Forestry Technician I

Union: SEIU

FLSA: Non-exempt

Pay Grade: 7

Hours: 40 per week

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To perform unskilled and semi-skilled work in the cultivation and maintenance of trees and landscaped areas; and to perform a variety of technical tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is the entry-level class within the Urban Forestry Worker series. Employees within this class are distinguished from the Urban Forestry Worker II by the performance of more routine tasks including basic tree and shrub pruning and removal, setting up and maintaining a safe work zone, and basic forestry ground work including bucking logs and chipping brush. Employees at this level receive instruction or assistance from the Maintenance Crew Chief as new or unusual situations arise.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from the Urban Forestry Superintendent; Receives general direction from the Maintenance Crew Chief (Urban Forestry)

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential duties and responsibilities

1. Prune, plant, and maintain trees and shrubs.

2. Remove dead, diseased, or hazardous trees.

3. Maintain various landscaped areas, rake leaves and clear debris and litter from parking lots, walks and other facilities.

4. With training, competently and safely operate moderately heavy and light equipment including front end loaders, log loaders, chippers, stumpers, chain saws and other forestry and landscape related equipment.

5. Apply pesticides and chemicals for insect, disease and weed control.

6. Perform preventive maintenance on equipment as required.

7. Perform heavy physical labor.

8. Ensure the adherence to safe work policies and procedures.

9. Work overtime as required. This position is subject to 24 hour call out in emergency situations.

Other important responsibilities and duties:

1. Participate as a plow driver as part of the Snow and Ice Control Program.

2. Respond to public inquiries in a courteous manner; providing appropriate information.

3. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Safe work practices.
• Modern methods and techniques of tree pruning, removal and planting.
• Modern methods and techniques of landscape maintenance, and pesticide applications.
• Operational characteristics of mechanical equipment and tools used in the area of work assigned.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work assigned.

Ability to:

· Ensure that best in class customer service is provided to both internal and external customers and also embrace, support, and promote the Village’s core values, beliefs, and culture.

· Perform skilled tree maintenance or landscaping work as assigned

· Learn to operate bucket trucks according to ANSI standards Z133.

· Learn to climb in safe practice according to ANSI standards Z133.

· Perform preventive maintenance and troubleshoot issues with mechanical equipment as required.

· Work independently in the absence of supervision for short periods of time.

· Learn to use and operate hand tools, power tools, chain saws, and mechanical equipment including aerial lift truck, log loader, front-end loader, stump grinder and chipper in a safe and efficient manner.

· Operate a variety of mechanical equipment in a safe and effective manner in routine situations.

· Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

· Perform a variety of manual tasks, sometimes at height, for extended periods of time and in unfavorable weather conditions.

· Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

• Establish and maintain interpersonal skills in the workplace to effectively communicate and interact with others.
• Maintain reasonable and predictable attendance

Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following:

o Sitting for extended periods of time

o Operating assigned equipment.

Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:

o Making observations

o Communicating with others

o Reading and writing

o Operating assigned equipment

Experience and Training Guidelines

Experience: One year of professional experience in urban forestry /arboriculture AND

Training:Demonstrated formal and/or documented informal education providing knowledge of urban forestry. Additional specialized training in horticulture or a related field is desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of an Illinois Class B Commercial Driver license with Air Brake and Tanker Endorsement within six (6) months and is a condition of continued employment.

Possession of a Certified Pesticide Operators License or higher from the Illinois Department of Agriculture within six (6) months of hire and is a condition of continued employment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Travel from site to site; some exposure to dust and noise; some heavy lifting, standing, climbing; may work at heights; work in inclement weather conditions.

Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Village of Oak Park commits itself to diversity, equity and inclusion by recognizing that creating a mutually respectful, multicultural and equitable environment does not happen on its own, it must be intentional. This includes providing equal opportunities for everyone regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, military or veteran status or any other characteristics.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.86 - $37.05 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• On call

Experience:

• Heavy lifting: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25 - $37