Forestry Worker I (UNION AFSCME)

About the role

This is a full-time, entry-level public works Forestry Worker I position involving on-the-job training to perform a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled forestry work and operate a variety of equipment within the Public Works Agency.

Responsibilities

• Uses forestry tools such as, but not limited to, hand pruners, hand saws, chain saws, and pole saws.
• Unloads hand and power equipment from vehicle.
• Performs tree care duties including watering, properly planting trees, properly pruning trees, mulching trees, dragging, and chipping brush and logs.
• Delivers soil, wood chips, and other materials to work site and shovels, rakes, and levels materials.
• Safely operates public work equipment and tools of various sizes with different attachments.
• Drives a pick-up truck, or larger CDL truck, to plow snow and spread salt.
• Drives a small dump truck to transport materials; operates controls in truck cab to dump and spread materials on surfaces.
• Checks equipment and performs preventative maintenance.
• May assist in other divisions on an as needed basis.
• Aid in chemical applications.
• Snow and ice removal that includes irregular work hours, round the clock availability and working in extreme weather events.
• The ability to respond to emergency situations regarding storm damage and other City emergencies on short notice at all hours of the day or night, including holidays and weekends.
• Able to learn and utilize CMMS and other required City computer software.
• Performs various other tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a Class A or B Commercial Driver's License with full air brakes within six months of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing and able to obtain a State of Illinois Pesticide Operator's certification within one year of employment and maintain it as a condition of employment.
• Must be willing and able to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 700, and IS 800 Certification within 12 months of employment.
• Relatable experience in forestry or horticulture is preferred.

Qualifications

• Some knowledge of the safe operation of hand and power tools.
• Some knowledge of the operating instructions and safety aspects of public works equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to read and communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete tasks without close supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, co-workers, other employees, and the public.
• Ability to greet the public in a courteous and pleasant manner, and with a customer-service orientation.
• Able to work flexible schedules when required or assigned, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Skills

• Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, humidity, and other uncomfortable conditions.
• Ability to use all equipment and power tools required to perform assigned tasks efficiently.
• Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize the depth of objects, lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and work outdoors at night with limited lighting.
• Ability to work around chemicals, asphalt products, concrete, vehicle or equipment fumes, gasses, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines.
• Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.

Benefits

Employees will use hand and power tools such as saws, brooms, rakes, and shovels, as well as forestry equipment such as chainsaws, brush chippers, and stump cutters. Tasks require employees to work outdoors for most of the workday, year-round, in all weather conditions. Work is often performed in heavy traffic, requiring employees to be alert to avoid accidents or personal injuries.

Pay

Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for the range.

Schedule

Work is performed under the general direction of a supervisor or crew leader. Assignments may vary from day to day depending on the season and work requirements. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee responsible.