Tree Care Technician - Facilities Services - UTK

University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, through the Arboriculture Group within Facilities Services, seeks a Tree Care Technician I to support tree maintenance and removal under the UTK Campus Arborist. This is an on-site role focusing on safety, proper use of power equipment, and coordination with campus events and storm cleanup.

The position requires a high school diploma or GED and at least one year on a tree crew, with a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• 1 year experience working on a tree crew.
• Knowledge of standard tree care practices.
• Knowledge of OSHA and ANSI standards for tree care operations.
• Ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all weather.
• The ability to read and follow instructions.
• The ability to learn how to operate power equipment including aerial lifts and chippers.
• Valid driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Performs supervised general tree care work, including pruning and removal and debris cleanup.
• Assists with use of ropes, saddles, pole saws, pruners, and rigging equipment.
• Blowing, raking, and site cleanup after work.
• Supports campus-wide events and storm cleanup, including snow/ice removal as needed.
• Operates equipment such as aerial lifts, chippers, skid loaders, and stump grinders under supervision.
• Drives trucks and transports equipment as needed.
• Goes with pesticide applications under supervision.
• Loads pesticide tanks under supervision.
• Plants trees according to established methods.

Skills

Tree care knowledge

Read and follow instructions

Safety awareness

Hard physical work

Equipment operation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Aerial lifts

Skid steer loaders

Chippers

Chainsaws

Rigging equipment

Job description

Job Description Facilities Services Department is responsible for the maintenance and operations of all campus facilities, which includes buildings, grounds, and utility systems. The Arboriculture Group is responsible for the inventory, care, and maintenance of all UT Knoxville campus trees. The Tree Care Technician I performs tree maintenance and tree removal work under the direction of the UTK Campus Arborist and in support of the Arboricultural mission of the UT Facilities Services Landscape Services Division.

Responsibilities

• Performs supervised general tree care work: including assisting with pruning and removal of trees, cleaning up debris, operating equipment including chippers and chainsaws.
• Supervised use of various specialized tools necessary for the performance of tree care work such as ropes, saddles, pole saws, pole pruners, handsaws, and advanced rigging equipment.
• Blowing, raking, and cleanup of work‑sites.
• Assists with overall campus‑wide special event (football) and storm cleanup to include snow/ice removal and debris removal as needed.
• Works in a smart, safe, and efficient manner.
• Drives trucks and operates various equipment such as aerial lifts, brush chippers, skid loaders, and stump grinders.
• Applies pesticides under supervision for control of diseases and insects of trees and shrubs and weed control.
• Mixes pesticides under supervision.
• Loads pesticide tanks under supervision.
• Plants trees according to established standard methods.

Qualifications

• Required Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED
• Required Experience:
  • 1 year experience working on a tree crew
• Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Knowledge of standard tree care practices.
  • Knowledge of OSHA and ANSI Standards for tree care operations.
  • The ability to perform hard, physical work for long periods in all types of weather.
  • The ability to read and follow instructions.
  • The ability to learn how to operate all types of power equipment, including aerial lifts, skid steer loaders, commercial chippers, leaf blowers, chain saws, and etc.
• Other Conditions: Valid Driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Vocational or technical training preferred
• International Society of Arboriculture Certified Tree Worker credentials preferred
• Experience as a supervisor or crew leader preferred

Work Location

• University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN Campus
• This is an on‑site position

Compensation And Benefits

• UT market range: MR05
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here