Tree Maintenance Aide (GH) - Forestry

City of Wichita; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Wichita is seeking a dedicated tree care worker to prune and remove trees along rights-of-way, city parks, and other city properties. The role involves climbing, operating a chainsaw, and carrying out cleanup while following safety protocols and supervision.

Work hours are Monday–Friday, 7:00am–3:30pm. Employees will pass a pre-employment physical and drug screening; starting pay for current city employees will be determined by policy and bargaining unit agreement.

Qualifications

• Requires ability to climb trees and operate cutting equipment safely.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Climb trees using ropes and safety gear to prune or remove branches.
• Remove dead or dangerous trees and clear debris from pruning/removal work.
• Operate tools and equipment with care to avoid injury and property damage.
• Perform related duties as needed and follow supervisor instructions.

Skills

Tree climbing

Chainsaw operation

Safety awareness

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Chainsaw

Rope and climbing gear

Job description

This is manual work caring for trees along street rights-of-way, in City parks, and on other City properties. Specialized work pruning and removing trees and other semiskilled tasks related to the care of trees are performed. Work can be hazardous, and employees must use caution to avoid injury and damage to persons and property. Training, assignments, and instructions are received from a more experienced coworker and/or supervisor; and work is normally performed under close supervision.

The day and hours for this position:

Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm

Bargaining Unit:

Service Employee's International (SEIU)

**Employees within the department or division shall be given first consideration**

**Posting may close at any time**

• Climbs trees, using climbing ropes and safety belt; removes dead, broken, or superfluous branches with hand or power saws; and seals tree wounds with a preservative.
• Removes dead and dangerous trees; grubs and pulls out stumps.
• Removes debris from tree pruning and tree removal operations.
• These examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
• Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

• Some knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
• Ability to start, operate, stop, and carry while positioned at a variety of angles and positions within a tree, a chain saw (snapped to a climber's saddle) that weighs up to 22 pounds.
• Ability to tolerate equipment and machinery noise with the use of ear plugs or other hearing protection
• Ability to lift 100% of body weight by end of probationary period in order to climb trees as the job requires (minimum of 70% is required at pre-employment FCE).
• Ability to knot, accurately throw, and climb a half-inch rope up to heights of twenty feet.
• Ability to operate a 26\" hand saw.
• Ability to bend, squat, and twist as required to shovel soil from up to three feet below ground level.
• Ability to swing an ax accurately and effectively to chop at ground level.
• Ability to drag, pull, and carry up to 40 pounds of bulk as far as 50 feet and load same, using an ensilage or pitchfork, up to heights of eight feet.
• Ability to lift up to 150 pounds with assistance of another worker.
• Ability to use lawn rake and push broom.
• Ability to work outdoors when inclement weather conditions are present.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

• Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
• A valid Driver's License
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred Experience and Training

• Six months of experience in work involving the use of tools and equipment, such as chain saws and hauling equipment used in tree care activities.

Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening, and upon satisfactory evaluation of the results of a criminal record check.

Starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.