TREE CLIMBER - NATURAL RESOURCES

Arlington; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 36,093 - 46,287; Full time

Job summary

A Massachusetts municipal body is seeking a Tree Climber to perform maintenance and pruning of street trees, operate various equipment, and assist with snow removal. Candidates must have a high school diploma, a valid Massachusetts Class B CDL, and one year of relevant experience. The role involves outdoor work in varying weather conditions and requires physical stamina for lifting and operating heavy equipment. An ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and familiarity with maintenance practices.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a groundsman.
• Experience operating heavy motor equipment.
• Must have a valid Massachusetts Class B CDL.

Responsibilities

• Perform ongoing maintenance and pruning of street trees.
• Assist with town-wide snow removal during winter months.
• Maintain readiness of vehicles and equipment used.

Skills

Knowledge of tools and techniques for tree maintenance

Problem-solving skills

Ability to operate power tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Chainsaws

Aerial bucket truck

Backhoe

Job description

Tree Climber

Will train right candidate - Must have a CDL Permit at minimum.

Rate: $26.20 - $33.60 per hour. 40 hours per week. Double-Time for Snow and Ice Operations.

Definition

Skilled manual work and operation of various equipment and vehicles used to maintain the town’s trees and green areas; all other related work, as required.

Supervision

Works under the direct supervision of the Foreman, following departmental rules, regulations and policies, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations to complete assigned task or tasks according to a prescribed time schedule, but referring unusual problems to supervisors.

Work Environment

Work is performed outdoors with frequent exposure to adverse weather conditions, heights, power lines and periodic exposure to accidental injury which could result in occupational disability. The employee is required to respond to weather-related emergencies.

The employee operates a truck and variety of equipment, hand and power tools, including chainsaws, chippers and ropes, back hoe, front end loader, hydraulic crane, aerial bucket truck, and stump grinders.

The employee has regular contact with other town departments, outside agencies and the general public.

Errors could result in personal injury, injury to others, delay or loss of service and damage to buildings and property or equipment, or legal repercussions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for ongoing maintenance and pruning of all street trees and removing hazardous dead trees or limbs and removal of roots and stumps; performs emergency maintenance to trees and limbs taken down or damaged during storms to enable access of emergency vehicles; plants trees and shrubs.
• Fertilizes, mulches and weeds plants, trees and shrubbery on town property.
• Sprays pesticides and herbicides; waters planting beds and trees to reduce tree and shrub loss.
• Assists other departments (cemetery and water) with root, limb or tree removal.
• Assists with town-wide snow removal and sanding operations during winter months.
• Loads and unloads trucks; picks up and hauls.
• Maintains the readiness of the vehicles and equipment assigned; ensures that all usual and customary tools and safety equipment are readily available and secured.
• Regularly assesses the condition of the assigned vehicle; keeps vehicle clean inside and out, checks all safety equipment, and reports any defects to a supervisor; tests equipment to determine satisfactory condition following repair; inspects equipment and reviews work practices and operating procedures to ensure compliance with applicable health and safety codes and standards, and keeps work area and equipment and tools clean, neat, orderly safe and secure.
• Performs similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High school diploma; one year of experience as a groundsman; experience operating heavy motor equipment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Massachusetts Class B CDL
• Pesticide/Herbicide Spray License
• Hoisting License

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Thorough knowledge of the tools, techniques, equipment, safety practices and procedures used to maintain and remove trees, limbs, stumps and roots. Knowledge of landscaping and rigging. Knowledge of the tools, techniques, equipment, and procedures used in motor equipment repair and maintenance.

Ability to operate and maintain motor equipment, power tools and hand tools. Ability to interact in an effective manner with fellow employees, managers, other agencies, regulators, vendors and the public. Ability to work in difficult high places. Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Problem‑solving skills. Skill in operation of required equipment and tools.

Physical Requirements

Strenuous physical effort is generally required to perform duties. The employee is frequently required to use hands to operate equipment, walk, stand, speak, hear, reach with hands and arms, balance, crouch, crawl, stoop, and climb. Stamina is required to work in adverse weather conditions and dangerous situations. Required to work in confined spaces and lift or move items weighing more than 100 pounds. Physical ability is required to use power and hand tools, drive various classes of motor vehicles, operate and drive various pieces of equipment. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. 8/16/01