Lead Urban Forestry Technician

City of Longview WA•Longview, WA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for performing complex duties requiring specialized knowledge in Arboriculture as well as serves as the lead worker and is responsible for the organization and work quality of individual crews. Specific assignments will vary depending on assignment to one or more of the following areas: Arborist or General Urban Forestry. Work includes evaluating the condition of trees, making recommendations for tree care, and providing the services needed such as pruning, fertilization, and insect and disease control and to perform related work as required. This position also assumes lead level responsibilities including but not limited to: reviewing the work of operator crews to ensure correct, safe, and effective work methods; assisting with the scheduling of work crews; and performing general equipment maintenance.

Requirements

Completion of high school or equivalent.
Three (3) to five (5) years of full-time experience in arboriculture, OR two year degree in arboriculture and (2) two years of full-time practical experience OR four year degree in a related field and (1) one year of full-time practical experience.
Experience providing work direction, coordination, or on-the-job guidance to others.
Possess and maintain a valid unrestricted Driver’s License, except for corrected vision.
Knowledge of Leadership principles.
Ability to provide clear work direction guidance, and on-the-job instruction to assigned staff.
Ability to explain work methods, safety expectations, and task priorities effectively.
Thorough knowledge of urban tree care and maintenance, including the ability to identify tree species and recognize diseases, pests, cultural and nutritional deficiencies, and recommend appropriate corrective treatments.
Thorough knowledge of common tree diseases, fungal pathogens, bacterial infections, soil-borne issues, and insect pests affecting regional urban forests.
Ability to diagnose complex tree and plant health issues and develop treatment plans utilizing chemical, cultural, structural, and environmental interventions.
Understanding and application of disease and pest management methods, including monitoring, treatment thresholds, documentation, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Ability to safely mix, prepare, and apply pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers in compliance with state and federal regulations (WSDA, EPA) and City policy.
Ability to perform hazard tree evaluations, including tree climbing, and make sound recommendations for corrective action.
Knowledge of accepted pruning practices (branch and root) and the ability to assess and address tree conflicts on public property.
Working knowledge of City tree practices, policies, and codes, with the ability to analyze and interpret policies, regulations, maps, and site conditions.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively organizing and prioritizing workload.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally with coworkers, supervisors, and the public to exchange information, negotiate solutions, and facilitate consensus on tree-related issues.
Proficiency with personal computer programs, including word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, permit tracking systems, permit databases, and basic familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
Advanced skill in the safe operation of forestry and grounds maintenance equipment, including aerial lifts, cranes, front-end loaders, backhoes, tractors with implements, large chippers, stump grinders, dump trucks, and similar specialized equipment.
Knowledge of equipment hydraulic systems, load capacities, and hazard awareness, particularly when operating near utilities, roadways, structures, or in active public spaces.
Ability to conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections and perform minor maintenance and repairs on equipment and vehicles, including fluid checks, lubrication, blade and chain adjustments, and safety inspections.
Experience operating and maintaining applicable vehicles and machinery, including large-truck driving, trailer towing, material transport, and safely positioning equipment in constrained urban environments.
Knowledge of occupational hazards, safety precautions, and safe work practices, with the ability to perform manual labor, routine maintenance, and repair activities.
Ability to handle job-related stress and work effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Nice To Haves

ISA Arborist License must obtain within 12 calendar months of assignment.
Heavy equipment experience preferred.
First Aid/CPR Certification or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.
Traffic Control Flagging Card or obtain within ninety (90) calendar days or as scheduled.
Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brakes Endorsement or obtain 12 calendar months of assignment.
Pesticide Applicator License must obtain within 90 calendar days of assignment.
Agriculture Certificate must obtain within 90 calendar days of assignment.

Responsibilities

Serves as a lead to staff to include assigning and monitoring work and providing work direction.
Prepares, processes, and distributes work orders; performs inspections of completed work in assigned area of responsibility.
Makes recommendations regarding tree selection, retention, health, safety, and other issues regarding public trees.
Applies professional judgment to prepare recommendations on developing a public tree management program.
Works with internal and external customers.
Performs planting, transplanting, pruning, spray/inject plant and removes trees in parks, along city streets, or on other public property using various means including ladders, aerial lifts, rope and saddle, and from the ground.
Performs a variety of tree maintenance duties in park areas, landscapes, and/or other related areas, including: watering; pruning trees, shrubs, and hedges; and/or, performing other related activities.
Evaluates/assesses/resolves hazardous tree issues on public property and makes recommendations for action.
Conducts field inspections of public tree plantings to determine compliance with designs, plans, and specifications.
Performs minor repairs/improvements and maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of Urban Forestry sites (shrubs, trees, and vegetation) and facility structures (restrooms, offices, parking lots, and other urban forestry facilities).
Performs cabling and bracing work on trees.
Operates a variety of tools and equipment following instructions and safety standards to inspect and maintain plants.
Provides guidance to part time employee(s) regarding safety practices, methods of operating and setting up equipment, and properly pruning and removing techniques.
Maintains an electronic database of records concerning tree management activities.
Operates and performs minor upkeep on trucks, tractors, chippers, or other light automotive mechanical equipment.
Operates and performs minor repairs on hand-held power and pruning tools.
Operates a variety of light-to-heavy equipment and/or large trucks, which may include: dump trucks, Sennebogen, skid steer, chippers, trucks, and/or other related equipment.
Performs minor repairs/improvements and maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of park grounds (turf, shrubs, trees, and vegetation), facilities (restrooms, offices, and picnic shelters) and infrastructure (parking lots, tables, benches, sports fields/courts, and irrigation systems).
Performs other duties as required.