Tree Care Specialist

City of Gaitherburg, MD•Gaithersburg, MD

43d•$55,000 - $71,000

About The Position

The Department of Public Works is accepting applications for an experienced Tree Care Specialist to perform a variety of specialized tree care and maintenance duties as well as other routine Departmental maintenance, construction, and repair tasks as a member of the Department's Landscaping & Forestry Crew. The Landscaping & Forestry Crew maintains more than 91 properties, places over 800 yards of mulch, plants 150 trees, and trims more than 2,500 trees each year. You will be joining a hard-working and collaborative team committed to keeping the City beautiful and well-maintained and exceeding the expectations of our citizens and visitors to our community. The Tree Care Specialist plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the health, safety, and aesthetic value of public trees within the community. The position requires utilizing specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities and performs a variety of tree care tasks to ensure the longevity and vitality of urban forests including routine inspections, pest control, pruning, planting, and removal of trees in accordance with municipal standards and environmental regulations. The Tree Care Specialist works closely with crew members, other City departments, and the public to ensure urban forestry initiatives support sustainable growth and community well-being. Candidates must have at least three years of related experience in tree care and maintenance, including previous experience using aerial lifts (bucket trucks), chainsaws, and other equipment typically used for tree care, pruning, and removal. Current ISA Certified Arborist credential and current Public Agency Application Certificate are preferred (required to be hired at Level II). You must possess a valid Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement ("N") at the time of hire or be eligible and agree to obtain your Class A CDL with Tanker Endorsement within 12 months of your hire date as a condition of your employment. Training/equipment to assist you in meeting this requirement will be offered, and testing and licensing costs are paid for by the City. 40 hours per week; 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required. The position may be filled at the Tree Care Specialist I or II level, depending on qualifications. Starting salary is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range (see below) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience, qualifications, and certifications of the candidate. Tree Care Specialist I - $55,000 - $63,000 Tree Care Specialist II - $63,000 - $71,000 We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life); paid time off; generous retirement contributions; tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans; excellent work/life balance; and opportunities for professional growth and career progression.

Requirements

At least 18 years of age; high school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of professional experience in the tree care industry, with specific knowledge of proper tree pruning and care procedures, previous experience using aerial lifts (bucket trucks), and previous progressive experience with chainsaw uses and maintenance (at least five years of relevant experience to be hired at Level II).
Knowledge of ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards and ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Arboricultural Operations.
Valid driver's license and a good driving record (Class A CDL with tanker endorsement ["N"] required upon hire or must acquire within 12 months).
A valid, unexpired Medical Examiner's Certificate/DOT physical card (may be obtained during pre-employment medical examination and must be maintained throughout employment).
Ability to safely operate tools and equipment typically used in tree care and maintenance, mowers, trimmers, and other maintenance and repair equipment.
Be hard working, dependable, responsible, punctual, and safety conscious and able to delivery excellent customer service with a positive attitude.
Ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute to a successful team effort.
Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor over extended periods of time, possibly under adverse weather conditions.
Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English to follow safety precautions and work procedures.
Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, and aerial/bucket lifts from various heights and/or in confined spaces.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and overtime when required; and to return to work when designated to be on call for emergency situations or repair work and/or snow and ice removal.
Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties and responsibilities.

Nice To Haves

Current ISA Certified Arborist credential (Level I - preferred; Level II - required).
Current Public Agency Applicator Certificate (Level I - preferred; Level II required).

Responsibilities

Assist in conducting regular inspections of public trees to assess health, stability, and safety concerns.
Assist in inspecting trees for signs of disease, pest infestations, structural defects, and environmental stress, and implement treatment plans.
Assist in pruning, trimming, and removal of trees using appropriate tools and techniques to promote tree health and public safety.
Assist in clearing fallen trees from roads, trails, and public access areas.
Assist in planting and maintaining new trees in designated public areas following City guidelines and environmental best practices.
Assist in maintaining accurate records of tree maintenance activities, inspections, and work orders.
Collaborate with crew leader and other City departments and contractors to coordinate tree care projects and emergency response efforts.
Ensure compliance with all safety protocols and environmental regulations during all tree care operations.
Perform routine groundskeeping and landscaping duties including but not limited to planting, maintaining and watering shrubs and flowers; median beautification; weed and litter control; mulching and edging; mowing and trimming grass; leaf raking/collection; loading and unloading materials and equipment; and picking up/collecting trash from public areas.
Monitor and inspect work in progress to assure conformance with instructions and to ensure work time schedules and quality standards are being met.
Operate equipment related to tree care operations, including bucket trucks, chippers, various pole saws/pruners, and various size chainsaws, and other equipment related to landscaping duties; supervise and monitor proper care and maintenance of all tools and equipment; report needs for equipment repairs and maintenance.
Lead and/or participate in snow and ice removal efforts.
May lead special work assignments.
Serve as initial contact person during emergencies occurring during off duty hours.
Provide excellent service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

Benefits

comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life)
paid time off
generous retirement contributions
tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
excellent work/life balance
opportunities for professional growth and career progression
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - employer pays 85% of premium in each tier
Multi-tiered coverage options (single, single + spouse, single + child, single + children, family)
Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
Prescription Drug Plan
Wellness Initiatives
Sun Life Indemnity Plan
Use a dentist of choice or participating dentist for increased savings
Basic or Enhanced Plans offered
National Vision Administrators
Use a provider of choice or participating provider for increased savings
Eligible for immediate enrollment in all plans upon hire
401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
Family Care Leave (up to 8 weeks in rolling 12-month period for eligible employees) to care for newborn/newly adopted/newly placed child or family member
Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)
Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
Language Learning Program (through Babbel)
Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
Employee Assistance Program
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
Credit Union
Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
Direct Deposit (required)