Park Technician - Urban Forestry

City of Bellingham • City of Bellingham, WA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Park Technician - Urban Forestry performs skilled technical duties and physical labor related to technical tree work and other arboricultural activities for the City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department. The role assists with and performs aerial tree work, including climbing and lift-truck operation, and prepares and organizes climbing and rigging equipment, anchors, and rigging points. The technician operates lines and lowering devices and reviews and comments on developers’ Arborist Reports.

The position serves as a lead for assigned staff by providing training, technical guidance, and day-to-day direction in tree work. Work zones may involve coordination at public and private properties and may occasionally present stressful or hazardous conditions, including storm damage. The position is safety-sensitive and may require weekend or evening emergency call-outs.

Requirements

• Two years of experience in professional tree care, including pruning, felling, removals, and use of lowering systems.
• Two years of experience in climbing techniques and rigging systems.
• Two years of Tree Risk Assessment experience.
• Two years of coursework or training in horticulture, environmental science, arboriculture, or a related field may substitute for one year of required experience.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and good driving record; a three-year driving abstract must be submitted before hire.
• Secure and maintain an I.S.A. Certified Arborist Certification within 24 months of hire.
• Obtain and maintain a Washington State Herbicide/Pesticide License within 12 months of hire.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License within 18 months of hire.
• Pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout employment in the position.
• Secure and maintain Tree Risk Assessment Qualification Certification (TRAQ) within 12 months of hire.
• Secure and maintain Flagging/Traffic Control Certification within 12 months of hire.
• Secure and maintain valid First Aid and CPR certification within 12 months of hire.
• Pass a pre-employment drug test; because the role is safety-sensitive, testing includes cannabis.
• Be willing and able to work weekends or evenings for emergency call-out situations.
• Pass criminal background and child and vulnerable adult abuse records checks.
• Verify eligibility to work in the United States by the date of hire.

Responsibilities

• Perform skilled technical duties and physical labor associated with technical tree work and arboricultural activities.
• Assist with and perform aerial tree work, including climbing and lift-truck operation.
• Organize, prepare, and set up climbing and rigging gear, anchors, and rigging points.
• Operate lines and lowering devices.
• Review and comment on developers’ Arborist Reports.
• Provide assigned staff with training, technical guidance, and day-to-day direction in tree work.
• Work in zones involving public and private properties, including occasional stressful or hazardous conditions such as storm damage.

Benefits

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time.
• 12 paid holidays and one floating holiday per year.
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued monthly.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts and a medical insurance opt-out program.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS).
• Optional 457 deferred compensation retirement savings plan with employer match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed