearly 14 miles of beaches. NYC Parks offers competitive pay and a generous benefits package, including pension, excellent health, dental and vision coverage, competitive vacation/sick days, and a healthy work-life balance.

Major Responsibilities

• Under supervision, perform all types of work required for the planting, maintenance and removal of trees and large shrubs.
• Climb, prune, brace, cut and fell trees and large shrubs.
• Operate bucket truck, including aerial lift and cherry picker, as well as chipper and other similar equipment.
• Identify hazard defects of trees and ensure public safety.
• Perform tree inspections.
• Identify trees by species and inspect for the Asian Longhorned Beetle and other pests and diseases.
• Prepare and use composting sites.

Work Location: TBD

Special Working Conditions: When responding to emergency conditions, Climber and Pruners may be required to work shifts including nights, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Some of the physical activities performed by Climber and Pruners and environmental conditions experienced are: climbing in and out of an aerial lift device (bucket truck); climbing up in a tree using rope and harness or bucket; operating a chainsaw; operating heavy motorized equipment such as bucket truck, chipper, loader, and stump grinder; lifting and moving heavy objects; standing for extended periods of time; and working outdoors in a restricted space in an urban environment in all kinds of weather, including severe weather conditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Six months of satisfactory, full-time experience as a climber and pruner or arborist performing all types of tree work required for the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees and large shrubs including climbing, pruning, bracing, cutting and felling trees and large shrubs and operating manual, power driven and motorized equipment required for the performance of these duties. Experience as a ground person is not acceptable towards meeting this requirement.

Driver License Requirement: At the time of appointment, eligibles must possess a motor vehicle driver license valid in the State of New York, and a Class B Commercial Driver License valid in the State of New York within one year of being appointed to this position. Serious moving violations, license suspension or accident record may disqualify you. This Class B Commercial Driver License must be maintained for the duration of your employment. Such license must not include any restrictions which would preclude the performance of Climber and Pruner work.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

This position is exempt from NYC residency requirements.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.