Climber - 3

CITY OF NIAGARA FALLS

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

JOB POSTING

TITLE: Climber -3

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION: Forestry

NUMBER OF VACANCIES: One (1) Temporary

PAY RANGE: Grade 13 $22.8601 - $26.9691 per hour

(With longevity increments when applicable)

ELIGIBILITY: All permanent City hourly employees. Preference will be given to employees in the Department of Parks & Public Works Street Cleaning.

NOTE: This position may require shift work including afternoons and weekends and overtime as needed.

**Must be a resident of Niagara Falls, NY within 6 months of appointment**

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: This is skilled work with supervisory responsibility performed in the City’s parks and streets. The incumbent performs and directs others in the performance of necessary operations involved in the cutting, trimming, pruning, spraying, planting and transplanting, and general care and maintenance of saplings and trees. The incumbent is required to climb to the top of high trees and often works at considerable heights from vehicle mounted bucket trucks involving some occupational risk in the performance of the work. The work also involves operating electrical, gas-powered and manual tree cutting. The incumbent is required to work unusual hours during emergencies and must adhere to work standards and safety precautions. This class differs from that of Climber-2 by virtue of its expanded scope, level of responsibility and supervisory responsibilities. General or direct supervision is received from the Forester, and / or Director of Public Works and Parks and /or Deputy Director of Public Works and Parks. Direct supervision is exercised over assigned workers. The Climber-3 performs related work as required and must be available for emergency call in after normal work hours & schedule.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

Trims trees at various heights from a bucket truck, harness or ladder, using power equipment;

Clears limbs and branches from overhead wires, road signs, traffic lights and other obstructed structures, removes fallen trees from roadways;

Uses ropes, pruning poles and other equipment in pruning and trimming activities;

Climbs trees with rope and saddle when necessary;

Assists in the planting and transplanting of saplings and trees;

Drives a truck or tractor to transport workers and equipment;

Operates manual, electrical and gas powered shears, chain saws, chippers, stumpers, sprayers and related equipment;

Water and fertilizes trees; devises supports for weakened trees;

Devises rope slings for the safe removal of branches and for raising and lowering workers working in trees;

Performs ground maintenance duties including cutting and trimming shrubbery, removal of stumps, raking leaves and similar duties;

Supervises working crews.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Thorough knowledge of climbing and pruning practices and methods; thorough knowledge of the practices, methods and equipment of tree maintenance work; thorough knowledge of tools, ropes, knots and other climbing devices and the occupational hazards and necessary safety precautions of the work; thorough knowledge of the operation and care of tree cutting and spraying equipment; good knowledge of effective supervisory techniques; good knowledge of tree identification indigenous to this area and of the common insects and fungi affecting trees and shrubs and the materials and methods controlling them; skill in the use of chain saws, shears, sprayers and other standard equipment of the work; ability to climb and work in high places; ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to power and manually operated tools and equipment; ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions; ability to lead the work of employees in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position. May require the wearing of a respirator in the performance of duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and two (2) years’ experience in the climbing, trimming and removal of trees.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

· Candidates must possess a Class B or higher New York State Commercial driver’s license or CDL permit at the time of appointment. Candidates who have the permit must obtain a NYS issued Class B (or higher) Commercial driver’s license within ninety (90) days after appointment. In either event, candidates must maintain the required CDL for duration of their employment.

· Employee required to complete bucket truck certification within 90 days after appointment and maintain for the duration of employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.86 - $26.97 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $27