Journeyman Tree Trimmer

City of Forest Grove; Forest Grove (OR); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Forest Grove seeks a skilled Line Clearance Tree Trimmer to perform journey level trimming and removal operations near energized lines. You will maintain and operate a variety of tree maintenance equipment, comply with safety rules, and support both overhead and underground line work.

Position requires a line clearance apprenticeship or journeyman certificate, plus a valid Class A/B CDL; Oregon pesticide applicator license preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of tree trimming and maintenance operations.
• Knowledge of safety precautions and OSHA rules.
• Ability to read electrical lines and energize/de-energize conductors.

Responsibilities

• Perform journey level tree trimming and pruning to provide clearance for power lines and public areas.
• Remove trees and brush; chip and dispose of debris; ensure equipment operates properly.
• Assist line crew with construction and maintenance of overhead and underground electric lines; may read electrical meters.

Skills

Climb trees

Operate trimming equipment

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Reading guidelines

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Line Clearance Tree Trimming Apprenticeship or Journeyman certificate

Commercial driver's license (Class A or B)

Oregon Pesticide Applicator License (preferred)

Tools

Aerial lift

Power saws (chainsaws, pole saws)

Chipper sprayer

Ladders and 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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Assist line crew with the construction and maintenance of overhead and underground electric lines; may read electrical meters.
• 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.
• 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.
• Provide courteous customer service; respond to questions and inquiries from the general public regarding various maintenance projects.
• Contribute to a positive work environment.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality
• 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).