Forestry Technician I presso City of Brookings

 Position Closes 09-17-25 

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Forestry Supervisor and the general supervision of the Assistant Director, is responsible for performing skilled or semi-skilled tasks in care, maintenance, and removal of trees on public property, including parks and boulevards. This role requires adherence to strict safety protocols and collaboration with other forestry staff to ensure the health and safety of the urban tree canopy.

 Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• South Dakota Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire date.
• Commercial Pesticide Applicators License or ability to obtain within one (1) year of hire date.
• Must be a United States citizen. This position does not support sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in urban forestry, tree care, or municipal tree maintenance.
• Experience using arborist equipment, chainsaws, and forestry tools.
• Knowledge of tree species identification, pruning techniques, and tree health assessment.

Major Duties (Essential Function)

• Tree Maintenance & Removal:
  1. Prune, trim, and remove trees for health, safety, and clearance over sidewalks and streets.
  2. Remove trees interfering with electrical wires and power transmission.
  3. Climb trees for trimming and removal where aerial bucket equipment cannot be used.
  4. Repair trees damaged by storms, disease, or environmental factors.
• Equipment Operation:
  1. Operate and maintain chainsaws, pole saws, pruners, chippers, loaders, stump grinders, aerial lift equipment, and other related equipment.
  2. Inspect forestry machinery and equipment for accident prevention and safety compliance.
• Planting & Care:
  1. Plant, water, and stake young trees in parks, boulevards, and public properties.
• Response & Safety:
  1. Respond to Department needs for emergencies or necessary for efficient operation.
  2. Follow all City safety policies and procedures.

Marginal Duties

• Attend training, seminars and workshops as deemed necessary.
• Perform all duties in compliance with safety standards and policies established by the City.
• Perform other job-related duties as deemed necessary and additional duties, tasks, or responsibilities as assigned.

Physical Demands/Work Environment (Essential Function)

• Physical Demands
  1. Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands for tools and equipment.
  2. Frequently required to climb trees, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
  3. Must be able to lift/move 50 lbs regularly, 75 lbs frequently, and up to 100 lbs occasionally.
  4. Requires close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Work Environment
  1. Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including heat, cold, rain, and snow.
  2. Occasionally exposed to high-risk conditions, such as working at heights, moving mechanical parts, and extreme cold.
  3. Work involves potential exposure to hazardous tree limbs, power lines, and sharp tools.
  4. Must be available for emergency response and flexible shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Mental Complexity/Interpersonal Contacts (Essential Function)

• Mental Complexity
  1. Ability to operate tools and equipment safely and effectively.
  2. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  3. Basic mathematical ability for measuring and calculating tree cuts, heights, and angles.
  4. Ability to read and follow technical manuals, safety guidelines, and City policies.
• Interpersonal Contacts
  1. Strong customer service and public relations skills.
  2. Ability to lead small teams and provide clear instructions to seasonal/temporary workers.

Pre-employment Screening

• Pre-employment screening may include, but are not limited to, the following:  references, criminal background, credit history, drug and alcohol screening, medical history questionnaire, and pre-employment physical. 

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job‐related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.