Tree Artisan Helper (General Services Department)

City of Detroit; Michigan; On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Detroit's General Services Department is seeking a Tree Artisan Helper to perform routine to more advanced tree and shrub care. The role involves pruning, trimming, removing broken branches, and assisting in cutting down trees, often outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or GED. The position emphasizes safety, physical endurance, and the ability to follow instructions while working with supervisors and peers.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of methods used in the general care of trees and shrubs.
• Skill in the use and handling of work related tools.
• Skill in physical strength, agility and endurance.
• Ability to work in high open places.
• Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with superiors, co-workers and others.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Responsibilities

• Performs routine and progressively more difficult tasks involved in pruning, trimming and/or evaluating trees and shrubs.
• Removes broken branches or limbs.
• Trims branches to give proper shape and growth.
• Assists in cutting down trees.
• Saws tree branches into smaller pieces of wood.
• Lifts and carries tree branches to appropriate vehicles for proper disposal.
• Performs routine tree and park grooming work.
• Operates trucks or other automotive equipment used in forestry or landscape work, as required.
• Performs duties in accordance with Departmental safety procedures including, but not limited to, the utilization of designated personal protective equipment.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Skills

Tree care knowledge

Tool handling

Physical strength

Work in open spaces

Interpersonal skills

Oral and written instruction adherence

Education

High School Diploma / GED

Job description

GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

TREE ARTISAN HELPER

Under immediate supervision, performs routine and progressively more difficult tasks involved in the general care of trees and shrubs.

• Performs the less skilled and more routine tasks involved in pruning, trimming and/or evaluating trees and shrubs.
• Removes broken branches or limbs.
• Trims branches to give proper shape and growth.
• Assists in cutting down trees.
• Saws tree branches into smaller pieces of wood.
• Lifts and carries tree branches to appropriate vehicles for proper disposal.
• Performs routine tree and park grooming work.
• Operates trucks or other automotive equipment used in forestry or landscape work, as required.
• Performs duties in accordance with Departmental safety procedures including, but not limited to, the utilization of designated personal protective equipment.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications (required):

• High School Diploma or G.E.D (General Education Development)

Qualifications (preferred):

• One (1) year of experience in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs.

Equivalency

• Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Evaluation Plan

• Interview: PASS / FAIL
• Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 100%
• Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P:100%

Additional points may be awarded for:

• Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
• Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points

LRD: 05/04/2026

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of methods used in the general care of trees and shrubs.
• Skill in the use and handling of work related tools.
• Skill in physical strength, agility and endurance.
• Ability to work in high open places.
• Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with superiors, co-workers and others.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions.

Physical Demands

• Work involves frequent walking, standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, lifting branches and tools/equipment weighing up to 100 pounds, and exposure to heights.

Work Environment

• Work is performed outdoors with exposure to all seasonal weather conditions.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.