MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT (FORESTRY)

City of Columbia; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading city government is seeking a maintenance worker to support operations through semi-skilled and unskilled labor. The role involves physically demanding tasks such as tree pruning and equipment operation. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, chainsaw experience, and a valid driver’s license to ensure they can handle the manual aspects of the job and contribute actively to team efforts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Chainsaw experience preferred.
• Valid South Carolina Class 'D' Driver’s License.

Responsibilities

• Pruning or removing trees in city rights-of-way.
• Operating chain saws, wood chippers, and other tools.
• Performing general manual labor tasks.

Skills

Basic math skills

Ability to follow instructions

Ability to operate machinery

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Chainsaw

Hand tools

Power tools

Job description

This position involves semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance work to support the operations of the assigned division or department. The incumbent works under close supervision according to set procedures and performs other technical work as required.

The work is physically demanding, involving constant lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting between 50 and 75 pounds of force regularly and over 100 pounds frequently. Essential physical abilities include balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

The work environment may expose employees to bright/dim light, dust, pollen, extreme heat or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, vibration, fumes, noxious odors, traffic, moving machinery, chemicals, and pathogens. It is dynamic, requiring sensitivity to change and responsiveness to shifting goals, priorities, and needs.

Primary duties include:

1. Pruning or removing trees in city rights-of-way and other properties as directed;
2. Operating small and large chain saws, wood chippers, stump grinders, and other tools and equipment;
3. Loading and unloading materials onto vehicles;
4. Cleaning and removing debris from work sites;
5. Inspecting equipment for safety and proper functioning, reporting defects or maintenance needs;
6. Performing routine maintenance and cleaning of tools and equipment;
7. Supporting division or department operations through semi-skilled and unskilled maintenance work;
8. Performing general manual labor tasks;
9. Assisting in maintaining trucks and equipment, including cleaning, preventive maintenance, and simple repairs;
10. Driving and operating trucks and other vehicles, and using various hand and power tools;
11. Installing, testing, and repairing service lines;
12. Adhering to departmental policies, safety standards, and quality procedures;
13. Assisting colleagues as needed;
14. Attending training and meetings to enhance skills; and
15. Performing other related duties as assigned.

Minimum requirements:

• High school diploma or GED;
• Some chainsaw experience preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Basic math skills such as addition, subtraction, and measurement;
• Ability to compare or inspect items against standards;
• Ability to follow instructions and supervisor’s directions;
• Ability to handle or operate simple machinery, tools, or equipment;
• Perform routine tasks with common sense;
• Read and interpret simple sentences, instructions, or work orders; write simple sentences and complete forms; communicate using basic grammar;
• Perform simple, repetitive manual or clerical tasks following clear procedures; require minor planning and attention;
• Guide others with limited decision-making responsibilities in a stable environment with clear instructions but some routine variations.