Seasonal Labor - Forestry

Under direct supervision, the Laborer/Maintenance-Forestry position performs skilled manual duties in brush chipping and assisting Arborist crews with pruning, tree and stump removal, tree planting and care, and running related equipment. Work is typically performed in teams of workers. 

The Laborer works under direct supervision to assist others in work involving risk of harm to personnel, equipment, or property. Responsible for safety, accuracy, and quality of his/her own work and for the safe operation of all equipment issued, in accordance with Public Works Department policy.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Drives or rides in chipper truck and operates brush chipper to collect and clean up branches and tree debris.
   1. Inspects truck and chipper on a daily basis, prior to operation to ensure proper fuel levels, tire pressure, and overall condition are conducive to safe operation; reports broken parts and malfunctioning equipment to supervisor as needed;
   2. Follows assigned routes or follows Arborist crew or designated crew leader;
   3. Collects branches left on curbs by residents and tree pruning crews;
   4. Loads and operates chipping machine or log loader;
   5. Takes truck to landfill for disposal of debris as needed.
2. Assists Arborist crews with pruning, tree and stump removal as directed.
   1. Sets up proper lane closures for work areas according to established guidelines to ensure safety;
   2. Monitors and communicates with crew member in bucket truck to ensure safe conditions;
   3. Assists by using pole saw or chain saw (at ground level);
   4. Collects debris on the ground;
   5. Fills holes left from stump removal with topsoil;
3. Assists Arborist crews with planting, transplanting, and caring for trees.
   1. Unloads materials;
   2. Removes wire and burlap or containers from trees;
   3. Sprays pesticides and herbicides, applies fertilizer, mulch, and water;
   4. Reinforces trees with stakes, braces and cables.
4. Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions.
   1. Communicates with others in the work unit to provide information relating to work assignments and progress of work or to convey information about conditions or work related needs;
   2. Conveys basic information to the public when approached with questions.
5. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices.
   1. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss;
   2. Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work;
   3. When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner.
6. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

The job requires a high school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.). A valid commercial driver's permit is required within two weeks of hire for personnel required to work with specialized equipment. Personnel not required to run technical equipment are required to have a valid driver's license.  
 
Knowledge, skills and abilities include:

• General knowledge of grounds-keeping practices;
• Knowledge of minor mechanical equipment maintenance activities;
• Basic knowledge of fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides and the proper handling of hazardous materials;
• Skill in performing minor maintenance functions;
• Skill in the proper operation of truck and brush chipper;
• Ability to communicate effectively and have good customer service skills;
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Salary : $19 - $21