Senior Tree Artisan (General Services Department)

City of Detroit•Michigan, MI

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, performs the more responsible work involved in the removing, pruning, and general care of shade and ornamental trees and a variety of different types of shrubs in streets, municipal parks, parkways and other municipal properties including, as necessary, the supervision of one or more crew members. This role involves serving as a lead worker, performing difficult and responsible work individually, planting and transplanting trees, pruning for shape and clearance, removing fallen trees during emergencies, fertilizing, watering, cultivating, and examining trees for defects and pests. The position requires adherence to departmental safety procedures and the use of personal protective equipment.

Requirements

High School graduation or GED.
Two (2) years of experience in caring for and cultivating trees and shrubs including pruning and planting.
Possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with State of Michigan - Motor Carrier Safety Act - 1988.
Meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division.

Nice To Haves

Completion of coursework in horticulture.
Persons certified or promoted to this classification shall be required to obtain and maintain a valid State of Michigan Commercial Driver License (CDL) with a Group B endorsement with air brakes within six (6) months of entry into this class.
Such persons shall meet the State of Michigan Driving Eligibility Requirements for application for a CDL at the time of certification or hire to this class, including possessing a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Serves as a lead worker of a crew of one or more crew members.
Performs individually the more difficult and responsible work involved.
Plants and transplants young trees and moves large trees.
Prunes trees by cutting off dead branches and limbs to give proper shape and growth.
Removes broken branches and prunes branches so that they clear public utility wires.
Removes fallen trees and branches in response to storm call emergencies.
Fertilizes, waters, cultivates, and generally cares for trees and shrubs.
Examines trees for defects such as splits, wounds, rotting, and attacks of fungi, borers, and various insect pests.
Identifies problems and recommends solutions.
Perform duties in accordance with Departmental safety procedures including, but not limited to, the utilization of designated personal protective equipment.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.