Tree Care Technician

TREE CARE TECHNICIAN

PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Under general supervision, performs varied manual work in the maintenance and care of the City’s Trees for the Public Services Department. Work involves planting, cutting and trimming trees; ensures safety and health of the trees. Reports to the Irrigation Technician Foreman and Superintendent of Property Maintenance.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Conducts all tree inspections for newly planted trees, correcting any deficiencies found, such as watering, tree trimming, etc. as needed.

Maintains soil moisture levels in all newly planted trees.

Performs soil fracturing and root feeding through the use of the “De-compaction/Feeding Trailer System.”

Collects tree information for the overall City Tree Inventory and suggests tree pruning cycles, maintains all tree maintenance records for the Tree City USA re-certification.

Performs all functions of the integrated pest management program, scheduling, inspections, and maintaining records.

Demonstrates proficiency with products and techniques used to maintain tree health.

Maintains proper height clearance above sidewalks, roadways and signs for all trees.

Works closely with urban planning, municipal administrators, lawn care specialists, landscape architects and horticulturists for advice and expertise.

Repairs and secures limbs and branches with braces and cables as needed.

Maintains mulched tree rings for street trees.

Evaluates damaged trees after storm events, and evaluates trees after any motor vehicle accident.

Maintains all related tree care equipment.

Receives and/or reviews various records and reports such as tree trimming work order, and oral instructions from supervisor.

Prepares and/or processes various records and reports such as complete work order.

Refers to notes on work order, policy and procedure manuals, codes / laws / regulations, publications and reference texts, etc.

Operates and maintains a variety of equipment and vehicles such as a Bobcat, bucket truck, water trailer, pruning equipment, an air spade, HTI-2000 Soil Injection System, and an AT-RS 2500 De-compaction/Feed System, etc.

Uses a variety of tools and supplies such as soil probe, Verizon tablet, fertilizer/nutrients, compressed air, stalite rock, diatomaceous earth, etc.

Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as Irrigation Supervisor, Public Services Director, co-workers, and the general public.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Calculates the monetary value of trees.

Develops and plans budgets for tree maintenance.

Assists with community affairs such as Arbor Day and Earth Day.

Provides training for other property maintenance staff in Tree and Plant Health Care.

Performs related duties as required.

Responsible for carrying out other duties as assigned by the designated supervisor and or the property maintenance superintendent.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture/Arboriculture, or related field supplemented by four to five years’ of related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must be a Certified Arborist or obtain the certification by the end of the 6 month probationary period and have a valid state driver’s license.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED

TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve the ability to exert the regular, and at times sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and the lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (up to 20 pounds), and occasionally heavy objects and materials (up to 100 pounds).

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes the giving of assignments and/or directions to subordinates and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability: Requires ability to read a variety of policy and procedure manuals, equipment manuals, instructions, etc. Requires the ability to prepare simple records and forms with proper format. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations. Requires the ability to learn and understand principles and techniques; to make routine independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend received information.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to follow verbal and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with co-workers and the general public.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, and to determine time.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using specialized machinery; and to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, tools, etc. Must have significant levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination and Visual Acuity: Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color; requires the visual acuity to determine depth perception, peripheral vision, inspection for small parts; preparing and analyzing written or computer data, etc.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a moderate degree.

Physical Communications: Requires the ability to talk and hear: (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Public Services Department as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Tree Care Technician. Has knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has knowledge of equipment maintenance procedures and techniques. Has knowledge of the standard equipment, tools, materials, and practices of the trade. Is able to operate various pieces of equipment and machinery with skill and safety. Is skilled in the care and use of required equipment and tools. Is able to make repairs and adjustments to equipment. Is able to perform duties effectively despite exposure to extreme heat / cold, humidity, noise, dusts, machinery hazards, wetness, etc. Has knowledge of how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has knowledge of basic mathematics. Is able to prepare simple records and forms with accuracy and in a timely manner. Is able to read various instructions and other materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to use independent judgment in performing routine tasks. Is able to offer assistance to fellow employees as necessary. Is able to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency. Has knowledge of how to perform duties in a courteous manner and with the utmost integrity in the best interest of the public. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology used within the department. Is capable of working under stressful conditions as required.

Quality of Work: Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with internal and external entities with whom the position interacts.

Quantity of Work: Performs described Essential Functions and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets established standards and expectations.

Dependability: Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Maintains accountability for assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance: Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be accomplished, and initiates proper and acceptable action for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies issues or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to issues or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches issues, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment.

Cooperation: Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of same. Questions such instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with established policies or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation intra- and inter-departmentally.

Relationships with Others: Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and co-workers for mutual benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships inter- and intra-departmentally, and with external entities with whom the position interacts. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints in order to establish and maintain good will. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image.

Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of work elements and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all established safety and housekeeping standards. Ensures such standards are not violated.

Applications (see link for application form) will be accepted at the Operations Facility, 61 Clay Pit Road, North Augusta, S.C. 29841. Position will remain open until filled. EOE

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.