Oak Park, IL – Forestry Technician II

Village of Oak Park; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a Forestry Technician to care for the community's urban forest, with nearly 18,000 trees across parkways and public areas. This is a key role in a diverse municipal forestry program.

Essential duties include trimming, planting, removing hazards, operating bucket trucks and other equipment, and performing heavy physical labor in varying weather conditions. Safety comes first.

Qualifications

• Two years of grounds maintenance experience including tree trimming.
• Formal urban forestry training; ISA certification desirable.
• Illinois Class B CDL without air brake restriction.
• Certified Arborist designation from the ISA.

Responsibilities

• Trim, plant, and maintain trees and landscaped areas.
• Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees; operate bucket truck.
• Work at heights using an aerial lift or by climbing.
• Prune trees and stake trees as necessary.
• Operate equipment including chippers, stump grinders, and chain saws.
• Perform preventive maintenance on equipment.
• Perform heavy physical labor and ensure safety policies.

Skills

Tree maintenance

Equipment operation

Safety awareness

Climbing

Communication

Physical stamina

Reading/writing

Tools

Bucket truck

Chipper

Stump grinder

Chain saws

Log loader

Aerial lift

Job description

The Village of Oak Park is seeking a talented Forestry Technician to join our team and help care for one of the community’s greatest natural assets, it’s urban forest. With nearly 18,000 trees across parkways and other public landscaped areas representing more than 125 species, this is an exceptional opportunity to work in a diverse and well established municipal forestry program.

Union: SEIU

FLSA: Non-exempt

Pay Grade: 9

Hours: 40 per week

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.

DEFINITION

To perform skilled work in the maintenance of trees; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full journey level class within the Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Forestry Worker I by the performance of the full range of duties assigned including planting, trimming and removing trees. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Forestry Superintendent; Receives general direction from the Forestry Crew Chief

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

• 1. Trim, plant, and maintain trees and various landscaped areas.
• 2. Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees; work from and/or operate bucket truck.
• 3. Work at heights using an aerial lift or by climbing.
• 4. Prune trees and stake trees as necessary.
• 5. Operate moderately heavy and light equipment including chippers, stumpers, chain saws and various other equipment.
• 6. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment as required.
• 7. Perform heavy physical labor.
• 8. Ensure the adherence to safe work policies and procedures.

Other important responsibilities and duties:

• 1. Remove snow from parking lots, streets and alleys as required.
• 2. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; providing appropriate information.
• 3. Perform various landscape maintenance tasks.
• 4. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• · Methods, materials, and equipment used in arboriculture work.
• · Safe work practices outlined by OSHA, ANSI Z133, and ISA Best Management Practices.
• · Methods and techniques of tree trimming, removal and planting.
• · Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
• · Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

• · Perform skilled tree maintenance work as assigned
• · Perform preventive maintenance on mechanical equipment as required.
• · Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• · Use and operate hand tools, power tools, chain saws, and mechanical equipment including aerial lift truck, log loader, front-end loader, stump grinder and chipper in a safe and efficient manner.
• · Climb trees utilizing rope and saddle.
• · Operate a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.
• · Understand and follow oral instructions.
• · Perform a variety of manual tasks for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.
• · Apply good judgment and practical knowledge to resolve unusual or irregular problems.
• · Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• · Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others.
• · Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

• o Perform Forestry field work such as pruning and removing trees and clearing brush.
• o Operating assigned equipment.
• o Sitting for extended periods of time.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

• o Making observations
• o Communicating with others
• o Reading and writing
• o Operating assigned equipment

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: Two years of increasingly responsible experience in a variety of grounds maintenance activities including tree trimming and working from an aerial bucket truck. AND

Training: Demonstrated formal and/or documented informal education providing knowledge of urban forestry. Additional specialized training in horticulture or a related field is desirable. AND

.

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license without an air brake restriction.

Possession of a Certified Arborist designation from the International Society of Arboriculture.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Travel from site to site; some exposure to dust and noise; some heavy lifting, standing, climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.