Tree Maintenance Worker 3

PASSAIC COUNTY; Paterson (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

PASSAIC COUNTY is seeking a Tree Maintenance Worker 3 for the Parks & Recreation department in Paterson. Under direction, you will prune, feed, brace, remove and transplant trees and shrubs, using ladders, hooks and belts and various equipment.

You will lead skilled and semi-skilled staff, perform complex tasks, operate saws and chippers, maintain safety procedures, and help maintain planting and grounds as part of a busy municipal program.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in care and maintenance of trees and shrubs.
• Driver’s license (NJ) required; CDL and pesticide certification may be required.
• Ability to read, write and communicate in English.

Responsibilities

• Provide assignments and guidance to tree maintenance staff.
• Prune, feed, brace, remove and transplant trees and shrubs.
• Operate cutting tools and equipment safely (chainsaws, chippers).
• Ensure safety procedures and deadlines are met.

Skills

Tree climbing

Chainsaw operation

Staff supervision

Safety procedures

Tools

Chain saw

Stump grinders

Chippers

Handsaws

Axes

Job description

Human Resources
401 Grand Street, Room 404
Paterson, NJ 07505

[phone]
[phone] Fax

Tree Maintenance Worker 3 | Parks & Recreation

• Type: Full Time
• Posted Date: 07/28/2026

Under direction, performs skilled tree maintenance work such as pruning, feeding, bracing, repairing, spraying, fertilizing, removing and transplanting trees and shrubs; climbs trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, and other manual or mechanical equipment used to aid in performing tree maintenance tasks; takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; may function as an assistant supervisor; does related work as required. The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Provides assignments, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff. Takes the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff, and performs the more complex and difficult tasks. May function in an assistant supervisor capacity depending on the organizational structure of the hiring agency. Uses pole shears, saws, axes and other cutting tools to prune trees or remove dead limbs; operates and feeds branches into chipper. Scrapes decayed matter from cavities in trees using shovels or picks and fills holes with cement to promote healing and prevent further deterioration. Cuts down trees using chain or hand saws. Installs guying and bracing to prevent wind damage and encourage correct growth. Uses ropes and pulleys to remove tree branches. Bags and transplants trees and shrubs using burlap and shovel. Sprays and dusts pesticides on shrubs and trees to control pests and diseases. Fertilizes trees to promote growth using appropriate method and equipment. Applies herbicides to kill brush and weeds. Plants trees and shrubs by digging holes, setting, back-filling, watering and bracing. Visually inspects trees and shrubs to diagnose diseased, infested,damaged or unsafe conditions. Performs minor maintenance to equipment or tools used. Ensures safety procedures, rules and regulations are followed, and deadlines are met. May operate motor vehicles and light construction equipment on a limited basis. Oversees and may perform a variety of tasks such as planting grass seed, placing sod on areas, cutting brush, mowing grass, and loading and unloading refuse, removing snow, and so forth. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the methods, practices, tools and materials used in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs; occupational hazards and safety precautions involved in tree maintenance work; common varieties of trees and their structure; knots, hitches and rigging used to lower limbs and treetops. Ability to climb trees using a ladder, climbing hooks and belts, or other equipment; use or operate a chain saw, stump grinders, chippers, handsaws, axes, wedges and other power and/or hand tools used to perform tree maintenance tasks; provide assignment, instruction and guidance to skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; take the lead over skilled and semi-skilled tree maintenance staff; tie knots such as square bowline; perform mechanical and manual operations; lift, push, and pull heavy objects for short distances; understand, remember, and carry out oral direction; learn quickly from oral instruction and from demonstrations; learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units; read, write, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees may be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated. Appointees may be required to obtain a Pesticide Applicator Certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection.

The County of Passaic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements:

Education:

See above.

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in the care and maintenance of trees and shrubs, which shall have included the use and/or operation ofmanual or mechanical equipment used to climb trees.

Note:

This is a union, civil service competitive position offering full county benefits.

License:

NJ residency and possession of a NJ Driver’s License is required. County residency is preferred.

Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that may include fingerprinting. Any appointments made from posting which involve movement between unit scopes, may result in a forfeiture of rights to any promotional list in a former unit scope. As of September 2010, in accordance with N.J.S.A 52:14-7, the New Jordan First Act, all new employees must reside in the State of New Jersey unless exempt under the law ...