Tree Trimming Technician II

International Society of Arboriculture; Wake Forest (NC); On-site; USD 53,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated individual to maintain and care for urban hardwood trees. This role involves essential tasks such as planting, pruning, and inspecting trees to ensure their health and safety. You'll work closely with a team, using specialized tools and equipment to perform tree maintenance and lead volunteer efforts. This position not only demands physical stamina but also offers the chance to make a significant impact on the community's green spaces. If you're passionate about arboriculture and enjoy working outdoors, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge in plant identification and tree pruning techniques.
• Ability to operate and maintain forestry equipment and apply pesticides.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine care and maintenance of hardwood trees in urban areas.
• Conduct visual inspections and lead volunteer groups in tree planting.

Skills

Plant identification

Tree pruning practices

Operating tree pruning equipment

Ability to apply pesticides

Understanding of plant biology

Ability to read and interpret work orders

Ability to work in adverse weather conditions

Education

Associate's degree in arboriculture

Bachelor’s degree in forestry

Tools

Chain saws

Hand saws

Pole saws

Pruning tools

Tree inventory maintenance software

Job description

Location: Wake Forest NC
Salary: 53024-82267

General Statement of Duties
An employee in this class is responsible for performing routine care and maintenance of hardwood trees located throughout the urban forest of the Town of Wake Forest. This work involves the planting, pruning, removal, and general maintenance of trees. Other duties may include assisting foremen and crew with inspecting and determining the extent of pruning, removal, elevating, or other corrective action required for trees located on public property. Work is performed with some independent judgment under the general supervision of the Urban Forestry Coordinator.

Employee Values: Employees of the Town of Wake Forest are expected to uphold and exhibit the Town’s shared employee values of caring, commitment, character, and collaboration.

Essential Functions

Duties and Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Task

• Uses and maintains safety equipment & tools and prunes trees to reduce risks and preserve tree health.
• Prunes trees from the ground using pruners, loppers, hand saws, pole pruners, and pole saws.
• Handles, transports, and plants ball & burlap and container-grown trees. Performs follow-up watering, mulch, fertilizing, and treatment for insects and disease problems.
• Conducts visual inspections of trees along the right of way, parks, greenways, and other public properties to determine corrective action necessary to help alleviate problems and concerns.
• Maintains volunteer tree nursery, including the inventory of trees, equipment, and supplies.
• Completes reports as needed and maintains street tree inventory data using tree inventory maintenance software.
• Leads groups of volunteers in planting or maintaining trees.
• Assists with storm cleanup.
• Participates in training and continuing education opportunities.
• Inspect trees planted by developers to ensure appropriate species, location, condition, and methods used.
• Assists Wake Forest Power tree trimming crew as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Considerable knowledge and experience in plant identification, with emphasis on commonly planted and native trees.
• Knowledge of plant biology, structure, and function.
• Familiarity with computers and other technology.
• Considerable knowledge of tree pruning practices and techniques.
• Skill in operating tree pruning equipment.
• Ability to understand the use of hand and power tools and other related equipment.
• Ability to apply pesticides.
• Ability to read, interpret and complete work orders and use maps to organize the workflow of each job and record completed work daily.
• Ability to understand and follow detailed verbal and written communications.
• Ability to operate and maintain forestry/arboriculture equipment and vehicles.
• Ability to use chain saws, hand saws, pole saws, pole pruners, loppers, and hand pruners.
• Ability to learn to operate newly developed arboricultural equipment and machines.
• Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor’s degrees in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, or related fields.
• Two (2) years of experience in arboricultural, forestry, or horticultural operations, including tree maintenance and operating equipment necessary to perform tree maintenance duties.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid class “A” NC Commercial Drivers’ License.
• Possession of or able to obtain ISA Certified Arborist Certification within six months from employment date, and maintain certification as a condition of continued employment.
• Possession of or ability to obtain N.C. Pesticide Applicator License.
• CPR and First Aid certification.

Physical Requirements
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is frequently required to drive, climb, bend, lift, stand, sit, read, communicate, reach, and manipulate objects, tools, and controls. The position requires mobility. Most duties are physically demanding, requiring moving materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Duties require using moderate and light equipment and tools to operate motorized vehicles. Activities and duties require moderate to heavy exertion, manual coordination, and physical dexterity.