Arborist Technician – Urban Forestry- Public Works (3434) (169504)

City and County of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

9d

About The Position

San Francisco Public Works has three vacancies for an Arborist Technician in the Operations Division’s Bureau of Urban Forestry. Under general supervision, the position performs urban forestry maintenance, including removing trees and other vegetation, and related duties as needed. The role is a Temporary-Exempt appointment, excluded from the competitive Civil Service examination process, serves at the discretion of the Appointing Officer, and may not exceed 36 months.

The work involves a high risk of physical injury and requires constant attention to public safety. It has considerable physical demands and requires manual dexterity, with frequent exposure to arduous and disagreeable conditions, including inclement weather.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED or High School Proficiency Examination.
• Three years of verified journey-level experience as a tree work professional, including climbing trees of considerable height to remove limbs, treetops, or entire trees in accordance with safety standards. Pruning trees from a ladder does not qualify.
• Valid California Class C driver's license at the time of application.
• Valid California Class B driver's license with no air brakes restriction upon completion of the probationary period.
• Valid California driver's license with no restrictions that would prohibit legally performing the essential functions and duties of the role.
• Qualifying work experience and education must be included on the application by the filing deadline; resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Nice To Haves

• Successful completion of an Arborist Technician Apprenticeship Program approved and registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards may substitute for the experience requirement.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and evaluate the conditions of trees and other vegetation.
• Climb trees using rope and saddle, or access them with an aerial lift truck, to remove dead, diseased, damaged, or unwanted limbs.
• Remove trees and grind stumps.
• Perform technical rigging using blocks, ropes, and lowering devices.
• Tie industry-specific arborist knots and hitches for climbing and rigging systems.
• Operate chainsaws, handsaws, pruners, hedge trimmers, and other arborist and horticultural hand tools and power equipment.
• Operate arborist vehicles, brush chippers, stump grinders, and other towable equipment.
• Perform related urban forestry maintenance duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED