Tree Trimmer

City of Lompoc; Lompoc (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual Pay

Dental Insurance

Health Insurance

Sick Leave

Job summary

The City of Lompoc is seeking a Tree Trimmer to perform tree maintenance, trimming, and removal tasks in parks and public spaces. You will work at considerable heights using hydraulic lifts and ladders, operate power and hand tools, and ensure safety protocols are followed to protect workers and the public.

Qualified candidates typically have 1–2 years of tree care experience, a valid California Class B driver's license with tanker endorsement, and the ability to follow detailed job

Qualifications

• 1-2 years tree trimming/maintenance experience.
• Experience trimming at heights above ground.
• California Driver's License (Class B) with tanker endorsement; Line Clearance Arborist cert desirable.

Responsibilities

• Trim or remove dead or diseased limbs using powered/hand saws and pruning tools.
• Plant or remove trees and shrubbery as needed.
• Operate and maintain tools and equipment.
• Load trimmings for chipping or transport.
• Adhere to safety regulations and follow supervisor instructions.

Skills

Tree trimming

Safety awareness

Communication

Tool operation

Vehicle operation

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Powered saws

Pole pruners

Hydraulic boom

Chipping machine

Hand saws

Job description

DEFINITION/SELECTION PROCESS

This recruitment is to establish an eligibility list for a current vacancy.

Class Characteristics

Positions in the class of Tree Trimmer perform –the working level class in tree maintenance operations. Individuals initially perform manual labor and tree trimming work involved in trimming, planting, cultivating, maintaining, and removing trees and as assigned

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Based upon screening of the City application, résumé, and responses to supplemental questions, applicants whose qualifications best meet the requirements of the position will be invited to the examination process. This process may include but is not limited to, panel interview, which consists of an evaluation of some of the essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and job-related experience listed below. Those candidates who pass the examination process are placed on an eligibility list from which the final selection will be made.

SELECTION PROCESS

As authorized by City policy, applicants being considered for hire in this position are subject to fingerprinting for purposes of investigating criminal history background, as part of the employment screening process. Appointment is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment medical examination (based upon job-related physical standards) by a City-designated physician.

Failure in any one part of the examination or selection processes will disqualify a candidate from further consideration.

Essential Functions/Examples Of Duties

• Provides and helpfully interact with co-workers, supervisors, and everyone encountered.
• Provides good customer service to all individuals contacted in the course of work in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Trims or removes excess, dead or diseased limbs or branches from trees and shrubbery using powered and hand saws and pole pruners.
• Plants and/or removes trees and shrubbery.
• Performs tree surgery work.
• In conformance with safety regulations, lowers cut limbs and branches by slings or lines.
• Picks up trimmings and loads them into a chipping machine or truck.
• Operates and performs trimming work from the hydraulic boom.
• Operates chipping machine.
• Cultivates soil, places stakes and digs holes to aid tree growth and maintenance.
• Cleans vehicles.
• Maintains and sharpens tools and equipment.
• Places cones, road blocks and flags to safely mark off job site.
• Performs spraying of herbicides and pesticides.
• Adheres to the guidance of supervisors, lead workers, and other authorized personnel overseeing tasks.
• Demonstrates sound judgment to ensure safety, continuously remain productive in completing assigned tasks to best benefit the City, and adeptly manage any arising issues.
• Operates City vehicles.
• Learns to clear around high voltage electrical lines.
• Promptly adapt to shifting priorities.
• Comprehend, retain, and execute precise job instructions.
• Communicate proficiently verbally.
• Meets designated deadlines.
• Performs other related work as required.

If you are unable to perform the essential functions of the position for which you are applying, either with or without reasonable accommodation, please notify Human Resources at 805-875-8206.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination of training, education and experience which demonstrates an ability to perform the duties of the position. The typical qualifying entrance background is at least one to two years of experience trimming, cultivating, and caring for trees, including some experience in trimming work at considerable heights above the ground.

LICENSE REQUIRED

Possession of a valid and appropriate California Driver's License, which shall at a minimum be Commercial Class B with tanker endorsement. Employee shall obtain such required license within six (6) months of beginning work in the Tree Trimmer position. It is highly desirable and encouraged that appointees (though not required) obtain within 2-years of appointment a Line Clearance Arborist Certification through A.C.R.T. or another qualifying body.

Knowledge Of

• Proper methods, materials, tools and equipment used in tree trimming, planting, removal, cultivating and maintenance
• Appropriate safety precautions and procedures

Ability To

• Learn techniques of bracing and cabling trees
• Learn the use, cultivation and maintenance requirements of trees used in parks, parkways and for ornamental purposes
• Climb and work safely at considerable heights above the ground in hydraulic lifts, trees and on ladders
• Operate and maintain powered and hand tools and equipment used in tree trimming and related activities
• Operate a vehicle observing legal and defensive driving practices
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, and follow the direction of supervisors, lead workers, and others overseeing the work
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL/PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical

Strength category: Heavy-exert force of 50-100 pounds occasionally to frequently, depending on assignment, 10-25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly to lift, carry, push pull or move objects. Frequent handling, gripping, grasping. Occasional standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, reaching at, above and below shoulder level, extending the neck upward, downward, and side to side, pushing, pulling, twisting at the waist. On rare occasion, sits, crouches, crawls, climbs stairs or ladders, fingers, types. Vision: Visual acuity which could be corrected sufficiently to perform the essential functions of the position; average depth perception needed. Hearing: Effectively hear/comprehend oral instructions and communication and equipment noise.

