Lead Tree Trimmer

City of Columbia•Columbia, SC

About The Position

This position provides leadership and participates in the work of crews engaged in trimming and removing trees in City rights-of-way and on other City properties, and performs other work as required. The incumbent follows some procedures while deciding how or when to complete work; a supervisor reviews work regularly. The work is considered heavy and involves recurring exertion of 50 to 75 pounds of force and frequent exertion of over 100 pounds of force. The position involves operating trucks, bucket trucks, tree-felling equipment, chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, and other tools and equipment. It also includes climbing trees with ropes and saddles when necessary, supervising and assisting crew members, coordinating equipment and supplies, and supporting forestry-section operations.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Four years of relevant prior experience.
Have or be able to obtain a valid South Carolina Class B Driver’s License within eight months from the date of hire or promotion.
Knowledge of arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and calculating ratios, rates, and percentages.
Ability to compare or inspect items against a standard.
Ability to provide information, guidance, or assistance to facilitate task accomplishment and to give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.
Ability to lead, operate, or repair complex machinery or equipment requiring extended training and experience, such as tree-felling equipment, heavy equipment, and power tools.
Ability to perform skilled work involving rules or systems and almost constant problem-solving.
Ability to read routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures, or work orders; write routine sentences and complete routine job forms and incident reports; and speak routine sentences using proper grammar.
Ability to perform clerical, manual, or technical tasks prescribed by standard practices that may require computation, use of several procedures, and independent judgment among obvious choices.
Ability to guide others and make frequent decisions affecting coworkers and others who depend on the service or product.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of the job, including balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, fingering, handling, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

Responsibilities

Prune or remove trees in City rights-of-way and on other properties as directed.
Drive and operate trucks and bucket trucks.
Operate specialized tree-felling equipment, small and large chainsaws, wood chippers, stump grinders, and other tools and equipment as needed.
Climb trees with ropes and saddles when necessary.
Load and unload materials onto vehicles.
Clean work sites and remove debris.
Inspect equipment for safe working condition and report defects or required maintenance to the supervisor.
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of assigned tools and equipment.
Supervise proper maintenance of department tools and equipment.
Assist in supervising subordinate team members, including instructing, assigning, reviewing, and planning work; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; addressing employee problems; and recommending discipline.
Review subordinate work for completeness and accuracy, make recommendations, and provide training, advice, and assistance as needed.
Assist in supervising installation, construction, maintenance, and repair work in the assigned City department or division.
Inspect infrastructure, facilities, and grounds for maintenance needs and initiate or assist with scheduling maintenance and repairs.
Determine the type and quantity of equipment, materials, and supplies needed for projects and order supplies and materials.
Coordinate equipment use for maximum utility and convenience.
Assist in ensuring crew compliance with policies, procedures, and quality and safety standards.
Assist in supervising the forestry section.
Assist in pre-employment interviews.
Attend training as required to enhance job knowledge and skills.
Perform other related duties as assigned.