Tree Worker/Climber (12544, Grade HL6)
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission seeks a Tree Climber in Gaithersburg, MD to perform tree maintenance and care across Montgomery Parks. You will gain hands‑on experience in climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, and safety practices while helping preserve park resources.
The role supports urban forestry, trails, natural areas, and green spaces, with opportunities for professional development and field experience.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or GED required.
- One year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for 1 year total.
- Valid driver’s license without encumbrances; CDL may be required depending on assignment.
Responsibilities
- Climb trees using saddles, ropes, and safety gear; perform work from aerial lift as assigned.
- Use rigging systems to remove or lower trees, limbs, and sections safely.
- Coordinate with ground crew for safe operations during climbing, lowering, and removal work.
- Inspect and operate chainsaws, chippers, and hand tools; prune, trim, and remove hazardous trees.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Trees are an essential part of Montgomery Parks' landscapes, natural areas, and public spaces, and our team plays a vital role in keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving. Montgomery Parks is seeking a Tree Climber to join the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a member of our tree crew, you’ll perform tree maintenance and care throughout Montgomery Parks while helping preserve and enhance one of our most valuable natural resources. Working alongside experienced arborists and tree care professionals, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in tree climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, and other specialized tree care practices. Through training, professional development, and field experience, you’ll have opportunities to expand your skills and build a rewarding career in urban forestry while making a lasting impact on Montgomery Parks' trails, natural areas, and green spaces.
Trees are an essential part of Montgomery Parks' landscapes, natural areas, and public spaces, and our team plays a vital role in keeping them healthy, safe, and thriving. Montgomery Parks is seeking a Tree Climber to join the Horticulture, Forestry and Environmental Education Division in Gaithersburg, Maryland. As a member of our tree crew, you’ll perform tree maintenance and care throughout Montgomery Parks while helping preserve and enhance one of our most valuable natural resources. Working alongside experienced arborists and tree care professionals, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in tree climbing, aerial operations, pruning, removals, rigging, and other specialized tree care practices. Through training, professional development, and field experience, you’ll have opportunities to expand your skills and build a rewarding career in urban forestry while making a lasting impact on Montgomery Parks' trails, natural areas, and green spaces.
The Urban Forestry Section cares for trees throughout Montgomery Parks and supports the safety, health, and long‑term stewardship of the park system’s tree resources. Tree crew members work together in field‑based operations that include climbing, pruning, removals, hazard response, and specialized tree‑care practices.
- Learn more about the Urban Forestry Section: https://montgomeryparks.org/about/divisions/arboriculture/
Montgomery Parks is an award‑winning park system and part of The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC). Supported by more than 1,000 dedicated employees, we care for 416 parks, including trails, and natural spaces across Montgomery County, with team members working in a wide range of roles including park operations, public programs, park planning, public safety, and administration. Our work is visible in everyday moments, from safe, well‑maintained trails to welcoming parks and community programs. Careers with Montgomery Parks offer purpose, stability, and the opportunity to make a visible, lasting impact where people live, work, and connect.
- Learn More About Montgomery Parks: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/
- Safely climbs trees using saddles, ropes, climbing hooks, safety lanyards, and other approved equipment and performs work from aerial lift equipment, as assigned.
- Uses ropes, pulleys, rigging systems, and lowering devices to remove or lower trees, limbs, and tree sections safely.
- Coordinates closely with ground crew members to maintain clear communication and safe operations during climbing, lowering, and removal work.
- Operates chainsaws and hand tools to fell, prune, trim, and remove hazardous, diseased, damaged, dead, or unwanted trees and brush.
- Assists with inspections to identify hazardous trees, structural concerns, and tree‑health issues and applies corrective action within established guidelines.
- Clears fallen trees and debris from roads, trails, creeks, bike paths, buildings, and other park areas and may respond to storm damage and tree‑related emergencies.
- Inspects, operates, and maintains chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, hand tools, radios, vehicles, trailers, and other tree‑care equipment.
- Completes preventive maintenance and minor repairs, secures and accounts for equipment, and promptly reports mechanical concerns.
- Establishes safe work zones, uses required personal protective equipment, and follows applicable safety standards and procedures.
- Works with equipment operators, park maintenance employees, and other crew members to complete work‑site setup, debris removal, cleanup, and restoration.
- Maintains accurate TreeKeeper records and completes required reports, forms, and related documentation.
- Contributes to a cooperative, safety‑focused work environment and performs related park maintenance duties as assigned.
- Knowledge of tree climbing, pruning, removal, rigging, tree‑maintenance practices, local tree species, common diseases, and recognized industry safety standards.
- Skill in safely operating chainsaws, chippers, climbing and rigging systems, aerial lift equipment, hand tools, vehicles, trailers, radios, and related tree‑service equipment.
