Urban Forestry Crew Supervisor

The City of Salinas Urban Forestry Division is seeking to fill the position of Urban Forestry Crew Supervisor. We invite applicants with a minimum of four years, full-time urban forestry experience and with lead tree trimmer experience. 

Note: All applicants must include a copy of their high school diploma/GED and a valid driver's license. All interviews will be conducted in-person.  Applications will be considered incomplete without the required documents. 

Summary of Duties: To assume substantial responsibility for the daily supervision of tree trimmer crews; to perform a variety of skilled tree trimming work; and to assist the Parks, Grounds, Forestry Operations Manager with administrative duties pertaining to tree trimming.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is the advanced journey and supervisory class in the Urban Forestry class series. This class is responsible for daily supervision of tree trimmer crews, providing functional supervision to Senior Urban Forestry workers, and other subordinate personnel.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives direction from the Parks, Grounds, Forestry Operations Manager. Exercises general supervision over assigned personnel.

1. Assumes substantial responsibilities for planning, assigning, and supervising the work of tree trimming crews
2. Assists the Parks, Grounds, Forestry Operations Manager with administrative duties such as recordkeeping, preparing reports, budgeting, purchasing, and scheduling
3. Evaluates work procedures; recommends and implements improvements
4. Performs and supervises specialized tree trimming work
5. Prunes trees and shrubbery to provide clearance of streets, sidewalks, signs, and lights and as necessary to ensure continued health of trees
6. Removes fallen trees, dead limbs, stumps and other debris as necessary
7. Cleans, maintains and performs regular safety inspections on climbing and trimming equipment
8. Oversees and directs the planting, staking and pest control of trees and shrubs
9. Responds and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints
10. Implements City Tree Ordinance and regulations
11. Performs general and specialized forestry and landscape as necessary
12. Performs related duties as assigned

Knowledge of: 

• City policies and procedures pertaining to tree trimming and landscape maintenance
• Principles and techniques of effective employee supervision
• Advanced urban forestry arboriculture principles and techniques
• Methods, materials, tools and equipment used in the trimming and removal of trees
• Tree planting and maintenance methods
• Tree diseases and pests and proper methods of their eradication
• Safe work practices 
• CAL OSHA International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) tree trimming safety standards
• Methods, materials, equipment, and tools used in general park maintenance work

Ability to:

• Supervise and coordinate the work of forestry personnel
• Train new and journey level personnel
• Keep neat and accurate records; prepare clear and concise reports
• Perform specialized forestry duties
• Assist with administrative duties such as budgeting, purchasing, and scheduling
• Work safely and efficiently in trees of all sizes
• Use hand and power tools skillfully and safely
• Check, recognize and safely correct or report defects in tree climbing and trimming equipment
• Inspect tree climbing and trimming equipment and repair defects when noted
• Study and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints
• Understand, carry out and give accurate oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others
• Perform a variety of general and specialized landscape maintenance duties

Skills to: 

• Competently trim and prune trees
• Climb trees and use tree trimming equipment and tools
• Mix and apply pesticides and herbicides for effective results

Education: High school diploma/GED.
Experience: Four years of skilled urban forestry experience, including two years as a lead tree trimmer.
Licenses and Certifications: 

1. A valid State of California Driver’s License.
2. Possession of a California Pesticide Applicator Certificate, must be completed within six months of employment.
3. Possession of valid Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.) and American Red Cross issued Basic First Aid cards, must be completed within six months of employment
4. Possession of an International Society of Arboriculture Certificate, must be completed within probationary period of 18 months

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read fine printed materials on labels, Material Safety Data Sheets, manuals, maps, diagrams, to work with color-coded wires with no color deficiencies; hearing sufficient to conduct in person, radio and telephone conversations occasionally over the noise of operating equipment; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance, on the telephone and in addressing groups; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about uneven and un-landscaped terrain; physical strength to lift from the floor up to 30 lbs. and up to 50 pounds with assistance; physical stamina sufficient to sit or walk for prolonged periods of time and persevere long periods of exposure to pollen and grass - no severe allergic reactions to dust or pollen; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions. 

A combination of outdoor work inspecting job sites and tree failures, and a business office working environment.  In the office, subject to sitting at a desk completing reports, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Be available for emergency call-out response for forestry activities.   In the field, walking and standing for long periods of time, work in all types of weather environments, rain, heavy traffic, heat and wind. Ability to work in environments with very loud equipment noise levels.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Sylvia Enriquez, Human Resources Manager, at sylviae@ci.salinas.ca.us or (831) 758-7259.

Salary : $7,085 - $9,044