Tree Maintenance Specialist - Arborist Tech. - R19117

Sarasota County Government; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Sarasota County Government is seeking an Arborist Tech to support park maintenance and tree care across the county park system. The role focuses on trimming, pruning, and maintaining trees and landscapes to ensure safety and compliance with standards.

The position starts at $21.85/hour with potential for growth and development, and benefits begin within 60 days of hire. A Florida driver’s license is required, and ISA certification is preferred for advancement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent and 1 year experience in tree care maintenance, landscaping, and/or natural lands management.
• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform tree trimming, pruning, and maintenance in county parks.
• Operate aerial bucket trucks, rope and saddle, and hand/power tools.
• Ensure risk reduction and proper clearance of parks.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles as assigned.

Skills

Tree care

Landscaping

Natural lands

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

Do you have an eye for detail and at least one year of experience in landscape, tree care maintenance, and/or natural land management? Our Twins Lake Park is currently in need of an Arborist Tech who will help to ensure risk reduction, clearance, and management of County-owned and operated parks.

The pay for this role starts at $21.85/hr and there are numerous opportunities for both growth and development. Impact your community and apply today, gaining not only a stable career but outstanding benefits that begin within 60 days of hire!

About the Position

This job involves skilled, daily tree trimming and maintenance of trees and landscapes throughout the County park system as required. For more information, see below...

• Perform tree trimming, pruning, and maintenance work professionally, following national and local standards.
• Work as part of the team, utilizing aerial bucket trucks, rope, and saddle, or pruning trees from the ground using a variety of hand and power tools.
• Ensure risk reduction, clearance, and management of County-owned and operated parks by pruning and removing trees of varying sizes.
• Brush chippers, stump grinders, and other large equipment may be used as required.

Additional maintenance functions may include:

• Assist with planting and maintenance of landscape beds, in addition to mowing, weed-eating, edging, and utilizing small power equipment and hand tools.
• Respond to customer complaints, and internal department requests relating to tree and/or landscape issues.
• Complete and submit work orders relating to work performed in a timely and professional manner.
• Responds to emergency situations as required.
• Maintain equipment and vehicles as assigned.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

About You

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or its equivalent -AND- One (1) year experience in tree care maintenance, landscaping, and/or natural lands management.
• Valid Florida Driver's License by date of hire.

Preferred (Bonus) Qualifications:

• ISA Certified Arborist.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of five years.

Physical Demands:

• Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 lbs.
• Employees in this role are expected to lift logs and brush in excess of 75 lbs to feed into the chipper for up to six (6) hours a day.
• Employees can use handling devices (dolly, cart, etc.) or work with another team member to lift and/or move excessive poundage of 50-plus pounds.
• Employees must be able to hoist/pull body weight while using rope and saddle for climbing.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Rate: $21.85/hr

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

If you are selected to join our team, . You will need to present the following items on your first day:

1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

• If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)

2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)