Tree Warden

GENERAL PURPOSE
The Tree Warden is responsible for oversight of the care, maintenance and removal of all public shade trees in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws c.87. This includes a variety of tasks such recommending the pruning and removal of public trees, assessing trees for hazards and possible removal, or the planting of new trees, and conducting tree hearings as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• Tree Pruning and Trimming: Assess and recommend tree pruning of public shade trees.
• Tree Health and Diagnosis: Inspect trees for signs of disease, pests, or structural issues. Provide treatment recommendations for sick or damaged trees.
• Tree Removal: Recommend safe remove trees that are dead, diseased, or pose a danger to property or people to the Town or applicable utility companies.
• Maintain records: develop an inventory of all public shade trees.
• Tree Hearings: manage the process to properly notice and hold tree hearings with the Planning Board as needed for the possible removal of a public shade tree.
• Public Information: Respond to questions and provide information to the public regarding public shade trees and the laws that pertain to them.

Qualifications:

I. Necessary Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of horticulture methods, tree and woody plant care, disease/insect control.
• Understanding of tree care and removal.
• Proficient in computer use.
• Record keeping skills.
• Knowledge of plant taxonomy and horticultural practices.
  Ability to:
• Ability to work with the public, tree companies and utilities to explain the public shade tree law, and provide guidance on the pruning, removal or replacement of trees subject to this law.
• Ability to identify disease and insect infestations and recommend treatment, pruning or removal.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.
II. Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience and Training
• Education: Associate of Science degree in Arboriculture/Urban Forestry or a related field is a plus.
• Experience: 2-3 years of hands-on experience in arboriculture or tree care.
• Attend Massachusetts Tree Warden Association Training courses to obtain certification.
• Possession of a valid Massachusetts Pesticide License.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

The Town of Bridgewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employment with the Town of Bridgewater is “at will.” The Town does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Either the Town or the employee may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause; with or without notice.

Salary : $7,000