Mental/Psychological

Work cooperatively and interact appropriately with those contacted in the course of work, including the general public; utilize simple reading, writing, and math skills; understand, remember and carry out detailed job instructions; follow the direction of supervisors, lead workers, and others overseeing the work; utilize good judgment to ensure safety, proactively keep busy performing assigned work as best serves the City, and appropriately handle issues; respond quickly to changing priorities; communicate effectively orally; work under pressure; work within deadlines; perform related work as required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Incumbents work under adverse conditions, such as outside in any weather, around rodents, insects, foul smells, dirt, dust, and other hazards both natural and manmade. Constantly works outdoors; on rare occasion works indoors. Constantly works around machinery. Frequently exposed to slippery or uneven walking surfaces. Occasionally exposed to dust, fumes, gases, odors, solvents, grease or oil, excessive noises; occasionally drives motorized equipment/vehicles. On rare occasion is exposed to extreme temperatures, chemicals, electrical energy; works at unprotected heights.

POTENTIAL CAREER PATH

Experience gained by incumbents in the class of Tree Trimmer can provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to qualify for Line Clearance Tree Trimmer position.

BENEFITS

• Bilingual Pay: Individuals determined to be in an eligible position and qualified by the City will be eligible for $150 per month bilingual pay.
• Deferred Compensation: The City encourages and supports employee enrollment in either MissionSquare or CalPERS deferred compensation plan. Employees may contribute up to the maximum amount according to the IRS Retirement Plan Contribution Limits.
• Dental Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents.
• Health Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following appointment, the employee and dependents are eligible for insurance; the City contributes a substantial amount of the premium for the employee and dependents. Employees can select from three (3) Blue Shield Plans.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Employees of the City of Lompoc are eligible to receive EAP services administered by Anthem Blue Cross. Employee, spouse, and eligible dependents are entitled to receive five (5) sessions per family member, per incident. Services include counseling for various reasons/needs.
• Holidays: Thirteen (13) days per year including one floating holiday.
• Life Insurance: The City provides life insurance in the amount equivalent to two years' annual salary up to a maximum of $300,000. The premium is paid entirely by the City. Employees are eligible for enrollment after the first day following six (6) months of continuous employment. Additional employee coverage is available at group rates.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance: Effective the first day of the month following six complete months of employment, the employee is eligible for insurance. The City pays 100% of the premium.
• Retirement: Third Tier — Employees hired after January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 62 formula. Employees pay 50% of the normal cost of the member's contribution as prescribed by PEPRA. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
• Second Tier — Employees hired after November 19, 2011 and before January 1, 2013 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at age 60 formula. An eight percent (8%) member's contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 36 consecutive months.
• First Tier — Employees hired prior to November 19, 2011 are covered by California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2.7% at age 55 formula with 1959 survivor's benefit. A ten percent (10%) member’s contribution is paid by the employee. Final compensation is the average for the highest 12 consecutive months.
• Social Security: As a City of Lompoc employee, your earnings are not covered by Social Security. Under the Social Security law, there are two ways your Social Security Benefit amount earned under previous employers may be affected, "Windfall Elimination Provision" and "Government Pension Offset Provision." FOR MORE INFORMATION, please visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov. You may also call 1-800-772-1213 or for the deaf or hard of hearing, call the TTY number 1-800-325-0778, or you may contact your local Social Security Office.
• Section 125 Tax Deferral: Program used for out-of-pocket health premiums, medical costs not covered under health plan, and day care/elder care.
• Sick Leave: Commencing at the time of appointment, sick leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate and the employee is eligible to use those benefits reflected as their sick leave balance; accrual rate is 12 days/year.
• Tuition Reimbursement: The City will provide tuition reimbursement for college courses in accordance with Personnel Procedures Manual Chapter 43 "Tuition Reimbursement for College/University Courses." In addition, the City will provide community college students up to 100% tuition reimbursement and 100% reimbursement for required course books per semester. (Course syllabus and receipts identifying books purchased are required for books).
• Vacation: Commencing at the time of appointment, vacation leave benefits accrue at a bi-weekly rate based upon length of employment. Employees are eligible to use vacation leave following completion of six months employment and accrue 10 days per year, which increases to 21 days based on years of service.
• UNION DUES/SERVICES FEES: This classification is a bargaining unit position and, after completion of the probationary period, incumbent must pay either the required union dues or union service representation fee. At which time, the incumbent's terms and conditions of employment are subject to the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"), Local Union 1245 Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"). To view the IBEW MOU, go to http://www.cityoflompoc.com/humanresources/#mou.

The information herein does not either constitute an expressed or implied contract.

These provisions are subject to change without notice.