Laborer(Forestry)

City of Cleveland Heights; Cleveland Heights (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Cleveland Heights is seeking a Laborer Trainee for outdoor forestry work. Duties include planting, pruning, removals, and operating trucks, skid‑steers, and cranes. Training progresses toward Forestry Technician and Climber trainee roles during probation.

The role demands heavy physical labor in all weather, availability for emergency calls, and CDL‑B eligibility or attainment during the program. Apply to join a dedicated municipal forestry team.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Background in landscaping, horticulture, or other related field a plus.
• Ohio Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) preferred.
• Prefer experience driving various types of larger vehicles including pickup and dump trucks.
• Must be able to work at heights in access of 70+ feet.
• Position requires an individual in good physical condition to perform an extensive amount of heavy manual labor outdoors in all climatic conditions.
• Must be experienced with power tools.
• Must be available for emergency calls when not on regular duty (nights, weekends, and holidays).
• Reliable attendance required.
• Must be able to carry out verbal and written instructions and work well with others.

Responsibilities

• Duties include tree planting, brush chipping, stump grinding, tree pruning, tree removals, driving and operating trucks, skid‑steers and cranes.
• Prepare, operate and maintain all tools and equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Within 6 months of hire – Forestry Technician.
• Within 12 months of hire – Forestry Technician/Climber trainee.

Skills

Follow directions

Public communication

Teamwork

Ground worker duties

Safety procedures

Knots knowledge

Operate stump grinder

Tool maintenance

CDL Class B

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Position will require an individual to be self-motivated, hardworking, reliable and who enjoys working outdoors. Duties include tree planting, brush chipping, stump grinding, tree pruning, tree removals, driving and operating trucks, skid‑steers and cranes. Prepare, operate and maintain all tools and equipment. Other duties as assigned.

This position is a Laborer Trainee that will ultimately advance to the position of Forestry Climber pending successful completion of the probationary period. The position requires an individual to safely operate equipment related to the Forestry Division operation during training. Must perform heavy physical labor in all weather conditions. Must be available 24/7 to respond to emergency calls. Individual must be able to obtain and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities within the below established probationary periods. Training will proceed as follows:

Within 6 months of hire – Forestry Technician

• Demonstrate ability to follow directions


• Demonstrate ability to effectively communicate with the public


• Demonstrate ability to work well with others in a team environment.


• Demonstrate ability to perform ground worker duties as they apply to tree work, including raking, chipping, and operation of gas-powered tools.


• Demonstrate the proper safe work procedures as they relate to working on a tree crew and working on the road


• Demonstrate basic knowledge of knots required for a ground worker


• Demonstrate the ability to safely operate a stump grinder


• Demonstrate ability to keep/manage tools required for use on a daily basis


• Obtain CDL Class B if not already acquired

Within 12 months of hire – Forestry Technician/Climber trainee

• Demonstrate ability to safely and effectively operate an aerial lift and log/crane truck


• Demonstrate ability to safely and properly perform tree pruning and tree removals from an aerial lift


• Demonstrate a competent knowledge of the care and use of ropes, tree rigging equipment, knots, and the use of chain saws and other gas-powered equipment as they related to tree pruning and removals


• Demonstrate the ability to perform tree removals with assistance of a crane


• Demonstrate the ability to analyze a job prior to starting work and determine the best course of action to complete the job in a safe manner

After successful completion of probationary requirements will be promoted to Climber.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Background in landscaping, horticulture, or other related field a plus


• Ohio Commercial Driver’s License (Class B) preferred


• Prefer experience driving various types of larger vehicles including pickup and dump trucks


• Must be able to work at heights in access of 70+ feet.


• Position requires an individual in good physical condition to perform an extensive amount of heavy manual labor outdoors in all climatic conditions


• Must be experienced with power tools


• Must be available for emergency calls when not on regular duty (nights, weekends, and holidays).


• Reliable attendance required


• Must be able to carry out verbal and written instructions and work well with others