Journeyman Tree Trimmer

City-of-Forest-Grove,-o; Forest Grove (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Forest Grove is seeking a journey level Tree Trimmer to perform trimming and removal of trees to provide clearance for power lines, streets, sidewalks, signs and lights. You will operate maintenance equipment and perform tasks under safety rules and city policies.

This role requires completing the Line Clearance Tree Trimming Apprenticeship or Journeyman certificate plus two years of relevant experience, a Class A/B CDL, and preferred pesticide applicator license.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
• Completion of an approved Line Clearance Tree Trimming Apprenticeship or possession of a Journeyman Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate, plus two years of increasingly responsible tree trimming and maintenance experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey level tree trimming functions to provide clearance of power lines, streets, sidewalks, signs and lights.
• Remove trees and brush; chip and dispose of brush; cut up, haul and dispose of felled trees, stumps and debris.
• Assist line crew with construction and maintenance of overhead and underground electric lines.
• Maintain and operate a variety of tree maintenance equipment and tools.
• Operate a variety of hand and small power tools in support of tree maintenance and removal operations.
• Provide courteous customer service; respond to questions from the public.

Skills

Tree trimming

Power line clearance

Tool operation

Safety compliance

Reading meters

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Aerial lift

Power saws

Pole saws

Power winches

Chipper sprayers

Ladders

Hydraulic loppers

Pneumatic tools

Job description

JOB OBJECTIVES

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

To perform a variety of journey level duties in the trimming and removal of trees; including trimming and pruning trees to provide clearance of power lines, streets, sidewalks, signs and lights; to operate maintenance and construction tools and equipment; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:

• 1. Perform various journey level tree trimming functions, including trimming and pruning trees to provide clearance of power lines, streets, sidewalks, signs and lights; perform duties in compliance with City policies, State and Federal OSHA rules and regulations.
• 2. Remove trees and brush; chip and dispose of brush; cut up, haul and dispose of felled trees, stumps, fallen limbs and related debris; ensure equipment is operating properly.
• 3. Assist line crew with the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground electric lines; may read electrical meters.
• 4. Maintain and operate a variety of tree maintenance equipment and tools, including aerial lift, power saws (i.e. chain saws, pole saws), power winches, chipper sprayers, ladders, hydraulic loppers, pneumatic tools and related equipment.
• 5. Operate a variety of hand and small power tools and equipment such as axes, hand lines, chainsaws, block and tackle, pruners and various other equipment in support of tree maintenance and removal operations.
• 6. Provide courteous customer service; respond to questions and inquiries from the general public regarding various maintenance projects.
• 7. Contribute to a positive work environment.
• 8. Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality.
• 9. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a tree trimming and maintenance program.
• Operational characteristics of tree trimming and maintenance equipment.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Operational characteristics and maintenance requirements of power-driven equipment.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to:

• Perform journey level tree trimming duties to provide for utility line clearance according to applicable guidelines.
• Climb trees and operate equipment used to trim, remove, and dispose of trees, shrubs and plants located near energized power lines.
• Perform preventive maintenance on assigned equipment.
• Identify energized and de-energized conductors.
• Identify voltage of energized power lines.
• Operate a variety of tree trimming equipment and tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Ensure adherence to safe work practices and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

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

Education

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Experience

Completion of an approved Line Clearance Tree Trimming Apprenticeship or possession of a valid Journeyman Line Clearance Tree Trimmer certificate, plus two years of increasingly responsible tree trimming and maintenance experience preferred.

License or Certificate

Possession of an appropriate, valid commercial driver's license with a class A or B endorsement. Class A preferred.

Possession of a valid Oregon Pesticide Applicator License preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Environment

Field environment; travel from site to site; trim and remove trees near energized electrical lines, on slippery surfaces; exposure to high voltage power lines, construction equipment, inclement weather conditions, noise, dust and gases.

Mobility

Incumbents require sufficient mobility to perform moderate or heavy lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds; to walk, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to climb trees; and to operate motorized equipment and vehicles.

Vision, Hearing and Communication

Vision sufficient to distinguish colors, read small print and operate assigned machinery and equipment. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate effectively with co-workers and the public.

Position Status

This position is non-exempt from the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act and is represented by IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

Selection Process

Appropriate documentation verifying veteran status, including DD-214, DD-215, NGB Form 22 or a certification that you are a state service member of the Oregon National Guard must be submitted before the application deadline plus the City of Forest Grove's Veterans Preference Form, must be submitted if claiming veteran's preference.

Applications will be screened through an evaluation of skills, experience and work history.

Please note that the Education and Experience sections of the application must be filled out completely and truthfully. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the required application. Incomplete applications may be disqualified from the selection process. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an interview process and skills testing. References will be checked on finalists. An offer of employment will be contingent upon verification of an acceptable driving record, criminal record, pre-employment physical and drug screen.