Tree Trimmer at City of Newton, NC

About the Department

Primary Reason Why Classification Exists
To perform manual semi-skilled to skilled work pruning or removing trees and brush from municipal rights-of-way and municipal properties
 
Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class serves as member of a work crew to prune or remove trees and brush from utility rights-of-way and municipal properties. Emphasis of the work is on pruning and removal of trees and brush away from municipal electrical lines or to clear right of ways for the installation of new electrical lines and systems. Work is physically demanding and involves various tasks to ensure the trees are properly pruned (or removed). Work is supervised by other skilled and/or supervisory personnel and evaluated on the basis of quantity and quality of work performed, compliance with safety requirements, and dependability for performing other work.

Position Duties

• Performs general to skilled labor trimming trees and brush; performs routine preventive maintenance and cleaning of equipment
• Operates and maintains chain saws, weed eaters, pruning shears, high speed chippers and stump cutters; uses saws, ropes, climbing gear, pruners, axes, and personal protective equipment and may operate bucket truck if qualified and trained
• Places barricades and signs at job sites and works as flagman directing traffic when required
• If qualified, may climb trees using safety saddle, ropes, safety belt, spikes, and bucket truck; follows directions on cutting or pruning process to ensure no contact with buildings, electric wires, or structures and to preserve the beauty and shape of trees; if qualified may spray herbicides and pesticides at substations and right of ways
• Complies with safety guidelines; puts out warning signs, traffic cones, and may function as a flag person for traffic; wears safety gear and hard hat while on job site
• Responds to work in emergency situations such as removing snow and ice, debris removal, operating equipment, or other labor or maintenance work roles
• Responds to emergencies when required and subject to call back
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions of tree trimming and removal of brush and trees and tree stumps
• Knowledge of the methods, materials, and tools used in tree trimming work
• Knowledge of the characteristics of deciduous trees and vegetation native to the area
• Skill in the use of manual and power tools and equipment including materials of the trade
• Ability to climb trees at varying heights while using shoe spikes and harness equipment
• Ability to follow safety precautions when spraying pesticides and herbicides
• Ability to communicate effectively with residents, the public, and other employees
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to recognize and report safety issues to supervisors
• Ability to work for extended periods of time in varying weather conditions; ability to respond to work in emergencies and to remove snow and ice as directed
• Ability to perform other manual labor tasks in other departments as needed

Other Qualifications

Physical Requirements
This is heavy work requiring exertion of in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must have the visual acuity to conduct visual inspection of small defects or parts, operate mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic hoisting equipment (bucket truck), and other related equipment. Employee must have the physical stamina to perform strenuous work for long periods of time, operate chain saws and pruning devices, operate hydraulic bucket trucks, and climb trees with chain saws using spikes and harness gear. 
 
Education and Experience
Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and some experience in commercial or municipal tree trimming or related arboricultural work; or equivalent education and experience
 
Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina commercial driver's license (CDL-B); CDL-A preferred
• First aid & CPR; Pesticide applicator's license is preferred