Natural Resources Technician II at City of Germantown, TN

About the Department

GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK:

Under supervision of the Natural Resources Supervisor, the technician will engage in urban forestry maintenance focused on woodland, wetland, and public space resources and other public spaces, Oaklawn Gardens, and the Farm Park. Additionally, responsible for the maintenance of the City’s urban forest to include parks and trails. Perform manual labor and more technical aspects of the job are required to accomplish assigned tasks. May supervise crew in absence of the Natural Resources Supervisor.

ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

City of Germantown public servants exist, first and foremost, to protect and enhance the quality of life of those we serve; every position on the Germantown team has a shared responsibility and accountability to fulfill this purpose. Through the constant alignment of individual actions, behaviors and performance with our organization’s values system, Germantown public servants demonstrate a steadfast commitment to our greater mission of Excellence. Every day. As a mission-driven, values-centered organization, the expectation for City leaders is to model ‘The Germantown Way’ at all times for those they influence and interact with daily.

Position Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Participates in a wide range of duties associated with the City’s urban forest: picking up trash in public spaces; removing dead, damaged or diseased trees, limbs, and stumps; blowing hard surfaces; installing, repairing and maintaining various kinds of fences; applying chemicals; performing maintenance on City property and setting up for special events, as needed. 
2. Serves as a Tier 1 employee during inclement weather events to ensure parks and public spaces are safe for City use. 
3. Confers with supervisor and review work orders and specifications for job and instruct workers accordingly to ensure that daily projects are completed on schedule and to appropriate specifications.
4. Demonstrates and instruct workers on proper work procedures, dispensing and mixing of materials, and proper and safe use of equipment.
5. Assists supervisor in preparing work schedules according to weather conditions and knowledge of job requirements; and serves as supervisor in absence of Crew Supervisor.
6. Operates power tools and equipment used in urban forest maintenance including but not limited to chain saw, dump truck, front-end loader, tractor equipped with various attachments, and tree lift.
7. Responds to public inquiries and provide information within scope of knowledge and authority.
8. Performs a full range of maintenance and repair duties associated with the assigned work area and perform or assist workers in performing more technical aspects of job tasks. 
9. Works from lift to cut tree limbs or installs decorations on city streets and buildings.
10. Performs or assists workers in performing more difficult or technical aspects of job tasks. 
11. Reports daily work activities to the supervisor.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Clears snow and applies ice melt material when weather demands it.
2. Assists with other department activities or City sponsored events not under direct responsibility.
3. Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques commonly used in construction, maintenance and repair activities as related to assigned areas in park maintenance.
• Knowledge of standard safety practices and precautions applicable to tree work.
• Skill in communicating in person on a one-on-one basis and in writing for the purpose of obtaining, clarifying or giving information.
• Skill in operating tools and equipment used in park maintenance and tree maintenance.
• Ability to work effectively above 30 feet off the ground.
• Ability to read and understand blueprints, operation manuals and chemical application instructions.
• Ability to follow and understand written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to effectively train and lead subordinate employees in assigned work projects. 
• Physical ability to perform essential job duties.

Other Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High School graduate or GED and two (2) years urban forest maintenance experience or any combination of education, training, and experience providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform essential job functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Majority of work is outdoors in all weather conditions. Work requires lifting heavy objects, as much as 50 lbs. a distance of four feet from the ground. Work assignments may require stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling in awkward positions and standing for extended periods of time. Some tasks may expose workers to harmful materials or chemicals, fumes, odors, loud noise, or dangerous machinery. Some tasks may require working from great heights. Must wear all safety equipment in accordance with safety regulations. 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Valid Commercial Driver’s License required or the ability to obtain in the first 6-months of employment.