Forestry Maintenance Worker

City of Muskogee • Muskogee, OK

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forestry Maintenance Worker participates in transplanting, removing, and maintaining trees and other vegetation on City property and City right-of-way. The role operates forestry and related machinery, assists with ongoing tree-care activities, and may participate in organizing annual ceremonies and events. Other department-specific tasks may be assigned. Regular and timely attendance is required.

The position reports directly to the Forestry Supervisor and has no direct reports or supervisory responsibilities. Work is primarily outdoors, includes travel to other City locations, and may involve exposure to wet, hot, cold, or humid conditions. Work hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and two years of experience as a trades helper or maintenance laborer in construction or maintenance trades. Experience involving horticulture and light-to-medium construction equipment is preferred. A valid Oklahoma Class D driver’s license is required. The employee must hold, or obtain within six months of hire, an Oklahoma Certified Chemical Applicator’s License. Candidates must submit to drug screening and a fitness-to-work physical examination. Internal applicants are subject to additional evaluation and disciplinary-history conditions stated in the posting.

Requirements

• High school graduation or possession of a GED.
• Two years of experience as a trades helper or maintenance laborer in any construction or maintenance trade.
• General knowledge of manual-labor practices, methods, tools, and materials used in semiskilled maintenance and horticulture work in forestry management, including fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, and soil types.
• Knowledge of work hazards, safety precautions, safe and efficient equipment operation, and safe work practices.
• Ability to operate and instruct others in the operation of common forestry equipment, including stump removers, brush chippers, tree spades, chain saws, and aerial lift vehicles.
• Skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public and fellow employees.
• Ability to meet the stated physical requirements, including frequent walking and standing; frequent lifting and carrying of objects weighing over 60 pounds; constant reaching, handling, balancing, stooping, twisting, and kneeling; and occasional crawling. Vision, speech, and hearing must be sufficient to perform essential tasks.
• Punctuality and reasonable attendance.
• Must submit to drug screening and a fitness-to-work physical examination.
• Possession of a valid Oklahoma Class D Driver’s license.
• Must have or obtain within six months of hire an Oklahoma Certified Chemical Applicator’s License.

Nice To Haves

• Work experience involving horticulture and operation of light-to-medium construction equipment.
• For internal candidates, an “average” rating on each rating on the internal evaluation form is required. An internal candidate with a written reprimand will not be considered for six months; one with a suspension or demotion will not be considered for twelve months.

Responsibilities

• Participate in transplanting, removing, and maintaining trees and other horticulture on City property and City right-of-way.
• Operate machinery including stump removers, brush chippers, tree spades, chain saws, and aerial lift vehicles.
• Assist with an ongoing tree-maintenance program, including fertilizing, chemical treatment, watering, transplanting, diagnosing, and removing trees.
• Participate in organizing annual ceremonies and events.
• Perform other tasks peculiar to the department as assigned.
• Report to work on a regular and timely basis.

What This Job Offers

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