Tree Trimmer

About the role

The City of Roanoke is seeking a Tree Trimmer to perform skilled work in the care and pruning of trees.

Responsibilities

• Climbs trees using rope and saddle, tree spikes, and ladders
• Performs tree pruning in accordance with ISA standards for purposes of public safety, environmental enhancement, and aesthetics
• Removes trees by felling using directional control or by topping and piecing down
• Plants and transplants trees
• Applies pesticides to trees for the purposes of insect or disease control as well as control of unwanted vegetation
• Applies fertilizer to shade and ornamental trees
• Performs cabling, bracing, bark tracing, and other tree surgery procedures
• Operates an aerial lift device
• Uses and maintains in good repair all power and hand tools including: chainsaws, handsaws, ropes, saddles, axes, etc.
• Operates a backhoe/tractor
• Operates a brush chipper
• Operates a stump grinder/cutter
• Operates a telescopic crane truck
• Performs snow removal as needed
• Serves as lead worker in absence of supervisor

Requirements

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Three years' recent experience working as a trimmer and/or training
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia

Qualifications

• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions
• Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables

Skills

• Ability to operate various power and hand tools
• Knowledge of ISA tree pruning standards
• Ability to operate heavy machinery
• Ability to communicate effectively

Benefits

Extended Illness Leave: accrues at the rate of six (6) hours per month. Fire suppression employees accrue extended illness leave at nine (9) hours per month.

Mental Health & Well-Being Leave: Employees receive 24 hours (Fire Suppression receives 34 hours) of Mental Health & Well-Being Leave upon hire. Coverage is available through payroll deduction.

Health Insurance: Four coverage types are available: Employee only, Employee + 1 Child, Employee + Spouse and Family. Contributions are pro-rated dependent upon enrollment date.

Optum RX (Pharmaceutical Benefits Manager) - Manages pharmacy benefits, processes employee pharmacy claims and answers employee pharmacy benefit questions.

Aetna Health Plan 2026 Monthly Rates: PPO 750 Employee Only: $81.94; Employee + Child: $306.26; Employee + Spouse: $718.38; Family: $785.44. PPO/HRA 1500 Employee Only: $53.06; Employee + Child: $260.06; Employee + Spouse: $660.64; Family: $669.94. PPO/HDHP-HSA Employee Only: $25.10.

Pay

This is a non-exempt position.

Schedule

Details on the schedule are not specified in the job posting.