- Ability to identify tree hazards, follow established procedures, select appropriate corrective actions, and complete physically demanding work at considerable heights.
- Clear communication, sound judgment, teamwork, and attention to safety when coordinating with crew members and working around the public.
- Ability to maintain accurate electronic and paper records and obtain CPR and First Aid certification.
- Experience performing aerial tree work, technical rigging, hazardous tree removal, or storm‑response operations.
- Experience using TreeKeeper or a comparable tree inventory and work‑management system.
- International Society of Arboriculture credential or relevant arboriculture, climbing, chainsaw, aerial lift, or aerial rescue training.
- High school diploma or Certificate of General Educational Development (GED).
- One (1) year of tree maintenance experience including six months of tree climbing experience.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 1 year.
- Valid driver’s license in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations. Driver’s license must be unencumbered by restrictions, revocations, suspensions, or points that could limit the employee’s ability to drive Commission vehicles or perform driving duties required by the position of assignment.
- Depending on area of assignment, a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with appropriate endorsements, and must be in accordance with both State and Commission rules and regulations.
- Pass Commission medical examination.
Class Specification: Tree Worker/Climber
- Primarily works outdoors and at considerable heights in adverse weather conditions and around noise, vibration, dust, and hazardous materials.
- Works around power tools, power lines, wild animals, stinging insects, poison ivy, oak or sumac, and dead or dangerous trees and limbs.
- Frequently remains in a stationary position; balances and pulls while removing trees; operates vehicles, tools, and equipment; climbs ladders and trees; positions self to complete manual work; and moves equipment, tools, and supplies weighing over 100 pounds.
- Overtime and emergency on‑call work may be required.
- The salary range shown reflects the approved pay range for this position. Starting salary will be determined based on qualifications and experience.
- Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- We offer a flexible and competitive benefits package.
- This position is a union represented role covered by the MCGEO collective bargaining agreement.
The Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non‑merit factor.
Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301‑454‑1411 (Maryland Relay 7‑1‑1)
M‑NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.
The following benefit summary is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor should be construed as an employment agreement with the M‑NCPPC, implied or actual. It is not all‑inclusive and is subject to change. Benefits listed are extended to all Merit System employees of the Maryland‑National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M‑NCPPC). All plans are optional except the Defined Benefit and Long‑Term Disability plans.
You have 45 days from your hire date to elect your benefits. Your coverage begins on the first of the month following receipt of your enrollment forms and required documentation.
- Defined Benefit Plan (Mandatory Participation) – Plan E excludes FOP members.
9.5%* of base salary (FOP members only)
4% of base salary up to maximum Social Security Wage Base (SSWB) and 8% in excess of SSWB.
- 457 (b) Plan (Optional) [Pre‑tax and Roth]
- Traditional and Roth IRAs (Optional)
- Retiree Healthcare – Eligibility requires, at least 10 years of eligible service and continuous enrollment in M‑NCPPC plans (or proof of continuous enrollment in comparable plans) during the 36 months immediately preceding your retirement date. Premium cost share based on years of service
- Medical
- Kaiser Permanente Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) – (15%)
- UnitedHealthcare Select Exclusive Provider Organization Health Plan (EPO) – (20%)
- UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus Point of Service (POS) – (20%)
- Prescription – CVS Caremark – (15%)
- Dental – Delta Dental PPO and DeltaCare USA HMO – (20%)
- Vision – EyeMed – (80% of Low Option plan paid by Commission. Any balance paid by employee.)
- Medical Account – Maximum annual contribution: $3,300
- Dependent Care Account – Maximum annual contribution: $7,500
- Employee Pays 20%: Commission Pays 80% (FOP Members Pay 100%)
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary, maximum of $6,000/month
- Benefits paid at 66 2/3% of base salary that exceeds $108,000; capped at $216,000
- Two (2) times base salary; maximum benefit is $200,000 for each
- Automatic coverage with opt‑out provision
- Supplemental – 1,2,3,4, or 5 times base salary; maximum benefit is $750,000
- Spouse/Dependent Combination - $10,000/$5,000, $20,000/$10,000, or $30,000/$15,000
- Employees have 60 days from date of hire to enroll.
- Employee contributes 8 leave hours each year
- Annually covers up to 688 hours for own serious medical condition, and 480 hours for parental responsibilities (birth, adoption or foster care), and 80-160 hours for serious medical condition of an immediate family member
- Annual: 15 days per year
- Personal: 3 days per year (12-month waiting period)
- Sick: 15 days per year
- Holidays: 11 days per year
- Credit Union
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Legal Services Plan
- Tuition Assistance Program
- Wellness Program
- Work-Life Program
For a more detailed description of benefits, please contact the Commission’s Health and Benefits Office at benefits@mncppc.org or 301-454-1694.
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