Urban Forestry Maintenance Operator - Limited Duration

City-of-Salem,-Oregon; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid vacation and sick time

PERS contribution 6%

457b pre-tax contributions

Health care and dependent care FSAs

Long-term care insurance

Wellness program

Employee assistance program

Job summary

The City of Salem's Parks Operations Urban Forestry Division is seeking a tree crew support worker to assist with tree related activities and training alongside seasoned staff. The role offers hands-on learning in tree identification, GIS inventory, pruning, planting, safety and equipment operation, with opportunities to shadow, train, and earn ISA/TCIA/ANSI standards.

You may work with hand tools and heavy equipment, be on standby for after-hours emergencies, and engage with the public about

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in parks maintenance, repair, construction, landscaping, horticulture, turf, or sports field maintenance, or tree trimming.
• Ability to pass background check and pre-employment drug screen; Oregon driver license required.
• Ability to communicate clearly with staff and the public in writing and orally.
• Awareness of safety practices and hazard handling in outdoor work.

Responsibilities

• Support all tree-related activities and learn duties of professional tree care.
• Operate hand tools and equipment including chainsaws, pruners, and stump grinders.
• Drive larger vehicles and operate related heavy equipment as needed.
• Assist with after-hours emergency tree work and standby for events.
• Engage with the public to explain ongoing work by the Urban Forestry Division.

Skills

Safety practices

Customer service

Communication

Math basics

Technology literacy

Team collaboration

Tools

Hand tools

Chainsaws

Power pruners

Brush chippers

Stump grinders

Mini skid steer

Heavy equipment

Job description

Job Summary

The City of Salem Parks Operations Urban Forestry Division is looking for a tree crew support worker to support all tree related activities. This position is funded through an IRA USFS Workforce Development Grant and would allow the qualified candidate to work and train alongside current City of Salem Urban Forestry staff in learning all job duties of professional tree care. Job shadowing and trainings would include tree identification, GIS tree inventory collection, asset management software, tree planting techniques, structural pruning practices, trailer training, wood chipper safety, stump grinding operation, tree rescue training, bucket truck operation, introduction to tree climbing, IPM tree injections, leading volunteer events, community outreach, Traffic control training and certification, heavy equipment training, First Aid & CPR training and certification and learning ISA, TCIA and ANSI professional standards in tree care.

The position will operate a full array of landscape tools including hand tools, chainsaws, blowers, power pruners, brush chippers and stump grinders. This position will also operate mini skid steers, full size skid steers, heavy equipment related to tree removals and tree plantings, as well as be expected to drive larger vehicles.

There is expectation that the successful candidate will be available for afterhours emergency tree work at night and will be placed on standby for certain events and seasonally. In addition, the employee will be expected to be comfortable and knowledgeable in speaking with the public about the work being done by the Urban Forestry Division.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Employees work under general supervision of the Urban Forester and are lead in daily tasks by Project Coordinators and Tree Crew members. Supervision of other employees is not a responsibility of this classification. Employees in this classification may act in a lead role directing the job site tasks of seasonal employees, volunteers or corrections personnel.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Occupational hazards and the safety precautions necessary in area of work assignment.
• Positive and effective customer service principles.
• Safe work practices.
• Basic mathematical concepts.
• Modern technology includes computers, handheld devices and relevant software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public. Communicate information so others will understand both orally and in writing.

Physical Requirements

• Heavy work; exert up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Visual acuity necessary to perform an activity such as: reading blueprints or drawings, operating a motor vehicle; viewing a computer terminal; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and/or assembly of fabrication of parts at distances close to the eyes.
• Perform tasks that may require the incumbent to climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, stand for prolonged periods of 2 hours or more, walk, lift, use manual dexterity, repetitive motions, and grasp with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Receive detailed information through oral communication.
• Work is primarily performed in the outdoors in all weather conditions.

What can we offer you for all your hard work?

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
• Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
• Competitive pay.
• Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
• Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
• Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Voluntary long-term care.
• Employee wellness program.
• Employee assistance program.
• Employee health clinic.
• The City of Salem offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials.

What are the minimum qualifications

• Must pass the pre-employment background check.
• Must have an Oregon Driver license and a driving record that meets the City of Salem's driving standards
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen depending on area assignment.
• Two years of experience in parks maintenance, repair, construction, or landscaping, horticulture, turf, or sports field maintenance or experience tree trimming, or acting as a ground hand.
• Hiring managers do not have access to view resumes as part of the application review process, please make sure to give detailed information in your application that includes your experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities as requested in the supplemental questions and job advertisement.

Preferred Qualifications (not required to apply)

Certifications and/or Licenses:

• Oregon Pesticide License
• Class B CDL
• ISA Arborist Certification
• ODOT Flagger Certification
• First Aid CPR Certification

About us

Salem is the second largest city in Oregon and the capital city. Centrally located in the Willamette Valley, Salem is 49 square miles in size and extends across two counties, Marion and Polk. The community has well-established neighborhoods and carefully preserved historic buildings with wide diversity and a family-friendly ambiance. The city is home to nearly 180,000 residents. For a full community profile detailing demographics and housing statistics, visit the City of Salem website.

The City of Salem organization has eight primary departments: Community Services, Finance, Fire, Enterprise Services, Legal, Police, Public Works, and Community Planning and Development. Several departments also have functional divisions within their department. The City of Salem employs roughly 1,350 talented and dedicated staff members and works collaboratively with five labor unions.

Where can I find out more about the position

Go to the menu option for Class Specifications and search for Parks Maintenance Operator.