Groundsmen

City & Borough of Sitka Alaska; East Point (GA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City & Borough of Sitka Alaska is seeking an entry-level Tree Trimmer to support trimming operations from ground level. The role involves removing hazardous trees using chain saws, ropes, and an aerial bucket truck, along with inspecting trees and scheduling work requests.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus a valid Georgia CDL license or the ability to obtain one; experience in maintenance is preferred and safety is emphasized in all tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of experience in construction or maintenance preferred.
• Must possess or have ability to possess a valid Georgia CDL license.

Responsibilities

• Assist with tree trimming operations from the ground level.
• Remove dead or dangerous trees using chain saws, ropes and aerial bucket truck.
• Sharpen chain saw chains with a hand file.
• Conduct visual inspections of trees to determine corrective action.
• Investigate work requests and make recommendations on work to be performed.
• Listen to public inquiries and schedule necessary tree work.
• Operate and feed the chipper and enforce safety rules.
• Possibly operate additional power tools and equipment.
• Clean equipment and debris after operations.
• Load trucks and may supervise other crew members.

Skills

Tree removal

Power tools

Safety procedures

Equipment operation

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chain saw

Hand file

Chipper

Grounds maintenance equipment

Job description

This is an entry-level position responsible for assisting with tree trimming operations from the ground level.

• Removes dead or dangerous trees using chain saws, ropes and aerial bucket truck.
• Sharpens chain saw chains with a hand file;
• Conducts visual inspections of trees along right of way, parks, alleys, and other public properties to determine corrective action necessary to alleviate any problems;
• Investigates work requests and makes recommendations regarding the type of work to be performed;
• Listens to complaints, inquiries or requests from the public and other departments and schedules necessary tree work;
• Operates and feeds the chipper and enforces safety rules;
• May operate power driven machinery such as a chain saw, hydraulic pruning equipment, gasoline powered hedge trimmer, stump grinder or other similarly sized equipment;
• Cleans equipment using appropriate materials;
• Cleans up debris from tree trimming or removal operations using a shovel, rake or other tools;
• Loads trucks;
• May serve as crew leader and oversee the work of other tree trimming employees;
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; minimum of one (1) year of experience in construction or maintenance preferred; must possess or have ability to possess a valid Georgia CDL license; equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of tree removal techniques;
• Basic knowledge of electrical distribution system operations;
• Basic knowledge of forestry methods and vegetation management.
• Knowledge of hazards and safety precautions of tree trimming and removal;
• Skill in tree removal and cutting techniques;
• Skill in operating lawn and grounds maintenance equipment;
• Ability to operate power tools;
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instruction;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and other City employees.

Supervisory Controls: Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Tree Trimmer Supervisor.

Guidelines: Guidelines include City and departmental policies and procedures and standard operating procedures.

Complexity: The work consists of a variety of manual labor and tree trimming duties.

Scope and Effect:The purpose of this position is to complete tree trimming activities to ensure that vegetation does not interfere with electrical operations.

Personal Contacts:Contacts are typically with co-workers, public utility workers and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts:Contacts are typically to give and exchange information, resolve problems, and provide services.

Physical Demands:It may be necessary to wear some protective clothing and/or equipment such as rain and snow gear, boots, goggles, and gloves. Work requires physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stopping and reaching; lifting of occasional heavy items. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily out-of-doors involving risks, discomfort, or unpleasantness such as high level of noise, dust, grease or mud; moving vehicles or machines; cold and inclement weather. Work may be performed in confined spaces in all weather conditions, and on uneven terrain.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: None.