Provisional to Permanent – Arborist Technician (3434) - Citywide (168851)

City and County of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Arborist Technician performs urban forestry maintenance under general supervision, including removing trees and other vegetation. The work involves assessing vegetation, climbing or using an aerial lift to remove limbs, removing trees and grinding stumps, and carrying out technical rigging and related tasks. The position requires operating arborist vehicles, towable equipment, power equipment, and hand tools.

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

This is a provisional-to-permanent, citywide recruitment restricted to current provisional employees of the City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District, or San Francisco City College who work in the 3434 Arborist Technician classification and meet the stated qualifications. The permanent appointment is Civil Service.

Requirements

• Must be a current provisional employee in Class 3434 Arborist Technician and have worked at least 2,080 hours in that class with no break in service.
• High school diploma or equivalent (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.
• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license at the time of application.
• Possession of a valid California Class B driver's license with no air brakes restriction upon completion of the probationary period.
• Must possess a valid State of California driver's license with no restrictions that would prohibit legally performing the essential functions and duties of the role.
• Alternatively, successful completion of an Arborist Technician Apprenticeship Program approved and registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards may be substituted as specified in the posting.

Responsibilities

• Identify, assess, and evaluate the conditions of trees and other vegetation.
• Climb trees using a 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 duties as needed.

What This Job Offers

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