Senior Tree Maintenance Worker

City of Sacramento; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sacramento is seeking a Senior Tree Maintenance Worker to lead a crew in performing semi-skilled tree maintenance and plant culture work in Sacramento. The role involves planning, training, scheduling, and direct supervision of lower staff while applying pesticides and maintaining records.

The ideal candidate has two years of relevant experience, a California Pesticide Applicator's Certificate (Category C/D), and a valid California driver license.

Qualifications

• Two years of tree maintenance and plant culture experience.
• Valid California Pesticide Applicator's Certificate with Category C or D.
• California Class C Driver License; Class A/B for some assignments.
• Wears respiratory protective equipment as required.
• Twelve-month probationary period.

Responsibilities

• Make specific work assignments, check progress, and keep records.
• Provide direct supervision to staff while applying pesticides.
• Assist supervisor with training, planning, and scheduling duties.
• Plant, fertilize, spray, prune, and remove trees.
• Inject trees and apply chemicals for disease and pest control.
• Water trees and maintain water wells.
• Operate trucks and equipment such as chippers and sprayers.
• Propagate seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants.
• Water, prune, fertilize, and transplant flowers and trees.
• Weed and cultivate flower beds and shrubs.
• Respond to public inquiries when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Lead guidance

Equipment operation

Plant identification

Job description

To lead, train, and participate in the work of a crew performing a variety of semi-skilled tree maintenance and plant culture work.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Tree Maintenance Worker is distinguished from the next lower class of Tree Maintenance Worker in that the former provides lead supervision to a work crew, which includes assisting incumbents in the class of Tree Maintenance Worker Trainee and Tree Maintenance Worker with the more complex duties. This classification is distinguished from the higher classification of Tree Maintenance Supervisor in that the latter is responsible for the direct supervision of lower level tree maintenance workers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

General supervision is provided by a Tree Maintenance Supervisor. Assignments require lead supervision of Tree Maintenance Worker and Trainee positions. The Senior Tree Maintenance Worker does not directly supervise.

TYPICAL DUTIES

• Make specific work assignments, check work progress, keep work records, and prepare reports of work completed and materials used.
• Provide direct supervision to staff only while applying pesticides.
• Assist the Tree Maintenance Supervisor with training, planning, and scheduling duties, and report problems.
• Plant, fertilize, spray, prune, low limb, and remove trees.
• Inject trees and apply chemicals to plants and trees for disease, pest, and weed control.
• Water trees and clean water wells.
• Operate trucks and other equipment such as jack hammers, chippers, power augers, stumpers, cement cutters and sprayers.
• Propagate seeds and cuttings; graft and bud plants, trees, and shrubs.
• Water, prune, fertilize, and transplant various flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Weed and cultivate flower beds, container plants, shrubs, and other planted areas.
• Prepare cold frame and annual flower beds.
• Respond to inquires from the public on occasion.
• The duties above are typical of those performed by incumbents in this class. Other related duties may also be performed; not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual.

Knowledge of:

• Department operations, procedures, and regulations for tree maintenance and plant culture work.
• Tree maintenance and plant culture methods and techniques.
• Principles, practices, materials, tools, and equipment used in tree maintenance and plant culture work.
• Varieties of plants and trees found in the Sacramento area.
• Safe and efficient work practices and methods for correcting hazardous conditions encountered in the course of work.

Skill in:

• Performing a variety of tree maintenance and plant culture activities using standard methods and equipment.

Ability to:

• Provide lead guidance to lower level workers on a regular basis.
• Assist the supervisor with training, planning, and scheduling duties.
• Keep records and prepare work, time, and material reports.
• Safely operate tree maintenance and nursery related equipment with skill and proficiency.
• Identify various plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and ground covers by botanical and common names.
• Identify common pests and diseases related to trees and plants.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Work effectively with other employees and the general public.

Experience and Education

Two years of experience performing a variety of tree maintenance and plant culture work.

SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Certificate:

• Possession of a valid California Pesticide Applicator's Certificate with a Category 'C' or 'D' qualification at the time of appointment.

PROOF OF CERTIFICATION

Proof of the required certificate and/or license should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

Driver License:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at the time of appointment, and is a condition of continued employment. Loss of the Class C License is cause for discipline. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to physical disability will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Possession of a valid California Class A or B Driver License is required for some assignments.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Respiratory Protective Equipment:

Work in this classification requires wearing respiratory protective equipment at times. When assigned to such work, facial hair must be shaven when it interferes with the safe fitting of respiratory protective equipment.

Some positions may be assigned to the City Nursery.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:

Employees must complete twelve (12) months of probation at a satisfactory performance level prior to gaining permanent status.