Tree Technician

Job Summary/Overview

The Tree Technician I is responsible for the tree maintenance of the common areas of the property. The Tree Technician I trims trees, chips tree branches, removes broken/dead tree limbs, performs tree removals, performs stump grinding, blows off areas, etcetera. They are part of a specialized landscape crew and may interchange duties within the group. This position ensures that the companys quality of work practices and standards are up held and that all regulatory agency guidelines are followed. The Tree Technician I is a highly visible position that has daily contact with residents and employees and requires the utmost awareness of how actions and communications are received and perceived.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following bullets detail the primary functions of this position and its scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance workload. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Tree maintenance ground level and supervised aerial trimming, chipping tree branches, removing broken/dead tree limbs, tree removals, stump grinding, blows off areas, etc.
• Basic saw upkeep/maintenance/cleaning (sharpening/changing blades)
• Supervised operation of aerial lift equipment(apprenticeship)
• Participates in JSA(Job Safety Assessments) and spotting duties as assigned
• Landscape projects such as shrubbery trimming or removal, thinning-out and/or removal of plants, weeds and leaves as assigned
• Debris pick-up and removal
• Sod, shrub and tree installation or planting duties as needed
• Perform other various landscaping tasks as directed by supervisor(s)
• Walk areas and remove anything that presents a safety or damage hazard for equipment
• Clean and maintain all equipment, trailers and vehicles
• Evaluate equipment problems and report them to mechanics and supervisor(s)
• Strictly adhere to all safety procedures and use the proper personal protection equipment
• Attend all safety meetings
• Aid with other positions and/or departments as needed.
• Perform other tasks when requested by superintendents or managers.
• Help in emergency situations as needed.
• Perform flagging duties as needed for safety.

In addition to the responsibilities described above, the role may include such other responsibilities and duties as assigned from time to time, based upon OTOW Inc. needs or requirements.

• Performs other duties as necessary.
• Responsible for compliance to company policies and directives.
• Professional manner, discretion, and appearance are expected.
• Reports any incident or accident immediately to their supervisor. Informs of any issues.
• Punctuality and Attendance are significant job reliabilities.
• Maintain clean and orderly work environment.

Qualifications (Education, Experience, Technical Skills)

• High School diploma or GED.
• Tree maintenance and removal techniques preferred (OTJ training available)
• Completion of internal training as assigned by manager or Human Resources
• Bi-lingual helpful.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• In 12 months, must be able to gain intermediate experience/skills in multiple disciplines of tree maintenance techniques:
  • Basic/Intermediate tree trimming
  • Debris dragging
  • Competent/Safe operation of tree chipping equipment
  • Competent/Safe operation of stump grinding equipment
  • Active JSA participant
  • Safe drop zone/Spotter participant
  • Safe and efficient operation of company service and utility vehicles
  • Any forms of labor that are necessary for the completion of tree maintenance projects.
• Must be willing to learn and develop new skills.
  • Able to handle laborious and repetitive manual tasks.
• Technician I must develop basic knowledge of tree trimming tools and ability to use them safely.
  • Must be able to learn to work safely with gas-powered saws
  • Learn and follow all safety practices.
  • Maintain tools, equipment, vehicle tool lockers, and shop areas
• Ability to adapt to changes in working environment and conditions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organizational and good follow up skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Knowledge of safety practices.
• Ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
• Become cross-trained/experienced/knowledgeable regarding landscaping techniques and equipment.
• Completion of the following internal training in 12 months:
  • Approved Driver
  • Golf Cart Training
  • Aerial Lift Operator Training
  • Certified in Light and heavy Trailer Operation

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The majority of work is performed outdoors, in varying heights and regularly exposed to wet or humid conditions. Exposure to high temperatures (95 degrees and above), low temperatures (32 degrees and below) and a variety of weather conditions is common.
• Use of gas and/or diesel powered aerial lifts, stump grinder, wood chipper, mowers, gas powered equipment (Chain/pole saws, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, stick-edgers, etc.), hand tools (Rakes, shovels, loppers, etc.). Occasional use of battery and/or gas powered golf carts and utility vehicles
• The typical noise level is loud to very loud.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the individual will be regularly required to push, pull, stand, walk, and lift up to fifty pounds; grasp, use hands to finger, handle or feel. The position requires regular use of vision, close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to focus, along with eye-hand-foot coordination. Frequent reaching with hands and arms, bending and twisting. On occasion the individual will be required to climb stairs or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, smell or sit.

Exerting 25 to 50 pounds of force regularly.