Laborer- Forestry

City of Elkhart • Elkhart, IN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Forestry Laborer supports the maintenance and preservation of City-owned landscapes and public grounds, focusing primarily on tree care and vegetation management. This position operates a variety of machinery and equipment, ensures safe work practices, and contributes to the upkeep and visual appeal of the community.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and ability to follow safety protocols.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team environment.
• Solve practical problem with a variety of variables and limited standardization.
• Ability to perform arithmetic calculations involving fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Ability to carry out detailed written and verbal instructions independently.
• Good mechanical aptitude.
• Body agility is emphasized using feet, legs, hands, arms, and body.
• Maintain body equilibrium to prevent falling, the amount of and kind of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Ability to work at heights in excess of 50 feet above the ground.
• Position requires exerting up to 100 pounds of force frequently, lifting and moving objects up to and in excess of 200 pounds.
• Position requires above normal lifting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, grasping, and upper body and back muscle exertion.
• Vision requirements ( with or without correction ): clear vision at arm’s length and distances up to 100 feet.
• Excellent depth perception and ability to observe up or down, to the right and left while eyes are fixed on a given point.
• Incumbents are exposed to dirt, dust, snow, rain, noise, vibration from machinery, and potential hazards such as chemicals and electrical shock.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn as required by City safety standards and OSHA regulations.
• Successfully passing a post offer drug screen is required (random drug testing may be conducted after employment).
• Background checks producing acceptable BMV and criminal history reports required.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in forestry, groundskeeping preferred.

Responsibilities

• Operates department vehicles, trucks, tractors, and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Uses power tools including string trimmers, blowers, edgers, chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, and related forestry equipment.
• Performs trimming, pruning, and removal of trees and vegetation within rights-of-way and City parks.
• Directs and manages traffic at job sites to ensure crew safety and minimal disruption.
• Assists with or leads alley and brush crews, depending on assignment.
• Available 24/7 in case of an emergency
• Inspects, cleans, and maintains tools and equipment to ensure safe operation.
• Performs other related tasks as assigned by the City Forester or Department Head.
• May be assigned to snow removal

What This Job Offers

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