TREE MAINTENANCE WORKER 1 - Forestry

About the role

This is manual work caring for trees along street rights-of-way, in City parks, and on other City properties. Employees must use caution to avoid injury and damage to persons and property. Assignments and instructions are received from a working supervisor, and work is normally performed under close supervision.

Responsibilities

• Climbs trees, using rope and saddle, up to heights of 80' above the ground from the ground.
• Removes dead and dangerous trees; grubs and pulls out stumps.
• Provides recommendations for improvements in tree maintenance.
• Identifies hazardous trees and assists in or performs needed pruning or removal of trees.
• Prunes trees and removes dead and/or broken tree limbs from trees.
• Operates tree-related equipment as needed.
• Maintains tree care equipment and tools.

Requirements

• Some knowledge of tree care, of the methods and equipment used in pruning, trimming, topping, spraying and removing trees.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions and ANZI Z133 standards.
• Ability to become a qualified Line Clearance Tree Trimmer.
• Ability to climb trees with rope and saddle up to heights of 80 ft. above the ground from the ground.
• Ability to start, operate, stop, and carry chainsaws weighing up to 22 lbs. at a height of up to 80 ft. above the ground at a variety of angles and positions while working in a rope and saddle.
• Ability to tolerate equipment and machinery noise with the use of ear plugs or other hearing protection.
• Ability to lift 100% of body weight as required to climb trees.
• Ability to knot, accurately throw, and climb a half-inch rope up to heights of twenty feet using the foot lock and body thrust method.
• Ability to operate a 26" hand saw.
• Ability to bend, squat, and twist as required to shovel soil from up to three feet below ground level.
• Ability to swing an ax accurately and effectively to chop at ground level.
• Ability to drag, pull, and carry up to 40 pounds of bulky tree debris as far as 50 feet and load same up to heights of eight feet using an ensilage or pitch fork.
• Ability to lift logs weighing up to 150 pounds with assistance of another worker.
• Ability to rake and sweep work site using lawn rake and push broom.
• Ability to work outdoors when inclement weather conditions exist, including after-hour emergencies.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public.

Qualifications

• Experience and Training:
  • One year of experience in tree maintenance work.
  • Ability to obtain Kansas class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake endorsement within 6 months of employment.
• Preferred Experience and Training:
  • Kansas class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with air brake endorsement.
  • One year experience climbing with a rope and saddle.

Skills

• Knowledge of tree care and pruning techniques.
• Ability to operate tree-related equipment.
• Physical stamina and strength to perform heavy lifting and climbing.
• Ability to work independently and follow instructions.
• Effective communication skills.

Benefits

Vacation, holidays, sick leave, health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, and community volunteer events are provided.

Pay

The starting pay for current City employees will be determined by City of Wichita policy or applicable bargaining unit agreement.

Schedule

Monday-Friday 7:00am-3:30pm